506. MA NET - Northfield: Goose in the Glade

Once again, changes in trail conditions have imposed changes in planting plans. We had considered planting this Canada Goose on a cool half-mile climb from Sky Farm up Crag Mountain, with views of Mt. Grace and Mt. Monadnock. However, that trail has now become a disconnected blue-blaze, and since we wanted to stick to white as much as possible, we're asking you to continue to the next available parking lot. From the Deer on Mountain Rd. in Erving, continue north to where the road turns to dirt in Northfield, then turn right on paved S. Mountain Rd. past the Crag Mountain former M&M, and then left on Gulf Rd. to the parking area on the left shortly past dirt Orange Rd. on the right. Cross Gulf Road to begin your trail jaunt with the white blazes to the east. After nearly half a mile, spot a glade of white birches on the left with a large 2-trunk hemlock and several rock outcrops uphill just beyond. Between two of the larger boulders directly behind the double hemlock is a small greenish wing of rock with a whitish trap door behind which nests this goose with a couple of stone eggs.
You can either return the way you came or take the blue-blazed "Over the Top Loop" as we did to add an extra half mile flight of fancy to your wild goose chase!

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