Spirits were high as our friendly group of eight hikers savored the snow-covered Silent Wood and Old Scarbuck trails at Erie County Forest for a late winter outing.
We thoroughly enjoyed mild winter temperatures and navigated the bridges and hills easily with microspikes. At a steep icy descent, Adirondack-style butt-sliding was the method chosen by some of the adventurous folks in our group!
Wildlife tracks were aplenty, and a fun reminder that many animals make their home here. Much of this area had been abandoned farmland, which the county purchased about 90 years ago. The Civilian Conservation Corps planted evergreens amongst the existing hardwood trees. It is impressive to see the expansive tracts of giant evergreens that have shot far upwards over 9 decades. Occasionally, wooden signs serve to identify the trees including spruce, red and white pines, sugar maple, ash and black cherry, thus highlighting the area’s education mission for visitors. We paused at the iconic “Bridge Too Far” to view Dresser Creek, actively flowing underneath nature’s unique ice forms. 
The hike was a delightful way to spend the day, reconnecting with ADK friends and being active in one of our area’s most idyllic winter offerings.
Submitted by: David and Janet Kowalski