A visit to the pine barrens at the Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve on Moosic Mountain is a treat in any season, but it does perhaps shine especially bright in the autumn, as the scrub oak and low-growth appears to be aflame.
Apt, for an environment that depends on fire for its long-term health.
The Conglomerate trail dives through the heart of the barrens, and provides some great views out across the valley as it loops around, coming in a bit under 2 miles. Long enough to make for a good walk, but not too long to squeeze in at the end of a day.
Each time I visit, I think about how this unique place was nearly lost to development – another industrial park or fulfillment center. And I remain very thankful that it was preserved, an example of a landscape that is very rare in this part of the world.