TR: Trout Run Valley Circumnavigation Sept 13 - 15
Sept 20, 2014 19:07:46 GMT -5
Post by WoolyBully on Sept 20, 2014 19:07:46 GMT -5
Five of us did this three-day loop in a clockwise direction, opposite the direction in the trail notes. We met a new to the group but very experienced hiker - Clowncar - at the trail head. Saturday morning found us starting out from the Wolf Gap Campground in light rain and heavy fog. In less than an hour after a fairly steep climb and a few rock scrambles we reached the first vista, Tibbet Knob. Unfortunately the fog completely obscured the fantastic view. Moving north along a road walk and then onto the Long Mountain trail, we passed the Trout Pond Trail, and in another mile reached the open, grassy campsite at Bens Ridge. Plenty of water in the creek south and east of the site. The sky had cleared, and we enjoyed a nice fire and Ted E Bear provided a very interesting astronomy lesson. Great views of the Milky Way and some caught sight of a falling star.
Sunday we continued north on the Long Mountain Trail, thru some open areas (maybe from logging a few years back), catching occasional glimpses of Half Moon Mt.
We crossed Trout Run Rd, on to the Bucktail Connector, and finally onto the Half Moon Trail. Clowncar graciously offered to watch our packs for the out and back to Half Moon Lookout. After scrambling to the top we relaxed and enjoyed the great views of the entire valley. Packs back on we walked the last 3/4 mile to the campsite at the Tuscarora / Half Moon junction. Our intended site was occupied, but there was plenty of room in the adjacent woods. Flowing slowly but plenty of water on the other side of the equestrian boardwalk. Another pleasant evening, our neighbors shared their nice fire, and we did some more star gazing. Another falling star.
Monday we followed the Tuscarora to the Mill Mountain Trail. One real nice overlook, about 2 miles along the Mill Mt. trail gave us another view of the valley. It's really neat to look out over the valley and trace the past several days' path along the ridge lines. Last but not least we took in the great views from Big Schloss. The perfect conditions - blue skies, light breeze, and cool temperature - really added to the experience.
After the nice pause we saddled back up and made the descent back down to the Wolf Gap Campground.
All of the participants enjoyed this trip. Moderate terrain, few hikers, well marked and well maintained trails, and the really special feature of being able to view the entire valley from several overlooks along the loop. This could be a yearly trip!
Sunday we continued north on the Long Mountain Trail, thru some open areas (maybe from logging a few years back), catching occasional glimpses of Half Moon Mt.
We crossed Trout Run Rd, on to the Bucktail Connector, and finally onto the Half Moon Trail. Clowncar graciously offered to watch our packs for the out and back to Half Moon Lookout. After scrambling to the top we relaxed and enjoyed the great views of the entire valley. Packs back on we walked the last 3/4 mile to the campsite at the Tuscarora / Half Moon junction. Our intended site was occupied, but there was plenty of room in the adjacent woods. Flowing slowly but plenty of water on the other side of the equestrian boardwalk. Another pleasant evening, our neighbors shared their nice fire, and we did some more star gazing. Another falling star.
Monday we followed the Tuscarora to the Mill Mountain Trail. One real nice overlook, about 2 miles along the Mill Mt. trail gave us another view of the valley. It's really neat to look out over the valley and trace the past several days' path along the ridge lines. Last but not least we took in the great views from Big Schloss. The perfect conditions - blue skies, light breeze, and cool temperature - really added to the experience.
After the nice pause we saddled back up and made the descent back down to the Wolf Gap Campground.
All of the participants enjoyed this trip. Moderate terrain, few hikers, well marked and well maintained trails, and the really special feature of being able to view the entire valley from several overlooks along the loop. This could be a yearly trip!