Views sweep across North-South Lake and its wooded basin to the swaybacked ridge of High Peak and Roundtop Mountain. Resume the counterclockwise loop toward Newmans Ledge, ascending along a thin edge with a disturbing drop. The trail then contours and ascends, tagging a junction below Badman Cave, shaped by an overhang and reached by a rock scramble. Leave the blue trail, now following the yellow Rock Shelter Trail straight ahead for a steady descent amid hemlock, spruce, and oak. The descent grows rocky traveling alongside the brook draining to Marys Glen.
Spring peepers bring vitality to the glen in the evening hours.
Rocks and roots riddle the trail, while a few maple old-timers grace the woods. At Haines Falls Road, angle left to reach and briefly walk Schutt Road. Descend along the wide lane, touring hemlock-birch forest, passing segments of colonial rock walls, and crossing an old railroad grade. Scenic rockwork marks Spruce Creek as the blue trail turns and ascends away. Mountain laurel and azalea now fill the midstory with late-spring color and fragrance.