Wayne National Forest: Archer's Fork Trail

On May 1, Cool Guy and went hiking after a three week break due to allergies.  It was a bright, sunny, 80 degree day.  We arrived at Archer's Fork trailhead, which is next to an old cemetery, and found one truck with a ramp.  Must be a 4-wheeler.  Never saw nor heard it the whole time.

The trail began just down the gravel road from the cemetery.  It was very rough going at first with lots of fallen trees to scramble over or go around, hacking through briers and thorns.  Soon, though, we came to a fork and a sign which pointed the way to Great Cave.  Now the path cleared out, but it was very narrow, very primitive, and tough to hike.  Part of that, I'm sure, is that we were out of shape, but another part was that up went straight up.  No switchbacks, just straight up.

Happily, we were surrounded with myriads of spring wildflowers to distract us from the work.

Eventually, we got to the Great Cave, and it was great indeed.  It reminded me very much of something from Old Man's Cave.  It was huge and cavernous and at one end, water was dripping down over the lip.  We went down to the cave and had lunch.  Unfortunately, there was plenty of evidence of prior visitors: old campfire rings, a little trash, and lots of carved names on the cave walls, some graffiti.

After lunch, we hiked back up to the main path - straight up - and continued until we got to the turnoff for the natural bridge, our primary destination.  It was amazing.  A natural bridge is basically a cave with both ends open.  We went down the ravine, very steeply again (wish I had remembered my stick) and hung out in the shade there for awhile.  We noticed a bird's nest built on the wall of the bridge.  I don't know if that's a cliff swallow or what, but it was very interesting to watch the bird going back and forth to his nest.  We didn't hear any baby birds, so I'm guessing that Mr. Bird was feeding Mama-to-Be Bird.  The nest seemed to be made of moss on the outside, and it looked like a green fuzzy bowl just hanging on the wall.

Finally, we climbed back up to the main trail and headed back.  More uphill going back than going out, but soon enough we were back to the beginning, the car, and some air conditioning.

It was a great day for a hike, and the exercise felt good, plus so much more interesting than, say, a treadmill. (smile)  The bridge was worth the effort, but the overall hiking conditions were some of the most difficult we have seen.

McDonough Wildlife Refuge: Zigzag Trail

On May 5, Cool Guy, Scamp and I took advantage of a beautiful day to do a short hike at McDonough.  I'm so glad we did.

Zigzag Trail is probably about 2 miles round trip.  There is a small bit of incline, but it's basically level.  We hadn't been to McDonough since winter, and it was interesting to see how different it looks with spring in full force.  There were plenty of wildflowers on the edges of the path.

It had been fairly dry, so the path was not as muddy as it usually is.  For such a beautiful day, it was strange that we were the only ones on the path.

I think what made the biggest impression on me for this hike is how silent we were and how peaceful it all was.  I never regret hiking.

North Bend SP: Overhanging Rock

On April 14, Burt, Cool Guy, and I did the 1/2 mile Overhanging Rock Trail at North Bend SP.  We just needed 1/10 of a mile to get Cool Guy up to the 25 miles required to earn his walking stick from WV State Parks, so I wanted it to be as painless and easy as possible.

Now, Overhanging Rock is not an easy hike, but it is short, and there is a lot of bang for the buck.  We scrambled uphill and over and around some rocks until it leveled off.  Then down some very unstable stairs, the actual ones that Burt fell down last summer, and then we got to walk along the overhanging rock and the stream at the bottom.

Differences between this time and last summer are that this time, there were some lovely wildflowers blooming, and there were a lot of trees down and a lot of obstruction in the pathways.  I was told by North Bend rangers that they clear out the paths twice a year, so I guess they haven't yet addressed it yet for the summer.

Another really COOL thing was that Burt found a critter skull in the pathway.  It has huge fang teeth, but it is a small, oblong skull.  Of course, we brought it home, stuck it in a bucket of bleach and are hoping to identify it soon.

The weather was fantastic.  Not too hot, not too cold.

Babcock SP

On April 9, Cool Guy and I took quite a long drive down to Babcock State Park.  This is one of my very favorite places.  We hiked the Skyline Trail.  It is 2 miles one way.

The weather was fantastic.  If anything, it was warmer than we would have liked.

The trail starts from a cabin area and immediately goes up at a gentle grade and into a stand of rhododendrons and a lovely down falling stream, like a baby waterfall.  For the upward part, we were surrounded by giant rhododendrons most of the way with some parts of hardwood.  There were some amazing overlooks once we got to the top and leveled off.  I need to add that we just didn't have to climb very high to get way above the world.

Another really cool thing is that for the entire hike, we could hear the water rushing in the river below us.  So we had it all: view, water, sound.

At the end of the trail, we were next to the road.  There was a picnic area and the most amazing view.  We enjoyed our lunch and gazed at the mountains.  We decided to hike back the way we came, but Cool Guy went much, much faster this time, and we made it to the bottom in 25 minutes.  I'm glad we took our time getting to the top and enjoying the scenery on the way up.

Kanawha State Forest, Polly/Birch/Wildcat

On March 30, Burt, Cool Guy, and I took at trip to Charleston to visit Kanawha State Forest and hike.  It was a fantastic day, weather wise, about 60.

Our plan was to take the Polly Trail/Wildcat Ridge loop counter clockwise (supposed to be the easier choice).  It didn't quite work out that way.  The Polly Trail begins on a fire road, and we first missed the turnoff for the trail.  It wasn't marked in any way.  Before we figured out that we had missed it, we had gone quite a ways and had crossed about 5 streams.  Then we backtracked and found the trailhead, went uphill, and had a marvellous hike along about the halfway point up the mountain.  Cool Guy thought it was neat that he could pick up coal from the ground.

After a bit, the trail merged with the fire road again, and it was supposed to do that for a bit and then split off again.  Well, again, we missed the fork, and we were looking for it, too.  Oh, well, we never got to see what the second half of Polly had for us.  Consulting the map, we saw that by keeping to the fire road, we'd be coming to Beech Glen trail, which is also a mountain bike trail.  I just don't see how anyone could enjoy riding a bike on conditions like that.  I think we had to step over fallen trunks and branches about half a dozen times.  Would not like to be hauling a bike over that.

Beech Glen Trail ended up being my favorite part of the hike.  It really was a beech glen, and it was mostly flat, a little more open, less wooded than Polly, running by streams, sometimes across them.

We stopped and had lunch on a fallen log and encountered a few other hikers.  We were the only ones there without dog.

Eventually, Beech Glen intersected with Wildcat Ridge Trail.  To get to Wildcat Ridge, we had to get to the top of the mountain.  Beech Glen did this much more slowly and gently than I think Polly did.  We covered more mileage, but it was not as intense.  It was a nice walk getting to the top.  At the top, we intersected with Wildcat Ridge and then began our descent downhill.  Sometimes this was pretty steep.

Total distance, about 3 miles.  It was a very nice hike, though I don't think quite as nice as Overlook Rock.

North Bend, Ten Acre Trail

On April 4, Cool Guy and I went back out to North Bend to hike the Ten Acre Trail.  This is a 3 mile trail designed for mountain bikers.  If hiked in a clockwise direction, it has a slow, switchbacking ascent to the top and then a fairly straight way down.

It was a nice day, about in the mid 40's.  We brought Scamp with us.  He barked nonstop the entire drive in the car.  Right in my ear.

When we arrived at North Bend, we were the only people there besides the park employees.  That always amazes me, especially when the weather is decent.

We began Ten Acre Trail, following the directions and going clockwise.  Cool Guy really liked the way that the upward movement was steady and not too hard to do.  The problem occurred when we reached the top.  Suddenly, there were no markers to be seen anywhere, and we were at the edge of the park boundary.  I checked the map, and it looked like at this point we should be making a sharp switchback and finishing the ascent, but there were no blazes, and no clear trail at all.  We made wide circles around and finally came back down the way we went up.

All in all, I'd say this was a so-so trail.  There weren't any great views, or rock formations, or really anything of real interest.  It was just a nice walk in the woods.  If I drive to North Bend again, I will choose another hike.

Conkles Hollow

The entire family went to Conckles Hollow in Hocking Hills SP on March 25.  The weather was mild.  When we started the drive there, it was 30 degrees, and by the time we got home it had risen to about 45.  Perfect weather for hiking.

Conkles is the lesser-known treat of Hocking Hills SP, lagging behind Old Man's Cave.  Though I love OMC, the crowds turn me off.  Conckles is just as nice and has almost no one there.  When we arrived on that Friday morning, there were two other cars in the parking lot.  When we left, there were two other cars in the parking lot.

We did both the Rim Trail (2.5 mile loop) and the Gorge Trail (1 mile out and back).  We began with the Rim, deciding to go clockwise this time.  To get up to the rim, we have to climb a lot of stairs, but once at the top, it's pretty level the whole way.

What was outstanding about the rim trail this time, apart from the fantastic view was the icicles.  We could see them on the rock edges of the canyon, perhaps around a bend, and they were so long.  And then as the day began warming up, we would be lucky enough to see a mass of them crash below.  We got to witness that a few times.

At about the halfway point of the Rim, we came upon the lookout point and the waterfall.  When we had gone last summer, the waterfall was all dried up.  This time, we were lucky.  It was a lovely view across the canyon, and entrancing to watch and hear the water falling.

The opposite side of the canyon had quite a bit of ice on the trail, and that could be a little scary at times.  This side had more solid rock as the trail, and when it was a sheet of ice, it made us nervous about slipping.  There are no guard rails on the edge, and it's at least a 200 foot drop.  We walked very gingerly, and still, Cool Guy, Encyclopedia, and I each slipped once.  We were joking that Burt was next, and he said he'd save it for a big fall.

Eventually, we arrived at stairs bringing us to the floor of the canyon again.  We decided to do the Gorge Trail, which we had passed on last time here.  This trail is concrete paved and is for the enjoyment of those in wheelchairs, baby strollers, etc.  I thought it would be a boring walk, but it was wonderful.

First, there are all the microclimates.  A jungle of ferns here, a cave there, a gathering of slump rocks over there.  It was never the same look twice.  Then we reached the back of the canyon where the concrete ended and the waterfall began.  Oh, my.  This was the highlight of the trip!  Going beyond the sidewalk, onto the path that led us to the base of the waterfall, we were amidst rock overhangs, caves, ice sculptures.  It was so neat to be in the semi gloom, feeling very cold, surrounded by ice and water, and then look backward and see a fern forest behind us, like looking at two different worlds.

The boys had the best time knocking down icicles.  I mean, they were mesmerized for a very, very long time, just climbing among the rocks, finding icicles to knock down, and doing it again.

Burt was over at the foot of the waterfall and suddenly, he slipped.  It was an ice sheet he was standing on, and he went down hard.  The bigger they are, the harder they fall.  Yes, he was right, saving his fall for the grand finale.  Pained a little, but OK.  Nothing long lasting.

Cool Guy said it was the best hike ever, and Encyclopedia actually admitted to have a great time.

Giant Pine Trail, North Bend SP

Yesterday, Cool Guy and I went to North Bend State Park in order to hike the Giant Pine Trail.  It is a short loop, only .6 mile, so we decided beforehand to hike it in one direction and then go back in the other.

The day was crisp, in the 30's, but it was a fair day, as in not slushy and not raining.

We took a little pal with us, Scamp, our Australian Shepherd.  Scamp had never been on a hike with us.  After yesterday's experience, I'd say he deserves to go again, depending on the trail and the distance involved.  Scamp could handle anything, but I don't think I can handle nonstop barking in my ear on the way there.  A huge benefit of Scamp is that he makes Cool Guy a much better hiker.  I don't have to prod CG along up the inclines because Scamp drags him along.

The loop begins right across from the lodge.  Lots of parking and very easy to find.  The trail is very well-marked with a yellow blaze, and the trail is easy to follow.  At the beginning of the hike, there were a lot of downed trees, and I was afraid that the hike would be one long, continuous view of what had been before The Storm of last summer.  Luckily, that was only the beginning part.

We immediately began going downhill and switched back and forth and a mostly moderate grade until we reached the bottom, where we crossed a stream, went a little further downhill, met a larger stream, and then lost sight of all blazes.  It was not well marked at this major turning point, but we got lucky and found our path again with a sharp turn at the bottom of the valley and then began the climb uphill.

The climbs were steep, but not overly so, and never of any duration.  We saw some underground springs where some trees had uprooted, lots of evidence of woodpeckers, a pine plantation, and lots of new sights.  Scamp sniffed something out that he got pretty excited about, but we persuaded him to keep going.

As soon as we got back to the car, it began lightly spitting rain, and by the time we got home, it was snowing and has kept at it ever since.  We seldom get the great good luck regarding weather, so I was thankful for this break.

Would definitely do this hike again, although there are others at North Bend that I like better.  But for a short hike with lots of woods, something that might be welcome in the summer, this one's a keeper.

Boord Nature Preserve

This is a belated post about the last hike Cool Guy and I took in February.  On the 25th, we went to Boord Nature Preserve, which is between Barlow and Bartlett OH.  I have never heard anyone mention this place before, and I only found it because I was searching around on the internet and just came across it.  It is amazing to me sometimes what neat stuff is so near.

Being a nature preserve, we have to follow special rules, like no wandering off the path at all and no taking anything, not that we do anyway.

The trail for the preserve is only .75 miles.  Cool Guy and I have done this hike twice, and we agree that it is best to make it worth the drive and do twice, once in each direction.  It's amazing what you can see going the other way.

On this day, the sky was sunny, and the air was crisp.  When we arrived, about 10:30, there was still frost on the grass to begin the hike.  It is interesting that once we got under tree cover, there was no frost on the ground, which makes me wonder if the tree cover is also frost protection.

There was very little up or down, but that little bitty loop gave us so much.  We hiked through a pine plantation, through deciduous woods and the highlight, the waterfall and pool, which was actually running water at this time of year.

It is a quiet and lovely place.  We have never seen wildlife there, and have never seen another person or even a car on the road while there.  We've been twice and will more than likely go again soon.

North Bend, March 2013

Cool Guy, Burt, and I went to North Bend SP on a fine, fine Sunday, March 10.  I think the high was around 70.  Yeah!

Our hike covered Overlook Trail, and we added part of Lake Trail onto that in order to take a good close look at the dam.  It seems that dams are invading all my hikes of late.

We took Overlook going clockwise.  First we went down, down, and at the bottom needed to cross a stream by hopping rocks, a task Cool Guy loved.  Then we walked through a pine plantation.  We saw lots of fallen trees, probably from winter storms, but the trail was clear and well-blazed.  We enjoyed listening to the trees creak in the breeze.  After going through the pines, we came to the dam overlook.  From there we left the Overlook Trail to follow Lake Trail so the guys could get right up to the dam and see it from the other side.  Cool Guy enjoyed that part, and Burt enjoyed explaining about dams.  I sat on a log in the shade because it had gotten mighty hot.

After admiring the dam, we got back onto Overlook, where we walked alongside the Hughes River for a bit, and then went inland among huge boulders.  Along the way we saw a trio working their way up a rock face. After passing the rock climbers, we went through a rock tunnel, and just saw more neat rock scenes than anywhere else.  Why does no one know about this fantastic hike?

After the rocks, it was up, up, up through deciduous woods until we arrived at our car.  Total distance for Overlook was 1.2 miles, and the Lake Trail bit was an extra mile added on.

Tygart Lake SP

Today, Cool Guy and I planned on a return trip to Valley Falls SP, his favorite.  The plan was thwarted when we arrived and the gate was closed.  It was surprising.  I double checked my brochure and there was no mention of seasonal closing, no signs posted, nothing.  Well, we weren't going to have driven 2 hours for nothing, so we drove on over to Tygart Lake, which wasn't too far away.

The weather was at least 10 degrees cooler there than at home.  I had a hat and mittens and I needed them.  My heavy sweater was just right after we started hiking.

The lodge at the park was very nice, with the entire back side of it being windows overlooking the lake.  It was a lovely sight.  Someone working there was familiar enough with the trails to give us some guidance, which was much appreciated, as we were doing this on the fly.

We began with the Dogwood Trail which went straight up, up, up until we reached the ridge top.  The trail was well-blazed, but there was an incredible amount of trees and branches down, and it was pretty rough going in places.  At the ridge top, there was one open expanse which had a nice view of the valley beyond.  Then it was down, down, down, crossing rivulets of snow melt, scrambling over fallen trees, all the while enjoying our solitude outside in soft weather.

At the bottom of the hill, we crossed the park road and began the Dam Trail.  It was very level, but a lot mushier, being at a lower elevation.  Nonetheless, it was a pleasant hike with woods on one side and the lake on the other.  The trail terminated at the dam with an overlook of the lake and the dam and some benches where we could have our lunch.  Dams just don't thrill me.

Cool Guy went down to the lakeside after we had eaten and just messed around.  When he came back up, he was bothered by the amount of trash around the lake: old tires, beer bottles, paint cans, and the like.  To finish up the hike we doubled back on the dam trail and then went further on it, past the lodge until we reached our car again.  Cool Guy pointed out to me all the trash on the sides of the trail.

If Tygart doesn't have a clean up program, I hope one can be started.

Despite the trash, despite the change in plans, it was a good day, perhaps because it was a saved day after all.