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Post by jnk556 on Oct 9, 2014 15:07:08 GMT -5
Ok, so Arfcomhkr and I are planning a trip to Laurel Fork VA next weekend, but with all the rain we have had, and the forecast, we might bail on that idea, as Laurel Fork is too deep when the water is up. We are looking for a drier backup plan, just in case, and since Roaring Plains are pretty close to his cabin, and the road is open to the pipeline, we thought a out and back to the far end of the roaring plains trail would be decent, and maybe some exploring tword Porte Crayon. We've not been past where the teepee trail splits off, so we know nothing about that far end. I think I have heard about a horse camp being back up in there?? What are water prospects like?? If we can't camp on water, I doubt we'll even fool with it though.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Oct 9, 2014 16:10:50 GMT -5
jnk, The Roaring Plains trail goes clear to the end of the Plains and connects up with the Flatrock Run Tr. which drops down off the mountain to the Bonner Mt. Rd. The Flatrock Trail has an elevation change of something like 2200 ft making it the official trail with the greatest elevation change in WV. As for the RP trail there is something called the Horse Camp on it at the far end of the Canyons Rim trail. It is a large space in pines with a nice canyon overlook. We usually find water near it in puddles and there's a seasonal stream (very small) nearby. The issue I'm seeing here is that I don't think you need to cancel your Laurel Fork trip. Check stream conditions at the USGS WaterWatch site for WV. Laurel Fork isn't on it but the Potomac branches that it flows into are. These streams have been low for some time and might be up to normal now but normal this time of year is still fairly low. Also check the Drought Monitor and you'll see that most of the area is abnormally dry. I don't recall right off the top of my head but I believe there are loops at Laurel Fork that don't require a stream crossing and even if they do it's not that big, really! If it rains enough that Laurel Fork is way up then you'll find water at Roaring Plains. Of course you could go over to Canaan Mt or Otter Creek or any of several other areas nearby. |
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Post by jnk556 on Oct 9, 2014 16:54:19 GMT -5
Yeah, I kinda really still want to do the Laurel Fork trip, the little bit or day hiking I have done there made me want to go back. Plus, i think the loop on MrHyker's page only has 2 crossings on Laurel Fork, and those are on the second day, so we wouldn't have to worry about having wet gear.
I guess we'll just have to play it by ear and see, just wanted to have a backup plan just in case.
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MRHyker
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Post by MRHyker on Oct 10, 2014 7:12:47 GMT -5
I don't know if V and I are talking about the same spring. The one we found is in the spruce grove and a considerable walk from the last fire ring as you walk east from the RP trail. It was flowing in September. It is lined with lush, brilliant green Sphagnum Peat Moss. This kind of tells me it carries water a good bit of the year. It has a deep channel at the top (maybe as much as 6 inches) but spreads out as it flows downhill over the rim trail, losing much of its identity and appearing more like a seep. The worst you might have to do this time of year is to dig a sump near the top of the out-flow. I was hoping to find it again this last time so I could get a waypoint on it but we all know what happened.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Oct 10, 2014 7:24:46 GMT -5
MR,
It might be the same, I'm referring to the stream or seep that one crosses on the Canyons Rim trail shortly before reaching the Horse Camp. However, if we've had any rain at all there are large puddles near the camp that one can filter water out of. There are also stream headwaters on the railroad grade below Mt. Porte Crayon but that's a bit of a walk.
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MRHyker
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Post by MRHyker on Oct 10, 2014 7:29:44 GMT -5
MR, It might be the same, I'm referring to the stream or seep that one crosses on the Canyons Rim trail shortly before reaching the Horse Camp. However, if we've had any rain at all there are large puddles near the camp that one can filter water out of. There are also stream headwaters on the railroad grade below Mt. Porte Crayon but that's a bit of a walk. That would be it. If you follow it up to the plateau it becomes better defined and deeper. |
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Post by arfcomhkr on Oct 11, 2014 16:13:21 GMT -5
Ack, calling for rain all week until the weekend.
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Post by jnk556 on Oct 11, 2014 16:53:00 GMT -5
Ack, calling for rain all week until the weekend. Welcome to WV! |
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