One of the more popular trails in the park is the Grotto Falls Trail. Relatively short and moderate, it begins in a spectacular grove of ancient eastern hemlock trees. These trees are presently under attack by the hemlock wooly adelgid. A similar aphid-like creature, the balsam wooly adelgid, destroyed the fir trees in the high forests above 5,500 feet. Many of the older hemlocks in the park are showing signs of losing the battle.

For more information on the hemlock wooly adelgid, see:

http://www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/grownet/tree-insect/hemwool.html