The above will search Ashland Daily Photo. |
I think, before two days ago, that I had only walked Toothpick once (maybe 15 or 18 years ago). I’ve ridden it at least a hundred times. Anyway, a couple days ago most of the trail was covered in an inch or two of icy snow so riding wouldn’t have been a very smart option.
Toothpick Trail is my go-to trail when I have a spare hour. I probably ride it about once a week from April until November and then drop down to once or twice a month when it gets cold. Mid-October until about now is my favorite time of the year as the temperatures and colors are just right.
Or is it Ashland Ponds? This place is Ashland Ponds on Google Maps, but there is only one pond here.
I had never heard of, or happened on, this place after nearly 20 years in Ashland. And I get around, but somehow Ashland Pond never made it onto my radar. We were heading out to do a ride/run on the Bear Creek Greenway, like we have a million times before, when I saw this on Google Maps with what appeared to be a trail around it so we investigated. Lovely spot with no people and lots of wildlife. We saw numerous birds, ducks, and turtles. Upon further research it appears that you may encounter a family of river otters in this place as well.
You can’t get here from the Bear Creek Greenway (as far as I can tell). Instead, head to the end of Glendower Street, through the gap in the barrier, and go down and to the left.
The wind was whipping through Ashland when I took this photo about 10 days ago from a friend’s house. Pilot Rock was playing peek-a-boo as the clouds quickly moved by. I had to wait a few seconds for Pilot Rock to be this visible.