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Post by bocephus on Dec 14, 2019 13:05:54 GMT -5
Last weekend of December thinking about doing the roaring Plains Circuit, Three days-two nights. I've backpacked and camped in zero degree weather, what else should I be up against?
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Dec 14, 2019 14:26:14 GMT -5
December can be very changeable in WV and up on the Plains. You could luck out and have wonderful weather or it could be lousy. I would definitely be prepared for it to be wet, either rain or snow. Temps could drop down around zero but probably a bit warmer. You certainly need to be ready for high winds no matter the other conditions. I would have good rain gear (which can double for outer snow gear), gaiters and good hand protection. Not sure what kind of shelter you use but it better be sturdy. I don't know exactly what you mean by the Roaring Plains Circuit - that could be a few different loops, but have your route finding down pat, especially if it's snowy. Bring some snow googles also just in case. Let me know the route and I can be more specific.
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Post by bocephus on Dec 14, 2019 15:45:38 GMT -5
South Prong, Hidden Jeep, Canyon Rim, Tee Pee, Roaring Plains, FR 70 back to the car. Worst case scenario I bail at the pipeline and camp across from FR 70. 3 day trip. I've got the gear, Floorless shelter, goretex bivy, gaiters, rain gear and wind gear.
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Post by arfcomhkr on Dec 14, 2019 21:50:32 GMT -5
Be prepared for the wind. Like V said, it could be nice or really really bad. I'm sitting here a few miles east of Seneca Rocks and the wind is howling right now. Without a doubt it's worse up in the Sods.
Check and see when they close the gates. Usually it's right around the time bear season goes out.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Dec 16, 2019 10:34:25 GMT -5
bocephus, I can tell that you probably have never been to RP by the fact that you call it Hidden Jeep. That is the Hidden Passage - not a jeep trail at all - a regular single track trail that is unofficial. Beginning is a bit hard to find and there's a confusing area near the start, otherwise not bad if there isn't snow on the ground. No trail markers at all except a few cairns. Canyons Rim is also unofficial and could be potentially very dangerous in snowy, icy conditions. By your loop I take it you're basing it off of MRHyker's loop on the sister website to these forums? If so I would strongly recommend against this loop if you've never been there and there is snow on the ground. As I have said many times, Tee Pee trail is a trail I would only use as an emergency bailout. Hard to find and follow. Canyons Rim beyond it is the best part of that trail but even more treacherous in the winter. If you want to do RP in the winter I would make a loop of South Prong, Hidden Passage, Pipeline, FS19 and Boar's Nest. No worries on FS19 if you go in December. The gate is open until 12/31 per the MVUM. I put Hidden Passage in because you can probably find it and it isn't dangerous like Canyons Rim can be. Now, if the weather's nice go for it but I still think Tee Pee is a lousy trail and most people I tell that to agree after using it.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Dec 16, 2019 10:36:07 GMT -5
Another note. If you do decide to go it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring microspikes if you have them. Might not need them but could be lifesavers.
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Post by bocephus on Dec 16, 2019 11:12:38 GMT -5
Actually I have been to roaring plains, about six years ago, the link to the map is the route we did. It was in September of that year that we did four days three nights. Now there is a campsite that I would like to make it to right before you have to traverse the bolder field and then maybe camp there and hike back out to the pipeline back down to FR 70. www.midatlantichikes.com/id121.html |
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Dec 16, 2019 11:31:10 GMT -5
Okay, my read on the "Jeep Trail" was incorrect since MR used that on the linked map but most of it is definitely single track. Sept is pretty easy compared to how Dec could be. You might be blessed and have decent weather. I assume you're speaking of the campsite at the junction with Tee Pee Trail. That's a bit of a way in with some boulder fields to cross before getting there. Microspikes are definitely recommended. Backtracking from there is the wise move. MR and I always disagreed on Tee Pee and I believe most will tell you it's not worth it. Be careful in the snow and ice and don't be afraid to alter plans if it gets nasty.
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Post by arfcomhkr on Dec 16, 2019 12:21:07 GMT -5
Tee Pee Sucks. I fell and hit my knee on a rock right before that junction and we decided to try it rather than climb over more rocks.
It's almost impassable, although it might be easier to find/follow in winter providing there's no snow.
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Post by bocephus on Dec 20, 2019 11:43:44 GMT -5
Weather doesn't seem to be looking to bad so far, plan is to start this on the 27th.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Dec 20, 2019 12:50:19 GMT -5
Looks good through the 26th. Hope you get in a good hike. Just be out by the 31st because of the gate.
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Post by bocephus on Dec 20, 2019 12:51:35 GMT -5
Looks good through the 26th. Hope you get in a good hike. Just be out by the 31st because of the gate.
Will do, thanks.
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Post by arfcomhkr on Dec 21, 2019 10:32:58 GMT -5
Weather doesn't seem to be looking to bad so far, plan is to start this on the 27th.
Don't put any faith in the forecasts for this area beyond two days, especially in winter. I don't know what location you used, but the Davis forecast is calling for showers during that time frame. But it's all but useless that far out. I think Whitegrass uses the Davis forecast. If you use Cabins, it will almost always be 10 degrees warmer down on the river than on top.
Hope it stays nice. The views will be much different in the winter.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Jan 11, 2020 7:26:34 GMT -5
Bocephus, how about a trip report. Should of had nice weather.
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