Clay Pit Road, Mine Shaft Trail, By Pass Trail & Old Man's Trail — Thursday, Apr. 7, 2022

I’ll start with the fact that I’m a 61 year old novice hiker who most often hikes alone because I can’t find others to hike with me.  Spending this morning in the woods alone was empowering! I proved to myself that I could read the trail maps and find my way, all the while feeling quite safe.  So if you happen to fit my demographic, come here and hike!  I arrived on a Thursday morning (during LWSD spring break week) a little after 9 AM.  There were many available parking spaces but I was glad to see people in the parking area just setting off on their treks.  The walk out Clay Pit Road was mostly flat with just one area of incline.  My non-hiking friends could manage it easily.  There was a nice bench at the end, perfect for a snack stop.  Next I followed Mine Shaft back out to Clay Pit then turned left onto the By Pass Trail across from Klondike Swamp.  From there I hiked Old Man’s Trail back out to Clay Pit and then to the parking lot.  When I got back to my car about 1130, there were still at least a dozen car slots open, and all of the horse trailer spaces were empty.  On the whole the hike was mostly level, and not too muddy.  And the historical signage was wonderful.  (Note, the bugs were out, and landed on me but weren’t biting.)  This would be an easy stroll for new parents or a great outing for visitors to the area.  I can’t wait to explore the other trails at the Sky Country Trailhead.