Over the last couple of days we have hiked in our own back yard on some trails where I used to ride my horse when I was a kid: the Crystal Shores, Crystal Point, and Crystal Gorge Conservation Areas - easy day hikes, but providing some splendid scenery and, at this time, a splash of autumnal color.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfXxzsnTgrFCRvF5BHidFCmtNruu0d6PRIbPx4LjlzX1PiwUVEiB3W5ApH20UP-M7umrr8Sy-cmhB5phreppEJuPSV2urYDVL8qierSxJwDa1GF3gGswCsY6QoG-myLLdPtXruiL3Wgo/s1600/crystal-point_151014_0125_505w.JPG) |
Crystal Point - A goose forages amid the glowing reflections of Autumn. See Gallery |
The first day we did a short hike in the Crystal Gorge Area - some variegated terrain, but, nevertheless, an easy hike. The trails were well-marked, and, even without a map, we managed to make a nice little loop for ourselves. The gorge itself is a small stream between two ridges - fun to negotiate, but far from the breathtaking experience of Ausable Chasm or Quechee Gorge.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24Xz4B7QqISAXpebfxxwm-w5kO0JvzAT4Xz0_Tnt5CerwNN54S5yCpsFDPGrxJ05A6Wk-Nn0koIJIHfUH2gPYz_PFK3UGqxBBW1a32mg90_HRBcaPq5A-DKzT9tx-7wXnPJvrvs9gGdY/s1600/crystal-gorge_151013_map_505w.jpg) |
Crystal Gorge - We had a nice hike on well-marked trails around and through the gorge. |
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The next day we hiked the trails of Crystal Shores and Crystal Point. The trails are easy and well-marked, with many jog-offs to scenic views of the lake and inlets. Crystal shores trails, sadly, dead end on private property, but we were able to make a nice loop otherwise.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh3gqoeJQ6GMGMRQF_eBv7KoPEVzHIQwPkbm8zytAkZ-Qel6rdimJX8o9H5kofGF0b-GRWgMZtgp8xJ8MIvF1voExVWwcTMMNK6OrwjLmdeUo-oHBrbORoHEPvlZL4j-K2fem-I5XSoY/s1600/crystal-shores_151014_map_505w.jpg) |
Map of Crystal Shores and Crystal Point Trails |
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From the parking lot at Crystal Gorge, we walked westward down Crystal Street to the entrance of Crystal Shores, followed the well-marked trails with side trips to take pictures, then walked eastward on Crystal Street to the entrance of Crystal Point for another nice loop and splendid scenery.
It's been a long time since I've revisited this old haunt. It's nice to see the trails so well-maintained, and heartwarming to be treated to this all-but-forgotten scenery. We will definitely visit more often.