Fall - Myles Standish State Forest, Carver, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It is a special place to stand in a mature pine forest with the only sound the breeze whistling through the needles high above my head.

This might be my last visit this year before fall says goodbye and winter says hello.

Walking these pine needle trails feels like I have sponges on the bottom of my feet.

The multi-color overhead canopy.

A leaf covered boardwalk winds through a swampy area.

Fall - Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth, Carver, Massachusetts, USA

12,000+ acres of blazing fall color make the Myles Standish State Forest a popular destination in southeastern Massachusetts.



Fall color along one of the smaller ponds.



The forest includes many acres of mature pine, I estimate 60-80 feet tall, the wind whistling through the boughs, and a soft carpet layer of pine needles underneath the canopy.



A future crop.



A late season lily in bloom on one of the many ponds.



This is one of the 170+ cabins/cottages that line the many lakes and ponds in the forest. They are private but located on state land in a controversial arrangement. Apparently, the plan over time is to have them all revert to state ownership and control as the owners pass away.

A Walk in the Woods, Fall, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

 

The outer wall of evergreen pines hides what's going on behind. Closely following the perimeter of this pond in the 12,000+ acre Myles Standish State Forest, a delightful 2.6 mile trail winds through the adjacent woods. Fall colors are splashing out.



It's a well-worn and cared for trail.



Frequently with adjacent water views.



It is mostly easy walking except for the occasional tree root sticking up.



If you prefer the water, kayaking is a common activity here, too. This huge forest/lake property has been state protected for more than 100 years - since 1916 - and enjoys year-around outdoor experiences including hiking, horse riding, camping, swimming, biking, kayaking, snowmobiling - it's a popular spot.

Fall, Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth is almost 15,000 acres of trees, trails, campgrounds, and ponds managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). It is the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts.  

Since most of the greenery is pine and oak, color is not as spectacular as if there were lots of maples but, it's still a nice place to wander on a crisp fall day.

There are five camping areas, either in the forest or set beside four of the park's sixteen ponds, including an area set aside specifically for horse camping (with their human partners I presume). One of the day-use ponds offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, and canoeing.

There are 15 miles of bicycle trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails and 13 miles of hiking trails through the forest, which includes one of the largest contiguous pitch pine/scrub oak communities in the northeast. (Panorama - click on the image to view in full width).

Pine Needle Carpet, Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

When was the last time you walked on a supple but squishy carpet of pine needles?  It feels and smells a whole lot better than the cushion insoles made of plastic and gel on sale at the shoe store.

A natural park reminds me of my connection to the earth - I am reminded that my food comes from it - through the thoughtful effort of tilling, planting, watering, nurturing, growing, harvesting, and then repeating the cycle again.  WARNING: please stop reading now or you will be exposed to another vegan rant.

 I don't believe our place in the natural order is the systematic and organized raising and killing of literally billions of sentient animals annually for food.  Refraining from consuming or using animal products still leaves a bounty of great food to eat - fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds are quite enough to make wonderful meals (and beer, wine, and dark chocolate are usually vegan, too).  There - I feel better.