While visiting some friends in the east coast, we headed a bit north to the Conway State Forest to check out the fall colors. That’s where I learned there’s actually a term for this – leaf peepers. We did a short but very rewarding hike to the top of Black Cap Mountain that offers a bit of both, looks from within the forest and ample views of colored valleys. We started from the trailhead along Hurricane Mountain Rd. heading south. The trail is very family friendly so not easy to get disoriented or lost here. The first part of the hike meanders thru the forest which, this time of year, is covered with multicolored leaves ranging from the bright yellow to the bright red. At spots you can almost miss the trail under this carpet. Taking your time to see the different leaves reveals patterns, shapes and colors that make the whole mix. The obvious maple is the most common one but some others look like some radioactive goo is running inside them. As you gain elevation, the forest starts to clear out and you start finding rocky steps. Then, you are above the tree line and here you must stop and look around. The valleys around you are all tainted in red and yellow. In the pictures you can get an idea but it’s not even close to how it looks when you are right there. We continued all the way to the very top which is not the best viewpoint. We stayed there for a bit and then headed back down the same way making several stops at different rock outcrops to take in some of the scenery. Truly a must see
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