Quinn and Sunny climb together along the rocky, blue-blazed trail above Moreau Lake.

Moreau Overlook and Playtime at the Lake

Last weekend, we spent all Saturday at Great Escape. Quinn told me he was interested in staying home the next day and I prepared to just take Sunny back to Shelving Rock Rd. for a quick morning hike. As I was leaving, Quinn said "I can go with you." Thirty minutes later, the entire family was headed to Moreau instead and that made my heart happy.

Quinn leads Sunny into the lush, overgrown Blue Trail above Moreau Lake.

We secured a picnic table by the beach. While Mom watched our stuff and chilled by the lake, Quinn, Sunny, and I set off up the Blue trail from the parking lot. It was a beautiful day with moderate temps and low humidity.

Quinn leads Sunny along the shaded forest trail with his hiking stick.

Quinn led the way the entire hike.

Quinn clambers over a large splintered tree fallen across the trail.

There were many deadfalls across the trail from the recent wind storms. We were able to clamber over them without much trouble.

Quinn and Sunny follow the blue-blazed route along a sloping bedrock groove.

Now that Quinn is a bit older, I started to explain the tenets of hiking a little at a time. Here we are learning to hike on the rock instead of the earth where possible.

Quinn climbs the steep, rocky forest trail with his hiking stick.

We were moving slowly and Dad was practicing his own patience.

Quinn and Sunny follow the blue trail marker and yellow arrow at a wooded junction.

Here we are learning about herd paths and following the actual trail and blazes.

Quinn takes a high step across a boulder on the rocky upper trail.

Quinn did a great job negotiating the rocky top half of the hike.

Quinn climbs the stone stair section as Sunny follows behind him.

Sunny was a little annoyed at not being in the lead much of the way, but he was glad to be out.

Quinn ducks beneath leafy storm-felled branches while Sunny waits behind him.

There was more deadfall on the traverse from the stairs section to the boulder field. I'd forgotten how pretty this section of the trail is. Quinn started to complain a little at this point, pretending Sunny was asking if we're there yet. I reassured him there was a more interesting section coming up.

Quinn and Sunny face the final boulder field below the Moreau overlook.

We eventually came to the final boulder field before the summit.

Quinn looks back toward Sunny while climbing the boulder field.

Quinn's spirits rose as he faced a new and interesting challenge.

Quinn climbs independently across the steep, rock-strewn slope toward the overlook.

I chose to let him range ahead on his own. Partially, I wanted to ensure his safety by keeping Sunny back away from him. Mostly, however, I felt he'd do well with the confidence boost. He did an amazing job scaling the boulder field. I did give him some pointers along the way, but I honestly don't think he really needed it.

Later, on the descent, I simply let Sunny range ahead of us while I stayed closer and helped him pick a safe path down.

Adam carries Quinn on his shoulders beside Sunny at the Moreau overlook above the lake.

We made it to the summit in about an hour and a half. Another hiker kindly snapped a photo of us. Quinn spent the next half hour or so throwing sticks and pebbles off the ledge while I chatted with the other hiker. Sunny played a little with the hiker's dog, Ruby. After some snacks were snacked, we made our way back down.

A younger Quinn stands beneath the towering moss-covered rock wall two years earlier.
Quinn and Sunny stand beneath the same towering rock wall two years later.

Quinn 2 years ago vs Quinn today. Such a big kid now.

Sunny races ahead and pauses on a rocky rise along the sunlit Blue Trail.

I let Sunny run out some of his pent up energy.

Quinn carefully descends the narrow groove in a sloping rock slab.

Quinn was in very good spirits during the hike back down to the lake.

Quinn throws a stick across Moreau Lake as Sunny splashes after it.

We spent the rest of the day playing in the sand and in the water. Quinn had fun playing with the other kids and we rough-housed in the water a bit. Then, we walked over to the ungoverned seciton of the beach to throw the stick for Sunny.

Wet Sunny carries a large stick through the shallow water of Moreau Lake.

Sunny was very happy to engage in his retreiver instincts. Although he jealously guards toys in the back yard, he has no problem with "drop it" commands with the stick at the lake.

This was a much more pleasant hike for Quinn and I think 3 to 4 miles is the sweet spot for the time being. Also, the promise of a summit and interesting scrambles are definitely something that keeps him going. It seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

We had a really great weekend. Even though I'm on call next week, we have a T-mobile modem so we might wash, rinse, and repeat for next weekend.

Route Map

Map of the route from Moreau Lake’s beach to the overlook; detailed route description follows.

The recorded 3.4-mile round trip starts near the beach and parking area on the south side of Moreau Lake. It follows the winding Blue Trail generally north, climbing through the forest to the Moreau overlook before returning along the same route. The recording ranges from approximately 338 to 1,106 feet in elevation.

Afternoon hike at Moreau.gpx (200.29 KB)

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