Clark Pond

This charming and compact area in New London has many interesting features. Many of the plants are labeled, though you need to come in the right season to see them.

Clark Pond Natural Area is located on Bog Road near Messer Pond Forest Acres Road. It covers a total of 91 acres.

The Clark Pond Loop Trail starts at the trailhead gate on Bog Road, follows the path into the woods along the Allen Trail and then splits left onto the Dancy Trail and right onto the Norman Trail. Here is a piece of the Allen Trail.

Along the Dancy Trail we get this view of beautiful ferns.

Here is another scene along the Dancy Trail.

Along the trail I found a Black-and-White Warbler.

On a side branch along the Dancy Trail before the pond, there is a nice bench to rest and contemplate.

Finally one reaches the pond itself.

Below are two photos taken at the pond. What did I do to change from the first image to the second. Answer is at this end — don’t peek — figure it out yourself.

Here is a slide show of more photos from the Clark Pond Trails.

Here is the answer to the quiz on the pair of photos above. For the top photo I was standing up. For the second photo I simple crouched low in the same place.  When photographing reflections, often lower is better.