Gateway Trails: Lollipop Loop

Ok, I cannot say the name of this trail without the song "Lollipop Guild" from The Wizard of Oz popping into my head. Hum along with me as we explore the sights...

Also, can I just mention how gorgeous the sky is in this photo?

If there is one thing I hope you take away from this Hiking Slowly journey, it is to look up...and to the left and right and sometimes behind you. Yes, you need to watch where you're going and keep an eye out for animals and snakes. But take the time to soak in your surroundings, which is why I make so many stops. I understand the need and desire to hike for exercise or to get to a destination or to keep your momentum to get up that hill. All I ask is that, every once in a while, you pause to see the beauty that Mother Nature has provided for us. You will not be disappointed.

Ok, so let me get back on topic; the trail was very easy to find (except I'm not great at judging distance so I missed the entrance and had to make a U-turn - have I mentioned being directionally challenged?). The parking lot is small but shaded, and several different trails all start from this spot. There is a big map and the trailheads are each marked with a sign.

The trail itself had a slight incline and was rocky and there wasn't a river or water source so the ground cover was sparse. When I first started out, there wasn't a lot to look at...and then I remembered to look up. That's when I discovered that I was walking through what could best be described as a grove of Christmas Trees!! I love Christmas as much as Buddy the Elf loves Christmas. And just look at how the branches frame the mountain as you emerge from the forest. No crafty frame on Pinterest can compare.

Coming out of the pine grove, there was this field of fall colors; reds and greens and browns and yellows, and this beautiful plant that had black skin on white branches.

What a masterpiece!

Of course, you can't really go on a hike here without mountain views and this trail also provided a couple of benches to sit and take them in. There was one at the apex of the lollipop and another on the north side of the loop (probably because that's the side the mountains are on). While I love the fall colors, this is another trail I will be visiting after the next snowfall.

Heading back on the north side of the loop, it was obvious that I was walking through re-growth after a fire that probably occurred a few years ago. Once again, the trees amazed me. It was clear that the lower branches had burned but above the black remnants were lush, green pine needles. It made me wonder how people determine which trees to cut down and which trees to leave after a fire. I'll have to look into that. For now, I'll just appreciate the work of the Forestry Service that provides these opportunities to you and me.