Jackson River Scenic Trail

We spend a lot of time on the Jackson River Scenic Trail - mostly biking, but in winter it's time for walking/hiking. Last week we had two good snows, so we covered the whole trail in four out-and-back hikes of about 7 miles each.

January 4, 2022 - Intervale to Milepost 3.5

Since it was still snowing when we left home, where we had about 3 inches, we over-dressed expecting a lot of snow on the trail. However, Covington had less snow, and it had been warm for the last few days, so there was no snow on the trail itself.

The small creeks feeding the Jackson River had a reasonable amount of water in them - a nice change since it had been a very dry November and December.

Along the trail.

It's a black-and-white environment on an overcast snowy day.

January 4, 2022 - Natural Well to North End

This is our favorite section of the trail, far less used than the southern part, and more likely to see wildlife. (But all we saw were six turkeys crossing the trail.) Our elderly dog, Dakota, also enjoys the walks.

Sunlight adds sparkle to the trees.

More sparkling trees.

Along the trail.

January 5 - Smith Bridge to Natural Well

A classic example of "bridge freezes before road". Even though the trail has no snow on it, the bridges decks are still covered in snow and ice. This is the bridge over Board Tree Run.

Board Tree Run

Along the trail.

January 7, 2022 - Smith Bridge to Milepost 3.5

This is our least favorite part of the trail, so we left it for last. This section has quite a few houses near it, and several dogs who like to give a good "guard dog" show. Additional snow overnight somewhat made up for this! This time snow covered the trail in most spots. I also found out that my old hiking boots - the ones I wear when snow gets over an inch - are showing their age, and the sole is separating from the upper, allowing my feet to get soaking wet. Time for a new pair of boots!