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Post by dunkard on Aug 23, 2015 12:13:15 GMT -5
Finally got to backpack into the Seneca Creek area this weekend. I went in on FR 274 which is an old gated forest road. It was grown over in places which is to be expected with a late summer hike but nothing too bad. After about a mile on this road you'll come to a washed out culvert after this the road got a little wet and boggy. In a few hundred yard you'll come to a side road which has boulders placed over it, turn left here and in a quarter mile make another left on the trail most traveled and in a couple hundred yards you'll reach the Huckleberry trail. This was a very quick way to get into the heart of the seneca creek area and due to the condition of the road and the well worn single track along it, it didn't feel like hiking along a forest road at all. I took the Lumberjack trail out toward the High Meadows trail. When I reached this intersection I turned right and went off trail and thru a small clearing. after a little searching I found the remnants of an old road and followed it thru a grove of spruce to the Lost Meadow. Entrance to the Lost Meadow    I recently downloaded a mapping app on my phone that will show you where you are on an ortho photo the above pic was taken here:  I then hiked thru the High meadown to the Upper Falls and then up Seneca Creek, camped along the creek and hiked out thru Judy Springs   I also stopped off at the Sinks on my way home  |
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vdeal
Forum Elder
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Post by vdeal on Aug 23, 2015 12:23:06 GMT -5
Dunkard, that's my preferred entry route for that area also. Which app are you using?
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Post by dunkard on Aug 23, 2015 13:51:30 GMT -5
The app is PDF maps you can download USGS quads and ortho quads. You also have the option of uploading your own custom maps if they are georefrenced. Your phone then uses its GPS to show you where you are on the map.
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Post by aseege1 on Aug 23, 2015 20:43:13 GMT -5
I haven't been up there for a few years, but the last time I went, there was an unfortunate trail of litter leading out to the lost meadow: pots, pans, garbage, and even a rolling trash can. Did you see any of that? I remember MrHyker told me it was probably an abandoned meth operation.
I remember there was also a fire ring that was filled high with miller cans.
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Post by dunkard on Aug 24, 2015 4:03:08 GMT -5
Nope I didn't see any trash along that route. Must have been cleaned up or covered with vegetation.
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Post by arfcomhkr on Aug 24, 2015 8:44:57 GMT -5
That meadow above Judy Springs in your pic is one of my favorite views once the leaves change colors.
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Post by GaliWalker on Aug 24, 2015 14:13:09 GMT -5
Nice trip! I particularly liked the composition of the Seneca Creek Falls photo.
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Post by jnk556 on Aug 24, 2015 17:37:35 GMT -5
That meadow above Judy Springs in your pic is one of my favorite views once the leaves change colors. Yep, it is one heck of a view. We need to hit that area up again in the spring, and see if we can find the lost meadow this time. I know last time we were low on time, and water, and didn't have much time to look. Shame there's no good source of water up there, would be a nice place to camp. |
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Post by jnk556 on Aug 24, 2015 17:39:49 GMT -5
Dunkard, when you went down to the sinks, did you park in the S turns there, and hike in?? I know exactly where the cave is, and the trail, its just its on private land, in a cow pasture, and I was always afraid of trespassing.
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Post by dunkard on Aug 24, 2015 17:40:05 GMT -5
Thanks Galiwalker. Don't remember ever seeing a shot of the falls from that angle so I took it. I have no knowledge of photography and only use my iPhone so my shots pale in comparison to the work you do. You have mastered your craft and I always enjoy your posts
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Post by dunkard on Aug 24, 2015 18:03:35 GMT -5
Dunkard, when you went down to the sinks, did you park in the S turns there, and hike in?? I know exactly where the cave is, and the trail, its just its on private land, in a cow pasture, and I was always afraid of trespassing. Yes the sinks are on private property but the landowners have been courteous enough to allow public access. There's a pull off now above the s turns with enough room for 6 or so cars. The landowners have also installed wood planks to aide in crossing the fence at two locations use those to cross the fence and stick to the trails leading to the entrance and exits. As long as you don't block any gates, set up camp, or wonder aimlessly around their property you'll be fine. It is a working farm and depending on when your there there could be cattle around. Occasionally the DNR will post signs at the pull off discouraging going into the caves due to white nose disease being spread to the bats. However I didn't see any signs there this weekend and saw around 4 groups going into or coming out of the caves. I didn't hike thru this time. If you do go I'd suggest hiking thru from the cave which is right above where the stream exits the hill and emerging where the above picture was taken. The true mouth is blocked by boulders and is difficult if not impossible to get thru |
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Post by jnk556 on Aug 24, 2015 18:58:13 GMT -5
Dunkard, when you went down to the sinks, did you park in the S turns there, and hike in?? I know exactly where the cave is, and the trail, its just its on private land, in a cow pasture, and I was always afraid of trespassing. Yes the sinks are on private property but the landowners have been courteous enough to allow public access. There's a pull off now above the s turns with enough room for 6 or so cars. The landowners have also installed wood planks to aide in crossing the fence at two locations use those to cross the fence and stick to the trails leading to the entrance and exits. As long as you don't block any gates, set up camp, or wonder aimlessly around their property you'll be fine. It is a working farm and depending on when your there there could be cattle around. Occasionally the DNR will post signs at the pull off discouraging going into the caves due to white nose disease being spread to the bats. However I didn't see any signs there this weekend and saw around 4 groups going into or coming out of the caves. I didn't hike thru this time. If you do go I'd suggest hiking thru from the cave which is right above where the stream exits the hill and emerging where the above picture was taken. The true mouth is blocked by boulders and is difficult if not impossible to get thru Thanks for that heads up on the access. Next time I get over there I'll have to look for the pull off. As far as walking in that cave, ain't no way, I don't like being in tight underground places let alone in a stream. |
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