DuPont Fawn Lake Hike

On Monday we checked out of the hotel and drove to the Fawn Lake Access in DuPont State Forest. After parking, we followed the wide, leafy ribbon of Conservation Road into the woods. Half a mile in or so, we crossed over a chattering tributary of Reasonover Creek. Just off the trail, hidden in a tangle of rhododendron, Jenn’s Falls spilled down mossy rock.

It was a short bushwhack, so we took turns slipping through the undergrowth while Harper and Amaroq waited on the path.

Back together, we rolled on past the old Airstrip Trail, then eased downhill on a carpet of bronze oak leaves.

A quick left onto Bridal Veil Falls Road delivered us, in about half a mile, to the wide, sunlit base of Bridal Veil Falls.

Water roared over the lip and shattered into mist; we clambered across slick boulders, cameras clicking, but kept Harper on flat ground - no climbing to the veil today. Satisfied, we turned for home, choosing Fawn Lake Road to stitch a perfect loop.

The lake appeared like a jewel box: mirror-still water ringed by sugar maples blazing red and gold.

We lingered on the shore, breathing in the crisp, sweet air, then followed the trail’s gentle arc back to the car. Doors slammed, packs tossed in the trunk, and with the forest fading in the rearview mirror, we pointed the car toward home.