Blakely Harbor Park Trail — Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024

Today we circled Blakely Harbor, took the Blakely Cemetery Trail, and returned via the Blakely Hills Trail. 3.1 miles, 230 feet ascended.

We parked at the Fort Ward — Blakely Harbor trailhead adjacent to the park. Though small, it had a few spots available on this slightly drippy Sunday, both upon arrival and departure. There were also a few cars and several more available spots by the side of Blakely Ave.

The harbor trail loop was short and flat, and has an informative sign explaining the historic sawmill development. Crossing Blakely Ave., we ascended to the old cemetery, which was quiet and pretty. Some graves date from the late 1800’s. The switchbacks up to the cemetery accounted for almost all our elevation gain in a short distance. Coming back down would have been slippery after a heavy rain, but luckily the footing today was just a bit damp.

We walked a couple of blocks north on the dirt Cemetery Road, meeting no cars, then went east on the trail paralleling Old Mill Road until the main Blakely Hills trail took us south and back down to the park. A few (courteous) fellow dog walkers were out and about, but not very many. This was a prettier and more interesting route than I expected!