Oct 5 Report. Rte. 232, Owl's Head.

[Rockwall Tim]

You have do 232. Mercy.

Today, we did Ricker Pond, hiked Owl's Head, and photographed Kettle Pond. I think peak is still 3 or 4 days away, but with frosts the last two nights, peak will come fast.

My wife and I and our Texas companions are in our upper 60's. The hike up Owl's Head was strenuous. I did it in 9 minutes, the others in 15 minutes. But for the Kettle Pond view, I would make the trek every day for as long as I'm able. Up until today, my favorite place in the world was the field behind the Peacham church in the late afternoon on a sunny day. Now, I've bumped that to 2nd place. The view of Kettle Pond supplants it.

Elsewhere, saw some of Rte. 100 (Warren to Rochester) and it's great but needs 3 or 4 more days.

Thanks to all those who provided details about Owl's Head and Kettle Pond. You gave us a glimpse of heaven.

[minnesotaman]

That makes the hike worth it.
By chance, did you get to Noyes Pond in Seyon SP?

[Rockwall Tim]

No...not even familiar with that site. Should I try to squeeze it in before I leave?

[minnesotaman]

you were very near. take seyon pond road off 302, just a mile or two west and south of where 232 comes down into 302. my recollection is that there is a sign, small, on 302 for seyon lodge state park, and that if you are not paying attention you can easily miss it. if the area has colored up, it is worth it. here is a picture i took there on a perfect day, 9 29 2013. We are clearly much later this year. my guess is that it will not be this bright yet.

[mgdolly86]

We are planning to visit Kettle Pond as it looks from the pictures that it would be peak this weekend. We need your help to let us know how much time we should dedicate to Kettle Pond including the hike etc.. We will reach mostly afternoon between 12-2pm do you think it would be good timing? Also please let us know are there any photo ops near lake for reflection pictures? TIA for your help and pictures looks AWESOME

[Rockwall Tim]

I think noon to 2 PM will work fine. And it's easy to spend that much time there, given the fact that the parking area is probably 10 minutes after you pull off 232...followed by the 15 minute climb...followed by more than 30 minutes of just soaking in the beauty...followed by 15 minutes going back. Plus, once you park, you will see that there are two paths from the parking lot. The path to the top is on the left. The path to the right is a level, 2 minute walk to another scenic view of Kettle Pond. My wife likes that view just as much. And, there is a covered picnic pavilion there as well. From the weather forecast, Wednesday looks good, Thursday looks good, Friday is rainy, Saturday looks good.

[Rockwall Tim]

As noted in my post above, there is the view of Kettle Pond from the top of Owl's Head, but also a view from the right-hand path. This is that view, albeit from a lower vantage point.

[Utah Baker]

Visited both these spots today, and color looked good although the grey skies did not make for great photos, may have to make a return trip tomorrow if the sun comes out.

[Andy]

Tim: If its not too late, DEFINITELY do go to Noyes Pond (it is in Seyon Ranch State Park). Drive in is off 302 heading back toward Barre from 232 on the right. Brown SP sign is pretty easy to see. Follow the SP road back a mile or so to the parking area. You will like the Pond. Morning light looks to be best for photography

[minnesotaman]

I was at Noyes Pond today. The trees at water level have changed around the entire perimeter of the pond, but the trees higher are still greenish/hints of yellow. It was very windy. Like the day before, the sky was slab gray and the light was pretty poor. It was difficult to guess at how it might look in better light.

Ricker Pond showed more color than Noyes Pond.

Rt 25 from 91 to 302 was bright. Quite a bit of color in Corinth/Topsham areas, back roads there very good. Some pockets at peak, reds and oranges. 302 from 25 to 232 had many areas at peak. Mostly yellow and orange, some fire oranges, some burnt. 232 was very colorful.

I have covered a lot of territory in the last few days, from the NEK and Hazen's Notch, down through Stowe and along 100 (a lot of orange, much of it burnt), the Gap Roads (mostly still early, a lot of that shade of dirty yellow that I associate with years that have less intense color), and from Lincoln to Quechee (Bridgewater, Woodstock back roads in good shape, color still coming on, some pockets very bright, but mostly yellows). 302 and 232, and parts of 25, had the best mix of color I have seen so far this year--bright orange, a fair amount of red, although mostly in the cranberry range, no fire engine reds.

Leaf drop is starting on 232. I left my car in the parking area at the southern end of Ricker Pond for about 20 minutes. When I came back it was covered with leaves. There were a lot of leaves in the air along 232.

[Andy]

Here is an idea of what it might look like in better light. This was Saturday, Oct 3. As noted, the upper trees need to gain some color

[mgdolly86]

Hi Andy - We would be starting from Tunbridge on Saturday noon for a combined itinerary from suggestions above. could you please check out directions and stops below to confirm we are good? Also for any tips on the afternoon photography at these locations?

Tunbridge, VT 05077
Follow Spring Rd to VT-110 N
1. Head southeast on Spring Rd
2. Turn right to stay on Spring Rd

Follow VT-110 N and US-302 E to Beck Rd in
Groton
3. Turn left onto VT-110 N
4. Turn right onto Tucker Rd
5. Turn right onto US-302 E

Drive to Seyon Pond Rd
6. Keep left to continue on Beck Rd
7. Turn left onto Seyon Pond Rd
8. Slight left to stay on Seyon Pond Rd
1 h (37.0 mi)

Noyes Pond
9. Head east on Seyon Pond Rd toward S
Branch Rd
10. Slight left onto US-302 E
11. Turn left onto VT-232 N
12. Turn left
22 min (11.4 mi)

7047 State Forest Rd - Owls Head Hike...

Groton, VT 05046

[autzig]

It seems that your directions are correct but offer more detail than you need.

Owl's Head is on the right side of 232.

Al

[minnesotaman]

owl's head and noyes pond and ricker pond excellent today. 25, 302 and 232 very good, many areas in peak, a lot of red. photos later.

[minnesotaman]

Owl's Head and Ricker Pond today. If tomorrow's rain does not knock down a lot, definitely will be in top form this weekend.