Roaring Brook Nature Center
70 Gracey road, Canton, CT
http://www.roaringbrook.org/publications/trailmap.pdf (for there trail guide map)

 So as we began to set out on the trail I noticed how slippery some parts of the trail were still from ice. So Tater and I very slowly made our way to a stream and followed the stream until we heard a large amount of running water. Much to my surprise there was a large man made waterfall.  I don't know why I forgot to take a picture of it but there was a walkway across the length of the river with fencing so no one will fall to the icy water below!!  I did manage to get a picture form on the bridge which I will show you later.

Had to show my handsome little man as he rested his paws on the soft moss and warmed himself in the sun! He is rockin his little shirt!!!

Here we wanted to go look at a different spot up the trail a bit and as you can see on the (right) I had to put his leash on him and make him leave the warm spot!!! He is such a Mexican dog always wanting the heat and sun! (Below) Is the picture from the top of the damn, looking ou...t it really was a perfect day out!!!

Here we came to a huge tree that must of gone down in one of the many different storms we had this year, But he has no fear of jumping 10x his height!!  (Below) You can see another one of the trees with a really interesting split in it! Tater had no problem poking his nose in places it shouldn't be...except for the other night at Shade Swamp where I showed the pictures of the old animal cages...he hauled ass out of there!! (and me too)

This trail was really nice for having a relaxed walk and looking at your surroundings. They have done a good job maintaining the trails. I would of liked to have seen some wildlife. The cages in the back looked as though they were in disrepair, but in there defence I thought I did here something about them renovating. Next time I would like to go and check out the inside part and learn some more about this great place .I realized later on that this trail had a sign that said " no dogs" But online it says that leashed dogs are welcome. I brought mine because... I don't go anywhere without my friend!!!
If anyone has more info on the place or any other places please feel free to comment and let me know

Thanks Again!!!  Jen and  Tatertot

The next Trail is only down the road a bit from the white trail. We went the next day,  It was such a warm and beautiful day out that we walked here and then to another trail in Canton which I will show after, Tater and I must of spent 6 hours or so walking and exploring.

               Shade Swamp Sanctuary (Blue Trail)

                        This trail is 1 1/2 miles long and also has number trail markers 1-14

As we set off on the trail you will immediately begin to notice that at one time or another this was more then just an ordinary trail...which is true!

As you can see from the pictures there are very old school style cages in disrepair scatted throughout this section of the trail.  From what I have researched in the 1950's or 60's this use to be a old roadside wildlife area. In the winter when there is less vegetation you can even see a weird structure on your left set up in the hills...(I didn't venture up there so I don't know what it use to be) There is a creepy feeling on this part of the trail...perhaps just the thought that something is going to come jumping from out of the little hole in the cages as you can see below!!!  Tell you one thing Tater ran the hell out of this section!!!!

As you walk through the dense pines you will soon come to a change in the path the pines give way to a more swampy sandy feel. You can see above the moss was quite lush and profuse through this part. There was tons of skunk cabbage popping up. (below) Then we crossed a tiny tiny bridge that looked as though it was made just for a Chihuahua to walk on... which mine did!!

 As you pass the trail marker #5 you will follow the swamp along the ridge of a mountain side. Follow the ledge and the swamp until you get to marker #6. From there turn left and begin you accent up Kame Terrace, the view gets more and more spectacular. (Above) When we both reached the top we took a rest and plenty of pictures!!! Someone else must of had the same idea as us because we found this piece of wood between two trees that looks as though the tree has grown around the wood and made a very sturdy little seat. I wonder how many years it takes for a tree to do that?? 

 The view was beautiful from the top! As you follow the trail you will start your decent and follow the trail back to the cages and entrance. It was a really nice walk and I can only imagine how great it must be in the other seasons. There was alot going on in this small trail. The only thing I will suggest is in the warmer months make sure to put on some bug spray...it is a swamp!! Also make sure your dog is protected against ticks before you go through!!!  Enjoy Shade Swamp on either the white or blue trail it is a great walk for the dog without too much effort on the owner!!!

Shade Swamp Sanctuary

Finally the weather has been nice enough for me and My dog Tater to start going on some hikes. Considering My dog Tater is a Chihuahua too much snow just causes him sink up to his ears. We recently moved up to Farmington and live fairly close to a place called Shade Swamp Sanctuary, so we decided to start out slow and warm up with some light trails which I will describe below.  

             SHADE SWAMP SANCTUARY (WHITE TRAIL)

Both trails are located from the North side of U.S route 66 (close to Tunxis Community College)

The  white trail is 2 1/2 miles and there are numbers on the trail markers 1-14 

 The way into the white trail is very simple and there are a few different ways to enter the trail but it was really muddy so I went past the buildings and in the other route through all the pine, spruce and hemlocks.

This was towards the end of the trail where Tater and I found a clearing with a random outhouse.... But we took a nice rest and Tater got to un-numb his feet from walking in the snow.

 (above) wanted to check out how well my new camera was working not sure what type of fungus or plant this is on the tree. (below) At around the 3 marker if your coming in from 1 there will be a small bridge looks a lot more flimsy then it is....works just fine..but we still went one at a time!!!

 In the swamp you will see much wildlife in the spring and summer as it gets warmer the green algae will begin to cover it and you will hear the frogs!! But for now we got ducks and they scared the hell out of Tater!!

 First sign I saw that spring was on it's way. As you can see from the Skunk Cabbage flower that can be seen throughout the swampy area's.

After our walk Tater was pooped!!  He didn't move off his man chair for the rest of the afternoon and night!