A Midweek Hike Around Hidden Lake in Middle Smithfield, PA

Eric & I chose Hidden Lake

Trail because it doesn't

include a waterfall.

The Waterfall Trails are VERY popular and we know that weekend hikes on these trails are too crowded for us.

This Trailhead is almost

empty at 10:00 am.

Eric looks at the map of

the Recreation Area &

the inset for this Trail,

on the lower right.

We're sharing a set of Trekking Polls because our research shows the Trail is a bit hilly. 

Eric & I apply bug repellent

for our walk in the woods

around Hidden Lake.

Our first view of

the lake.

The Trail crosses an old

stone wall.

Remnants of old farms can be found throughout the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Indian Pipe is a plant. 

It is not in the

Mushroom Family.

Fungi grow on this decaying log.

I could be Coriolus hirsutus.

The Trail leads us to a 

boarded-up building.

I like this pic.

Eric on a narrow bridge

across a wet spot.

 

Eric & me at the

southern end of

Hidden Lake.

We find a Magnolia bloom. 

I wonder if there was a 

farmhouse nearby...

A Halloween Pennant Dragonfly

hovers in the tall grass.

We carefully cross exposed

bedrock.

Eric & I examine the Spider Web in the upper right.

We pass hikers and picnickers as we return to the Trailhead.  It's almost noon and the parking lot is nearly full.