Long beech fern occurs here, a common fern in shady woods of northern New England, as does the rarer spinulose wood fern, having a delicate, triangular blade with a scaly stem and round fruit dots on the back. The Lady fern has a lacy blade with sickle-shaped fruit dots. Hay-scented, cinnamon, and New York fern occur in these shady woods as well as in the sunnier fields. Step carefully over the stream again, where the northern spring salamander lurks, a large, pink amphibian of cool, mountain streams. In a little clearing as the trail makes an abrupt left turn, notice how the increased light allows an explosion of undergrowth.
Bracken fern occurs here on the sunny path, a good indicator of poor, dry soil.
Birds foraging in these moist coniferous woods include the black-capped chickadee, magnolia warbler, and the melodious winter wren. In the spring you may also hear the deep booming of a drumming ruffed grouse, advertising his territory. Turn right to return to the Christmas Tree Trail , or turn left to continue. Porcupines often feed in the trees here. The trail turns to the right, and you will discover a good place to practice reading the landscape.