"BEARSDEN DAY 2: I knew the weather forecast called for a chance of snow, but I was still surprised when I woke up to find a dusting on the ground. I took my time packing up, enjoying the suddenly winter-like ambience and still-falling snow. I set off south along the Old Stage Road just after 8am and soon reached the Newton Reservoir. I walked across the dam, turned onto the Mandell Road Trail, and then promptly took a wrong turn that looped me back to the Reservoir (this time it was my fault, the signage was accurate). After going the correct way this time, I continued along the Mandell Road Trail which is significantly more winding than any map indicates. By this time the snow had turned to rain, the snow that had accumulated on the trees had begun to melt and fall in clumps, and the trail was a mix of slushy snow and deep mud. By the time I emerged onto Bearsden Road I was soaked, but I still had one more climb. The trail to Little Round Top (AKA Pierce Hill) is steep and covered in slick leaves, made all the more slippery by the fast-melting snow. The way up was difficult, but the way down was treacherous, and I ended up sliding on my bottom in muddy snow for a significant chunk..." — JCalautti • Apr 11, 2025