Yesterday I spent most of the day exploring the Cherry Valley area and the Union Clay Works site. I grew up near the Cedar Creek by William Dudley Park, and spent countless days and nights as a teen and young adult paddling and exploring the creek below the Ore Pond area. I was excited to explore one of the ancient sources of this majestic waterway, and what a beautiful day I had for it!
I was able to drive my Camry down Bryant Road and parked on the side where it was widest, at the first intersection East of 539.
From there I walked, first traveling along a dirt road before turning into the woods.
I made my way down into the valley, and was met along the way by a coyote as I bushwhacked through the upland. I took a short video but there’s not much to see.
The Valley itself was beautiful!
I travelled up from the start of the branch towards the mouth at the Chamberlain. Below are photos of where the water starts.
More shots from the valley:
From here I jumped on a trail and headed easterly before making my way back to the dirt roads and my car. I drove across 539, all the way to Union Clay Works where I again parked on the side of the road where it widened, and spent a few hours exploring the area.
Clay Works:
What seems like a non-native tree:
Cellar holes:
I found all sorts of brick and clay remnants scattered through the woods, as well as some metal pipe, but after diligent searching and the acquisition of many ticks and chiggers, I was unable to locate the cemetery; I am not even sure if anything remains of it.
I enjoyed wandering both the Cherry Valley and the Union Clay Works, and plan on returning to both soon for further exploration! Thanks all!
I was able to drive my Camry down Bryant Road and parked on the side where it was widest, at the first intersection East of 539.
From there I walked, first traveling along a dirt road before turning into the woods.
I made my way down into the valley, and was met along the way by a coyote as I bushwhacked through the upland. I took a short video but there’s not much to see.
The Valley itself was beautiful!
I travelled up from the start of the branch towards the mouth at the Chamberlain. Below are photos of where the water starts.
More shots from the valley:
From here I jumped on a trail and headed easterly before making my way back to the dirt roads and my car. I drove across 539, all the way to Union Clay Works where I again parked on the side of the road where it widened, and spent a few hours exploring the area.
Clay Works:
What seems like a non-native tree:
Cellar holes:
I found all sorts of brick and clay remnants scattered through the woods, as well as some metal pipe, but after diligent searching and the acquisition of many ticks and chiggers, I was unable to locate the cemetery; I am not even sure if anything remains of it.
I enjoyed wandering both the Cherry Valley and the Union Clay Works, and plan on returning to both soon for further exploration! Thanks all!
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