I love the springtime. Likely because I don’t suffer much from pollen allergies, I am giddy about all the blooming going on around town. In my neighborhood, dogwoods line the streets, azaleas in large clumps create multi-colored mounds, cherries weep in front yards, and any number of bulbs line walkways and brighten the bases of trees. Walks (and bike rides and drives for that matter) are a wonder in the warming weather.

But much as I like the showy gaudiness of in-town spring, it is spring in the woods that really captures my attention. Along my favorite trails at Croft State Park, the occasional dogwood peeps among the larger oaks and beeches, bright purple redbuds create a light splash in the panorama. Green shoots of a variety of understory plants make for a tint of green among the leaf matter on the forest floor.

Croft also offer other surprises left over from when it was farmland. On Beech Tree Trail, one of my favorites, a couple of old home sites offer ruins covered in moss, brick fireplaces, columns and foundations giving the outline of human habitation in the maturing woods. The folks who lived there must have loved where they lived, as the remnant daffodils prove. These sites stir the imagination, and, about halfway around the Beech Tree loop, offer a good destination for a springtime walk walk in the woods.

Beech Tree Trail is not an easy stroll, but a pretty challenging hike with long climbs and descents. Fortunately the scenery will keep you occupied, and your day will no doubt leave you feeling like you’ve accomplished something.

To get to Beech Tree Trail, start inside the park near the ranger’s office. Follow the camp road to Foster Mill Trail from the parking area. About 3/4 of a mile down Foster Mill, turn left on Beech Tree. It is a lollipop shaped loop, so return to the parking area  the way you came. 

You’ll find a description of the trail and an excellent online map with GPS capabilities at www.hikecroft.com.