When friends asked if we’d like to join them for a Sunday afternoon hike at Crooked Tree Trail, the answer was a resounding, “YES!”
This excursion checks all the boxes:
- Fun with friends
- Being outside
- Walking in nature
- Exploring a new location
- Close to our new home
Crooked Tree Trail
This lovely 2.4 km loop is only a few minutes away from Sackville, NB, off the Trans-Canada Highway down Walker Road. It doesn’t seem to be pinpointed on any maps, so I suppose it qualifies as a hidden gem?
As we approached the trailhead I heard a quiet rustling in the dry leaves near my feet. A ground snake! I can’t remember the last time I saw a snake in the wild, even a cute little one like this. Of course I had to try to get a photo, but those little guys are pretty good at staying hidden.
We headed off on the trail and I made a conscious effort to really pay attention to our surroundings. To listen for sounds and enjoy the quiet, notice the unusual and unexpected, and to soak up as much of this special place as I could.
Volunteers maintain the ski and snowshoe trail. It was in great shape and free from trash. There are various markers in bright colours and orientation maps along the way. The kissing bell hanging from the big crooked tree is a nice touch. And they even built a little warming cabin that I’m sure is a treat in the winter months.
There were a few low-lying wet sections that we had to make our way through and around, but that just added to the adventure.
It was a fantastic day. The air was crisp and fresh, and the bright rays of sunlight shining through barren trees lit up sections of the forest like a magical faerie land. I wanted to curl up on the lush green moss covering the ground, but I knew it would be cold and damp this time of year.
I intend to get out and enjoy (and then document) many more adventures this year.
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