The paved roads got narrower and narrower and eventually turned to gravel.  The gravel roads got narrower and ruttier until a one lane wooden bridge loomed in front of us.  I was about to ask J to check her coordinates when the sign for our destination appeared on the other side of the bridge.  Three more miles of dirt roads and we were at the trailhead.

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We got the last parking spot near the Parker Ridge Trailhead (there is a larger lot further down the road.)  We hiked up Little Jackson Connector to Parker Ridge Trail and as soon as Tumbledown Pond came into view, we stopped for lunch.  In the distance, surrounding the pond, were Tumbledown Mountain, Little Jackson Mountain and Jackson Mountain. 

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A short downhill walk brought us to Tumbledown Pond.  Being a sunny summer Sunday, the shoreline and pond were full of hikers in various stages of dress and undress.  The people watching was great and we stayed about 2 hours, and then headed down Brook Trail to the car.   It was clear that J out did herself planning this adventure.

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Hiking Beta

• Little Jackson Connector – 1.1 miles
• Parker Ridge Trail – 1.8 miles
• Brook Trail – 1.8 miles
• Total Hike Distance – 4.7 miles
• Elevation change – 1500’

On this trip, with temperatures in the 80s, we were more interested in the pond than peaks.  However, there are several other trails that lead to the peaks, including the Loop Trail, with iron rungs to aid in the ascent, and we will be back in the fall to check them out.