Deerfield Connector Trail (#335A)
Read MoreDeerfield Connector/Deerfield Loop Trail Junction -- 2,240'
Ok...this junction, the lower terminus of the Deerfield Connector Trail, needs a bit of explaining. It's signed, but still a bit confusing. The Deerfield Loop runs right-to-left in this shot (out of frame) with the Deerfield Connector Trail starting straight ahead (east). Starting onto the Connector, within a dozen feet, the Small Creek Trail begins on the left also...you'll see this better in the next shot...
Deerfield Connector/Deerfield Loop Trail Junction -- 2,240'
Ok...this junction, the lower terminus of the Deerfield Connector Trail, needs a bit of explaining. It's signed, but still a bit confusing. The Deerfield Loop runs right-to-left in this shot (out of frame) with the Deerfield Connector Trail starting straight ahead (east). Starting onto the Connector, within a dozen feet, the Small Creek Trail begins on the left also...you'll see this better in the next shot...
Deerfield Connector/Deerfield Loop Trail Junction -- 2,240'
Looking back a few feet after starting down the Deerfield Connector Trail. The Small Creek Trail is the path nearest cutting down into the rhodo on the right. The Deerfield Loop Trail itself cuts left-to-right across the frame just beyond (where the previous shots were taken)...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,240'
As you can see, the trail starts out fairly flat...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,240'
Crossing the aptly named "Small Creek"...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,250'
Beyond the creek-hop the climb begins as the Connector Trail heads up the side of the adjacent ridge...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,250'
The steepness encountered on this section of the trail is a bit surprising...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,280'
The trail as it nears the point where it veers south towards F.R. 479M...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,280'
A look back downhill from the same spot as the previous photo...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,300'
Outside the curve where the trail cuts back south is this odd pillbox-style structure. Not sure what it is/was...a well-house perhaps?
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,300'
Curving back south now, the grade doesn't ease up one bit...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,320'
The Deerfield Connector Trail as it nears Forest Service Road 479M...
Deerfield Connector Trail -- 2,340'
Passing through a huge pine 'gateway' as the trail nears Forest Service Road 479M...
Deerfield Connector Trail @ F.R. 479M -- 2,360'
Arriving at the upper terminus of the Deerfield Connector Trail, at Forest Service Road 479M...
Deerfield Connector Trail @ F.R. 479M -- 2,360'
The view of the upper terminus of the Deerfield Connector Trail (right) at Forest Service Road 479M, from the opposite direction.