Nockamixon State Park

Nockamixon State Park, Old Mill Trail, March 27, 2022

Nockamixon State Park, Old Mill Trail, March 27, 2022

Today we hiked the Old Mill Trail at Nockamixon State Park. I hiked this trail in July of 2021 on a very hot, humid day. It looked much different at that time with everything so green, but this trail seems to be muddy no matter what time of year you hike it. Today it was especially so. Luckily, I have a good pair of Keen waterproof boots and my feet stayed dry despite the boot sucking mud. The trail is about 5.6 miles and there’s a creek crossing to be negotiated at about .4 miles in if you start from the trailhead at Deerwood Lane. In July, we did this without issue, but today the water level was higher and I didn’t want to risk a slip. We decided to forego the water crossing and drive to the other side where you can park at a different trailhead off Old Bethlehem Road and pick up the loop from the other side. On our way back to the parking area at Deerwood Lane, we took a paved path that passed by Stover Mill and a small waterfall. We got back in the car and drove to a the trailhead on Old Bethlehem Road and continued with our hike on Old Mill. The day was chilly and the ominous clouds reflected like a mirror in the lake. Most of this hike takes you through hardwoods with scattered pine and cedar. As we neared our last half mile, it began to snow with some hail. Not too many people out on the trail today, but it’s always a good day to be outside if you’re prepared for weather.

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Nockamixon State Park, Old Mill Trail, 5 Miles RT, July 9, 2021

Nockamixon State Park, Old Mill Trail, 5 Miles RT, July 9, 2021

It was another hot and humid day in Pennsylvania. Despite the weather which I am not taking well to, I slathered myself in bug spray and set out on the Old Mill Trail at Nockamixon State Park. The previous evening had brought storms, and sections of the trail were covered in boot sucking mud. I’d gotten myself a pair of Keen Ridge Flex waterproof boots earlier in the year, and they are serving me well. At about .4 miles we arrived at a creek crossing where we boulder hopped over the water to continue along the trail. Along side the creek we spotted an impressive grouping of oyster mushrooms growing up the side of a tree. The trail took us through a forest of hardwoods and in and out of sunny areas of tall grass surrounded by lush, green vegetation. As we hiked, chorus of cicadas surrounded us. I saw a number of dragonflies and butterflies along the route as well. Somehow, we both managed to come off the trail without one tick hitching a ride. Lyme Disease is common in this state and you need to always check yourself for the creepy crawlies after hiking. We could have continued from Old Mill onto the Quarry Trail, but we were already at about 5 miles and I was more then ready to hit the shower. So we headed back and noted to return on a less hot/humid day to get in more mileage. I enjoyed my time exploring the trails here, and I’m looking forward to doing a night kayaking trip out on the lake during the next full moon.

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