Bald Hill to Sandy Brook to Dove Crest Loop

There are many ways to create different loops in the Arcadia Management area. This easy to moderate loop starts at the Arcadia/Mt Tom trailhead on south side of Rte 165. There is parking for only 2-3 cars, but if more is needed you can park across the street at the Hudson trailhead and then walk over. The trails in this area are fairly well traveled and maintained. There are plenty of stone walls and some old foundations along the way to keep things interesting. You can do the loop clockwise and cover the Arcadia Trail (yellow blazes) over some fairly hilly area down to Bates Schoolhouse Rd (dirt road). After going through the red park gate, turn right just before the dirt road onto the Sandy Brook Trail (no blazes), then follow Sandy Brook west for approx 1 mile to the Dove Crest Trail. Watch closely for the Dove Crest Trail start on the right, it's easy to miss because it is partially hidden by a low hanging branch. Head north on Dove Crest (again not blazed), which is mostly flat and very easy/pleasant walking. A bit over a mile of walking north you will arrive at a major trail intersection where you will again see trail blazes (white) indicating the Mt Tom trail. Go straight ahead onto Mt Tom and after another 1/3 mile turn left at the intersection back to the parking area.