Just about a mile in length, a new trail from base to summit of Baldpate Mountain invites a trek through prime woodland habitat over varied terrain. Informally known as the Fiddler’s Creek-Summit trail, the narrow path traverses level ground at first then rises gently after crossing a stepping-stone bridge. The trail becomes rockier as it ascends through some of Mercer County’s most pristine forest and, about halfway up, challenges the hiker with a steep boulder field and rewards her with stunning views. Stone steps make this and the smaller rock spills beyond a bit easier to negotiate. The trail eventually crosses the existing driveway near the top, passes the old orchard and terminates at the upper end of a meadow. Throughout, the trail is aesthetically engaging and its narrowness suggests an intimate connection with nature.

Birders will love this trail, especially in spring when hooded, chestnut-sided, blackpoll and black-and-white warblers as well as ovenbirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks and scarlet tanagers are close at hand.

Dozens of volunteers, under the leadership of Pennington resident Alan Hershey and the tutelage of professional trails consultant Eddie Walsh, toiled nearly every weekend from October to June cutting back multiflora rose and barberry, moving and securing rocks to create the steps, side-hilling where needed, and lining the trail with logs to clearly define the path. The trail design is environmentally sensitive, avoiding the fall-line to prevent erosion, carefully measuring the pitch of side-hilling on steep slopes to prevent puddling while providing safe footing, and keeping the width of the trail to about three feet to avoid disturbing the tree canopy. The trail, which is now blazed, is deliberately suitable for foot traffic only. Consulting and other expenses were covered by a federal trails grant to Mercer County. Delaware and Raritan Greenway Land Trust coordinated the effort. A ribbon-cutting and hike followed by a celebration atop the mountain was held June 3d.

Using funds raised at the Capitol Copy anniversary event, WCAS will produce a guide highlighting birds, plants and geological features found along the trail. The pamphlet will be made available to hikers near the bottom. Plans for a parking area on Fiddler’s Creek Road just east of the wrought-iron gate are underway. Meanwhile, parking is still extremely limited…three cars at most…and the gate must not be blocked. The best opportunities for parking are on weekdays or very early morning or late afternoon. It’s certainly worth a try