April and May make for good reptilian-spotting months as ectotherms leave their burrows in search of food and mates. Join Sugarloaf docent Galen Freed in this easy 2-mile hike in search of snakes, lizards, and other wildlife. We'll start off with a presentation inside the Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom and then hike Lower Bald and Creekside Trails, whose habitats is preferred by these species.
Tickets are $10 for general audiences, $5 for youth (12-17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian), students, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12. Meet inside the Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom. Wear sun protection and comfortable shoes, bring at least a quart of water, and if desired, a snack. Rains cancel. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-accessible designated parking spot, one accessible porta-potty, and potable water access near the information kiosk. There is a flat, paved 1/4-mile road from the parking area to the observatory. The Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom is wheelchair-accessible by a wooden ramp and deck. The Lower Bald Mountain Trail has two trailheads: one to the left of the Observatory, and one at the main parking lot. The section from the Observatory is a single-track trail with sections of dirt, some sections of gravel, switchbacks, steps, and a cumulative elevation gain of 54ft. The Creekside Nature Trail is ADA-compliant from the main parking lot to the White Barn parking lot, about 0.48mi.
