Trekking along the Bay Circuit Trail: My Personal Journey
The Bay Circuit Trail (BCT), a 230-mile network of trails in the Boston Metropolitan area, has become more than just a hiking destination for Massachusetts native Lyla Harrod. For Harrod, the BCT has been a source of solace, relief, and a safe space during challenging times in her life.
The trail, which passes through 37 cities and towns, including Newburyport and Kingston, offers a diverse range of landscapes, from meadows and woods to old cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and swamps. It's this variety that drew Harrod to the trail, providing her with an opportunity to connect with nature and her community.
Harod's first encounter with the BCT was in spring of 2018, when she was 30 years old and had recently gotten sober after 16 years of alcohol and substance use. At the time, she was exploring Bradley Palmer State Park when she discovered the trail. The BCT became a sanctuary for Harrod, providing a peaceful escape from the racing thoughts that often accompanied her early sobriety.
During her hikes, Harod also found the strength to confront and embrace her true identity. It was on the BCT that she realized she is transgender and needed to transition. The trail served as a refuge, allowing her the space to dress as she pleased and process the emotions related to her transition.
Throughout her journey, Harrod encountered various wildlife, including a curious coyote during a sunny afternoon in Southborough. She also had a serene, meditative moment during an early morning hike along Walden Pond in Concord, a site steeped in American history as the location of Henry David Thoreau's famous cabin.
In August 2021, Harrod completed a self-supported thru-hike of the BCT, setting the current "Fastest Known Time". This achievement was not only a testament to her physical endurance but also a symbol of her personal growth and resilience.
Harrod's experiences on the BCT are detailed in her tips for Backpacking the BCT, available on Instagram @seltzerskelter and The Trek blog. Through her writing and sharing of her journey, she hopes to inspire others to find their own sanctuaries in nature and to embrace their own paths of self-discovery.
The Bay Circuit Alliance, managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club, works tirelessly on trail development and maintenance, ensuring that the BCT remains a beautiful and accessible resource for hikers like Harrod for years to come.
[1] Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. (n.d.). Bay Circuit Trail. Retrieved from https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bay-circuit-trail [2] Appalachian Mountain Club. (n.d.). Bay Circuit Trail. Retrieved from https://www.outdoors.org/conservation/bay-circuit-trail [3] Harrod, L. (2021, September 5). Backpacking the Bay Circuit Trail: A Transgender Woman's Journey. Retrieved from https://www.thetrek.co/backpacking-the-bay-circuit-trail-a-transgender-womans-journey/ [4] Harrod, L. (n.d.). Bay Circuit Trail. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/seltzerskelter/
- The Bay Circuit Trail, with its diverse landscapes and opportunities for connection with nature and community, is not only a hiking destination, but also a source for personal growth, mental health, and self-discovery, as exemplified by Massachusetts native Lyla Harrod.
- For individuals seeking to prioritize health-and-wellness, learning, and personal-growth, Harrod's tips for Backpacking the Bay Circuit Trail offer invaluable insights and inspiration, available on Instagram @seltzerskelter and The Trek blog.
- Outdoor-living enthusiasts can embark on a range of activities along the Bay Circuit Trail, including hiking, wildlife spotting, and even traditional sports like running or cycling, all while immersed in various natural environments.
- The Bay Circuit Alliance, an organization dedicated to conservation, education-and-self-development, and home-and-garden preservation, plays a vital role in maintaining the trail's beauty and ensuring continued accessibility for future generations, fostering a thriving lifestyle and nurturing the well-being of the community it serves.
