Would you like to explore a woodland habitat along a tranquil lake and a rushing brook that is beautiful in every season? Look no further than the Grist Mill Trail, where nature meets history.
At the far end of Swartswood State Park, the Grist Mill Trail is an easygoing one-mile hike through a charming forest habitat.
Built in 1838, Keen’s Grist Mill is located on West Shore Drive in Stillwater. Though small, its parking lot can accommodate about five cars.
To the right is the mill, standing above a brook babbling over piles of stones and logs.
To the left is an inlet of Swartswood Lake, which is bedecked in delicate water lilies in the warmer months. This spot is a favorite for fishers looking to catch trout, bass, catfish, and other freshwater fish.
Over the wooden bridge and toward the hill is the trailhead. The trail loops, so hikers can choose either path to begin their hike. Starting on the right, there is a set of steps to climb.
Beyond the steps, the path follows alongside the brook and ascends slightly up the ridge. Here, the water tumbles away from the lake, through the peaceful, leaf-covered ravine. Take a moment to enjoy the gentle rushing of the brook mixed with the melodic singing of the thrushes and kingfishers as they hunt for water bugs to eat. Though beware, this part of the trail can be mossy underfoot.
Along the forest edges, a medley of native species blooms. Every season brings a new natural wonder to behold. In the spring, violets, fiddleheads, and trout lilies pop out of the damp, newly awakened ground. In the summer, grasses grow thick and lush, and ferns unfurl their long fronds. In the fall, the beech trees turn golden and shrug off their leaves, blanketing everything in brilliant yellow. In the winter, the water slows to a trickle and reveals a colorful kaleidoscope of rocks resting on the creek bed.
The trail eventually takes a left turn, parting ways with the brook to travel up a slope. This is the most difficult part of the trail, but it does not last long. After a short, rockier climb through the forest, the trail levels out on the ridgeline. In the summer months, it is recommended to wear long pants and apply bug spray to prevent tick and other bug bites as this part tends to be a bit overgrown. The trail continues along the ridgeline. Follow the path downhill until the lake comes into view.
Looking out across the lilypad-dappled water, there is a clear view of Snake Island, one of the two small islands in Swartswood Lake. Just like its sister island, Dove Island, the land is covered in trees and is home to waterfowl nests. The trail skirts the lake edge, contnuing through the forest for the remainder of the loop.
The picnic table at the end of the trail is a good place to rest and reflect as you listen to the water falling over the dam and rushing under the footbridge.
Go when the sun is high and gently filtering through the trees to collide with the copper-colored creek water, making it glow and twinkle.
Olivia Wilinski is an avid outdoorswoman; hiking, climbing, camping, and birding no matter the season. In her free time she can also be found painting, playing instruments, reading books, and crocheting sweaters. She is a strong believer in building community through supporting local businesses and artists, is passionate about the arts, the environment, and sports and looks to highlight these subjects in her writing.
- Olivia Wilinski, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/olivia-wilinski-contributing-writer/
- Olivia Wilinski, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/olivia-wilinski-contributing-writer/
- Olivia Wilinski, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/olivia-wilinski-contributing-writer/
- Olivia Wilinski, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/olivia-wilinski-contributing-writer/
