Post by jmitch on Feb 2, 2016 20:06:57 GMT -5
endlessmountains.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/into-an-emerald-forest-scouten-and-kasson-brooks-sgl-57/
www.flickr.com/photos/49239558@N04/sets/72157663515620859
I recently hiked to a place of incredible natural beauty in SGL 57. We hiked up along Scouten Brook as the pristine stream slid over bedrock cascades and clear pools. We saw a side stream gorge with an ice flow and spring fed cascade. We hiked up this rugged side gorge with large boulders and towering white pine trees. At the top were caves, bear paths, and mountain laurel jungles. We dropped down to Scouten Brook to see ice covered waterfalls. An old grade brought us to impressive rock overhangs and caves, at the top was an amazing forest of spruce, hemlock, and moss. This forest was beautiful, revealing and endless green in the middle of winter. As if this forest wasn't gorgeous enough, we came across mossy chasms, massive boulders, deep crevasses, and maze-like passageways. From the cliff rim were some views through the trees. This is one of the most scenic forests I've seen.
The clouds cleared to reveal deep blue skies and warm sunshine. Shafts of sunlight pierced the spruce canopy and a warm wind created an incredible aroma. We reached a beautiful view looking west over the vast plateaus, with no signs of development. We continued to explore the edge of the forest to a stream filled with ice covered waterfalls. We explored Kasson Brook and its famous falls, known for its grotto of ice flows. We wanted to see the ice before it melted and collapsed. We hiked out in twilight, flushing wild turkeys from the pine trees, and walked along the road as stars filled the sky. One of the most beautiful and diverse hikes I have ever done. I already need to go back. We hiked about 17 rugged miles.
