Mount Riga State Park — Attraction in Salisbury

Today was easily one of the best days of the year to be outside. Warm air in the 70s, blue skies and the fall leaves in their prime. I was looking for a trail I've never been before that offered great summit views. Problem is, I only had two hours to hike.

The trail was moderately steep most of the way, a bit rocky but not too bad. It's been very dry lately so mud was not an issue, and because of the time of year no bugs were around. I made it a little shy of where it meets the A.T. and sadly, had to turn around due to time. I unfortunately got to see no spectacular views. It was pretty much dense forest the entire way. But the fresh air, smell of colorful fall leaves, and peacefulness of the forest made it worth the trip. The only sounds came from the many chipmunks scurrying around, and the snake that slithered just about underneath my feet.

As far as the difficulty of the trail goes, it's definitely a good workout. I found it more challenging going back down than going up. I'm not in very good shape at all, but I found this trail to be easily manageable. I did have to take a few short rests along the way.

I gave this trail three stars because I prefer trails that I can reach a summit with a view within an hour's hike. This trail requires...

This is Bear Mountain's base. One scales the mountainside by way of footpaths running northwards towards Massachusetts, and at one point bifurcating into the Appalachian Trail to the west. The hike is of easy difficulty except in snowy conditions, when the descent becomes hazardous. Gorgeous pines in all directions, and the trails are well-maintained. There is a "privy," now closed due to the 'Rona. A boyscout-roofed bulletin board has updates, maps and guidebooks. The unpaved parking lot can fit...

Hard going in the snow, but otherwise only a mildly challenging hike. This trail leads westwards to the Appalachian Trail running northwards to Massachusetts. Trail markers painted onto rocks at the margins. The canopy of trees captures moisture which can cause fog to appear rather suddenly. Unpaved parking lot for roughly ten cars. Maps and guidebooks are available at a sheltered bulletin board. There is also an outhouse, which the...