TR - Bucktail Trail / Halfmoon Lookout Loop + Tibbet Knob
Nov 3, 2014 19:53:45 GMT -5
Post by WoolyBully on Nov 3, 2014 19:53:45 GMT -5
On Sunday we re-visited the Trout Run Valley area of the GWNF. Starting from the Bucktail parking area we proceeded north along the Bucktail Trail, which is a gently sloping forest road. Once we were into the woods the winds died down somewhat but it was still pretty cold. Passing the turnoff for the Capon Trail, we proceeded past the double gates and then onto the German Wilson Trail, where the real work started. The steep incline made us work pretty hard, and made us appreciative that were only carrying day packs. We then visited Halfmoon Lookout. Great views of the entire Trout Run Valley and Tibbet Knob!
We explored the camp sites on the lower level of the Halfmoon Lookout, and bushwacked to the west side but the view was pretty much obstructed by the trees. From there we took a side trip to my Secret Overlook.
Nice views to the west, but no shelter from the wind. We didn't stay very long. Extremely high winds, and it seemed to be getting colder by the minute. We then proceeded down the Halfmoon Trail, and then along the Bucktail Connector back to the car. I've done the Connector Trail several times now, but I still enjoy the gently rolling walk thru the oak forest. The footing was somewhat difficult as the leaves tended to conceal the rocks.
From there we drove down along Trout Run Rd., getting some nice views of Big Schloss, and headed up FR691 to the Tibbet Knob parking area. This was the easy way to approach Tibbet Knob - let the Subaru do the climbing! A quick walk got us to the Knob. But the wind was just too much, the gusts must have been 50mph! We stayed just long enough to check out the views of Trout Run Valley, seeing all the way back to Halfmoon Mt.
In spite of the winds this turned out to be a real nice trip. An early start got us on the trail by 8am, hike the 13 miles, and then be home before 5pm. Well marked and maintained trails, and we saw one backpacker and one group of day hikers.
We explored the camp sites on the lower level of the Halfmoon Lookout, and bushwacked to the west side but the view was pretty much obstructed by the trees. From there we took a side trip to my Secret Overlook.
Nice views to the west, but no shelter from the wind. We didn't stay very long. Extremely high winds, and it seemed to be getting colder by the minute. We then proceeded down the Halfmoon Trail, and then along the Bucktail Connector back to the car. I've done the Connector Trail several times now, but I still enjoy the gently rolling walk thru the oak forest. The footing was somewhat difficult as the leaves tended to conceal the rocks.
From there we drove down along Trout Run Rd., getting some nice views of Big Schloss, and headed up FR691 to the Tibbet Knob parking area. This was the easy way to approach Tibbet Knob - let the Subaru do the climbing! A quick walk got us to the Knob. But the wind was just too much, the gusts must have been 50mph! We stayed just long enough to check out the views of Trout Run Valley, seeing all the way back to Halfmoon Mt.
In spite of the winds this turned out to be a real nice trip. An early start got us on the trail by 8am, hike the 13 miles, and then be home before 5pm. Well marked and maintained trails, and we saw one backpacker and one group of day hikers.
