Jug End Reservation on a Late Fall Day

It's the day before Halloween and rain was predicted for early afternoon. I took a walk in the morning at the Jug End Reservation in Egremont. About a week and a half ago was peak foliage, a little later in the month than usual. But with the temperature in the high fifties and the leaves yellow, gold and burnt orange, today was a beautiful day for a hike!

Jug End is only about five minutes from my house so I'm very familiar with it. I love to see the changes through the seasons and as the years go on. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the property was a rustic year-round resort with skiing, golf, horseback riding, dancing, tennis and other activities. See photos and history here. Not much is left of the resort today except some foundations and old tumbled-down cabins in the woods, and the memories of past guests.

The loop trail is beautiful with woods and meadows and streams. I saw a bright Blue Jay and heard several woodpeckers. 

Many of the leaves are down, making for a noisy rustle as you walk.

Nice to be able to see the surrounding mountains since the leaves are down.

A large Oak near the trail had just been uprooted and fallen down.

Fluffy seeds on this vine. I should know the name of it,
but it escapes me at the moment.

Beautiful leaves still attached on this particular Maple.

The meadows are mowed every few years to keep an open habitat.

One of the meadows is growing up
with invasive Bittersweet.
Maybe it wall be mowed next summer.

The goldenrod has gone to seed.

Only a few ferns stay green all winter. This Evergreen Woodfern is one.

The Christmas Fern is another species that stays green through the winter

Here is the brook on the Upper Loop Trail.
Not much water today!

Princess Pine or Tree Clubmoss.

The cabin is long gone, but this beautiful fireplace
and chimney remains.

Another tumbled-down cabin, now an artifact on the Upper Loop.