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Post by va3pinner on Feb 17, 2016 20:40:04 GMT -5
Just finished reading a book on the very early history of the Canaan area. Kind of inspired me to do a bit of exploring. I've been all around Dolly Sods, Otter Creek, Roaring Plains for years, but never really explored Blackwater area. I've done some long ski tours on the old RR grades across from the Lodge, and would like to explore the River itself.
So my question:
Are there any trails (formal or informal) down at river level?
What's the best access down to the bottom of the canyon?
I've been trading emails with Maryann Honcharik, she gave me one access near Douglas falls, but I'd like to go further down, explore Pendelton falls from the bottom up for example, find the big cascades I can hear way down there but can't see.
I get that it will be steep, rocky and Rattlesnakes.
I'm open for any suggestions.
Thanks
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 616
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Post by vdeal on Feb 17, 2016 20:55:00 GMT -5
va3,
There is an access point to the bottom from near the Gentle Trail overlook (check your PM's). You might also want to check out the trails in the Olson Tower area. A buddy and I did a neat loop there a few years ago using an abandoned trail and a few current trails. There's also the Dobbin House area beyond Pendleton Lake that I want to check out.
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Post by jnk556 on Feb 18, 2016 9:17:57 GMT -5
The old rail trail follows the river from Thomas down to Hendricks, but it well above the river, plus some of the land is private I think. That is a rough canyon, not many folks travel right down to river level...
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Post by va3pinner on Feb 18, 2016 18:08:48 GMT -5
Thank you both, I will check out both access points. I recently learned that old rail trail from Thomas to Hendricks has become a popular mtn bike path, which may actually make me bring my bike next time I head up thataway.
I have a message out to Chip Chase as well to pick his brain on access points. When I do go, I'll certainly send a TR and pictures. Kinda nice to have something to plan for while I'm still skiin'!
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Post by jnk556 on Feb 18, 2016 19:18:23 GMT -5
I recommend the bike trail, it is really nice, it's all downhill to Hendricks, and there are some beautiful waterfalls on side streams along the way as well.
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 616
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Post by vdeal on Feb 18, 2016 19:30:27 GMT -5
Well, it's only downhill one way -  . I've ridden it from back near Parsons the whole way up to Thomas and back. Technically you're only supposed to ride on the uphill side of the trail because the downhill half belongs to Allegheny Wood Products but I believe an agreement was reached whereby AWP could use the trail for access to clean culverts if they would relax the terms. Check out the huge stone bridge/culverty on Tub Run or Big Run. If you want to see the real waterworks hit Big Run on the Limerock Trail. Plenty of ramps there in the spring also. |
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christopherrobin
Forum Elder
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
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Post by christopherrobin on Feb 19, 2016 9:01:01 GMT -5
Hey va3pinner, what book did you read?
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amf
New Member
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Post by amf on Feb 19, 2016 10:29:45 GMT -5
I just skied the lower trail (Douglas to Hendricks) last week. Great run. As noted there is no access to river level, land ownership aside, other than bushwacking and its pretty steep. I think the same would hold true on the other side of the river. Its a wilderness down there!
Another nice ski in the area is the forest road from Olsen Tower down to Douglas, although I've only done about half on skis. Nothing challenging, but a nice tour. You can hoof down to Big Run, which could be pretty spectacular in winter. You will probably have to park on 219 as the Olsen Tower road isn't plowed.
amf
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Post by va3pinner on Mar 7, 2016 20:19:02 GMT -5
Hey va3pinner, what book did you read? Sorry about the long delay - Annals of Blackwater and the Land of Canaan (1746-1880) by Stuart E Brown, Jr. picked it up at Blackwater Falls Lodge a few weeks ago while taking a Telemark clinic at Timberline. Really a fun read! I can't imagine exploring that area as an untouched wilderness, no compass even, just a "guide", some horses, and the usual gear for the time period. I'll figure out some route to get down there and take some photos eventually. I'm hoping if it's private land, the owners will think if I'm stupid enough to bushwack down to the river, I won't be worth arresting  |
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christopherrobin
Forum Elder
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
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Post by christopherrobin on Mar 8, 2016 7:19:57 GMT -5
Thanks! I like learning the history of these places we go, it makes being there more meaningful. Like you said, you see it through the eyes of the people in the past and puts in all in a different perspective. Explorers, loggers, railroad men, farmers, there is so much history. Finding an old rusty bucket by the side of a trail probably has a really cool story behind it!
Just don't get busted, not the kind of history you want to make!
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. I've ridden it from back near Parsons the whole way up to Thomas and back. Technically you're only supposed to ride on the uphill side of the trail because the downhill half belongs to Allegheny Wood Products but I believe an agreement was reached whereby AWP could use the trail for access to clean culverts if they would relax the terms. Check out the huge stone bridge/culverty on Tub Run or Big Run. If you want to see the real waterworks hit Big Run on the Limerock Trail. Plenty of ramps there in the spring also.
