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East Fern Trail - Bog Loop Anticlockwise

March '09 Update: Mostly on the northwest section, someone has done a bit of ghastly trail clearing. Several small trees were cut leaving about four inches still above ground. Examples here and here. My take is that two of these removals might be justified. I don't want to do anything to encourage more unnecessary cutting on this wonderful little nature trail. However, if you undertake to remove a tree, you must do it in such a way as to remove it "roots and all, or not at all." Happy to demonstrate. Don't leave a punji stick. As of 22 March, I think I've found (and removed) all the dangerous remnants. On the northeast section, a few "showcase" vines were cut. Example. I'm not skilled on a bike, yet I learned to duck and twist while passing under to clear these vines. Nice vines may be tied back rather than killed. Please, let's avoid the temptation to LCD (lowest common denominator) these trails. Thanks! As always, I'd love to discuss if anyone has comments. Better yet, let's meet on the trail. Walking around anticlockwise on this 1710m/1.06M singletrack south and east of the Fern Trail's Polos Bridge. The clockwise version (with more explanation) is here. As of 21 Feb '09, there's another middle connector north of the existing one which does not cross the creek. See second map below. Makes for a nice 2Km "figure-8" loop that I run regularly. Video of just that north middle connector. A suggestion of where to park if you need to drive here. Go behind Power Mill Court businesses, around retention pond, head southwest to woods, enter Fern Trail. See map - "Power Mill" is visible top right center, if that makes sense. If you're running or pedaling here from the west, this may be of use. For this version, I did not start and finish using the 170m Park Ave connector. That 340m (out and back) is covered in the clockwise tour. For this tour, we start at the old fallen American Beech tree. It's adjacent to the southern part of the loop. The 100m middle connector photos are posted east to west at the end of this gallery. NOTE: I shot the majority of the photos at a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27mm. In other words, things are nearer than they appear. Anticlockwise video tour coming. Clockwise video is at the beginning of the CW photo gallery. With a gallery full of shots, you may find it easier to navigate if you change the gallery "style" (top right) from "smugmug" to "all thumbs." Or "slideshow" or "filmstrip" or . . . you get the idea, it's configurable by you. I usually like "journal." THIS SITE is private property, and doesn't necessarily represent any other individual or organization. You are welcome to download/use my photos for your private enjoyment, including printing them. Any other usage/linking must come from me in writing (email ok), with credit given. Questions, pre-scoldings, comments, ID, complaints? Thanks, John Kalin Email me TallahasseeTrails on YouTube. "If I fall you're going down with me" - Trail running advice from my Dixie Chicks http://www.tallahasseetrails.com/
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  • This gallery's trail photos: Start at Park and Richview entrance (bottom), head right, ride through Ankle Breaker, continue north parallel with Whetherbine Way till you arrive at East Fern Trail. Hang a left, pass the log ride, continue to the new Polos Bridge. Turn left before that bridge, head south, take a right at the middle connector, in another ~300m you'll ride through the creek back to the south end of the loop. Photos then begin at east end of ~100m middle connecter, end at west end of connector. Loop distance, excluding entrances, exits, and the middle connector, is 1710m/1.06M. The south connector from Park is 170m long.

    This gallery's trail photos: Start at Park and Richview entrance (bottom), head right, ride through Ankle Breaker, continue north parallel with Whetherbine Way till you arrive at East Fern Trail. Hang a left, pass the log ride, continue to the new Polos Bridge. Turn left before that bridge, head south, take a right at the middle connector, in another ~300m you'll ride through the creek back to the south end of the loop. Photos then begin at east end of ~100m middle connecter, end at west end of connector. Loop distance, excluding entrances, exits, and the middle connector, is 1710m/1.06M. The south connector from Park is 170m long.

  • From this 16 March '09 GPS track. Tweaked with GPSVisualizer (yellow track). Start at closest available parking (Power Mill Court off Industrial Plaza Dr), head over and run/ride as a figure-8, using the newer north middle connector. The figure-8 by itself is 2Km. Keep in mind that 2Km requires using the connector twice. Video of just that north middle connector.

    From this 16 March '09 GPS track. Tweaked with GPSVisualizer (yellow track). Start at closest available parking (Power Mill Court off Industrial Plaza Dr), head over and run/ride as a figure-8, using the newer north middle connector. The figure-8 by itself is 2Km. Keep in mind that 2Km requires using the connector twice. Video of just that north middle connector.

  • West Fern Trail + Bog Loop + Fern-Tom Brown Park Connector out and back GPS tracks. Bog Loop middle connectors not shown.

    West Fern Trail + Bog Loop + Fern-Tom Brown Park Connector out and back GPS tracks. Bog Loop middle connectors not shown.

  • 1 We begin at the old American Beech skeleton, adjacent to the south end of the loop.

    1 We begin at the old American Beech skeleton, adjacent to the south end of the loop.

  • 2 Closer look at what's left of this once grand example of Fagus grandifolia and the descriptive sign. Let's head anticlockwise 'round the Bog Loop.

    2 Closer look at what's left of this once grand example of Fagus grandifolia and the descriptive sign. Let's head anticlockwise 'round the Bog Loop.

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  • 4 This is the intersection of the south connector (from Park at Richview) and the south end of the loop (left/right). We're going anticlockwise, so right it is.

    4 This is the intersection of the south connector (from Park at Richview) and the south end of the loop (left/right). We're going anticlockwise, so right it is.

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  • 10 That's the old singletrack line to the left. Trees fall - it happens.

    10 That's the old singletrack line to the left. Trees fall - it happens.

  • 11 Enter the Ankle Breaker section.

    11 Enter the Ankle Breaker section.

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  • 22 Leaving Ankle Breaker for slightly higher ground.

    22 Leaving Ankle Breaker for slightly higher ground.

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  • 26 I was not about to remove any of these signature vines. Work your elbows and or handlebars around them, ok?

    26 I was not about to remove any of these signature vines. Work your elbows and or handlebars around them, ok?

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