The trail loop at Pasold Farm in Barrett Township is only about a mile. You could hike it in 20 minutes if you hustled. But what a mistake that would be, especially in winter.

Find out what makes it special during a free guided hike at 10 a.m. Saturday, hosted by Brodhead Watershed Association.

The low, near-solstice sun paints the leafless trees and their lanky shadows gold and black.

You see long views of the land, its folds and rises. The trail, newly widened, is wet after record-breaking rains.

Through woods on either side, you see elephant-sized boulders with lichen and ferns growing from every crevice, like crazy-big Chia pets.

Many of them are slowly being split by white pine seedlings, their threadlike roots working into microscopic fissures, the finest of filaments able to crack ancient rock.

Registration is required. Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or email info@brodheadwatershed.org.