Mountain Odyssey
Hiking Guide Updates |
| POTOMAC RANGER DISTRICT [V] (p. 124-199 of Edition 8) (Updated 8/26/07, 9/18/07, 9/25/07 and 9/7/09) |
(V-A) – NORTH FORK MOUNTAIN AREA (p. 127-139) In mid-March 2009 during a dry spring, Kendall and Monika Whyte visited the spring and found damp and wet ground where, if you had a pump filter, you could dig small hole, wait for it to fill up, and pump out water. The water was running clear, though not in large quantities. Water could be heard running under some rocks, but no effort was made to dig to look for it. The Whytes decided that they would no longer do water drops for backpacking the entire length of the North Fork Mountain Trail. Instead they would always trust the spring. (V-B) – SPRUCE KNOB AREA (p. 140-159 of MNF8) Seneca Creek Trail (TR515): p. 143: Segment 4: Horse Bypass. Seneca Creek Trail (TR515) is mainly in excellent condition, but in one segment on the W side of the creek the old road/ RR grade has completely eroded away, probably between miles 4.3 and 4.9. People can climb down the rocks next to the creek, but horses cannot. A bypass for horseback riders (and senior citizens afraid of falling on slippery rocks in late summer) has been constructed. It goes up above the problem area, and then back down. The two ends of the horse bypass are obvious from the main trail. Horton Trail (TR53): p. 145: I suspect that this trail predates the logging era and is not an old logging road. I have two 15-minute topo maps dated 1922: Horton and Spruce Knob. This map shows only one trail and no roads in the upper Seneca Creek watershed. Horton Trail is here labeled by its old name "Hedrick Trail." It went from a cluster of buildings labeled "Little Italy" on Gandy Creek, up Lower Two Spring Run, over the crest of Allegheny Mountain, and steeply down to Seneca Creek. This part of the trail is now designated as Horton Trail. The old trail continues E up the opposite side, now designated as Huckleberry Trail (TR533). At the crest of Spruce Mountain, the currently designated Huckleberry Trail turns SW, ending in the parking lot on near the top of Spruce Knob. The old former Hedrick Trail went on past Horse Rock (Has anyone actually seen this feature?) and W down to Judy Gap on State Rt. 28. I have a 1939 map that shows the entire route. In 1939, there were two trails in the Seneca Creek area—Hedrick Trail and what is now Huckleberry Trail going from Spruce Knob to Horse Rock. The parking area along Co Rt. 29 (Gandy Creek Road) is in a grove of large Norway spruce. Along the first quarter mile of the trail, on the south side of the creek is an extensive level area—probably man-made. My 1922 map shows a single building here. There may have been more at one time. My fairly recent recollection of what is there is a little different from Helen’s description (above). Little Italy is on the other side of Gandy (Creek). If, from the trailhead parking lot, you go north a short distance on Gandy Road, you will come to a bridge. If you cross and proceed south on the road along the west side of Gandy Creek you will come to Little Italy. This old community has not entirely disappeared. The segment of Horton Trail (TR530) from Rt. 29 to the crest of Allegheny Mountain is in good condition, but be prepared to wade through lush stands of stinging nettles in August. About 1.5 miles from Gandy Creek, a major fork comes in from the north. Above this point, Lower Two Spring Run is only intermittently flowing on the surface. There is one potential campsite on the north side of the creek a short way above this junction, and another, "improved" campsite with room for no more than two tents about 0.5 mile down from Allegheny Mountain Trail (TR532). The creek is probably above ground at this point most of the year. The signs at the junction of Allegheny Mountain Trail (TR532) and Horton Trail (TR530) were replaced in 2006. Between Allegheny Mountain Trail (TR532) and Seneca Creek, Horton Trail (TR530) angles down a very steep slope. In a few, but significant portions, the tread has broken down due to falling trees, so I rate this segment as "Poor." Your reporter, a senior citizen backpacking solo, with artificial knees and stiffened joints, turned back where slabs of sandstone cross the trail at about a 45 degree angle. In August, rocks are slippery with algae. However, I know of two other parties that crossed this point August 2007 without even mentioning it. This point is probably close to Seneca Creek. Shortcut to Huckleberry Trail near Point [M] ("Horse Rock Gap") — FS274 p.148. This intermittently used road, closed to public vehicles but "foot travel welcome," provides a fast, easy walk to the heart of the Seneca Creek area. Since it’s an intermittent road, the surface is level, without the large rocks that you must watch out for on Huckleberry Trail (TR533) from Spruce Knob to the Gap. Humans and bears maintain a beaten path through annual vegetation in late summer and fall. FS274 intersects FS112 5.0 miles E of the turnoff to Spruce Knob. There is room for three or more vehicles along the opposite side of road. First, FS274 ascends a very steep slope forested predominantly with oaks. Part way along is an excellent view to the E. About 0.8mi from FS112, you’ll pass a good campsite in a wide portion of the road. Three or four minutes later, Blizzard Run has undercut a large culvert. Here is a dependable source of running water. About 5 minutes further on, the road has reached relatively level ground. Watch for a "hanging" side road on your left, blocked by large rocks. Above, a grass-covered logging road leads to the Gap. In about 0.4 miles, the old road forks. Take the left, most traveled route, and soon you will come upon the sign on Huckleberry Trail, marking the point where the trail almost doubles back on itself. Approximate distances: FS112 to Blizzard Run, 0.8 mile. Blizzard Run to "hanging" logging road: 0.3mi. FS274 to Huckleberry Trail (TR533): 0.4mi. Huckleberry Trail (TR533): p.149: Segment 1: There are several campsites along this segment. Two particularly attractive ones are in large pines on the E side of the trail. One is about a mile from the trailhead at Spruce Knob parking lot. Watch for them. There are no apparent sources of water near the ridge top for any of these campsites. But from the large campsite labeled [M] near "Horse Rock Gap," a dependable source of running water is available from Blizzard Run, about a 45-minute round trip walk (including time to fill your water containers). Continue walking past campsite [M], passing two signed intersection with old logging roads telling you which is Huckleberry Trail. The first is in a large patch of blueberries. The second is a "T" intersection. You’ll see a worn pathway to both your left and right. The most worn pathway, Huckleberry Trail, is to your left. Turn right and proceed about 0.4mi down a grassy old logging road lined with spruce. This road dead-ends at a hanging intersection with another inactive logging road, FS274. Turn right. In about 5 minutes the road crosses Blizzard Run, which as washed away the roadbed, leaving a large metal culvert entirely exposed. Huckleberry Trail (TR533): p.149: Segment 3: My 1922 Horton map shows a building in the "grazing field of wildflowers, above the junction of Huckleberry Trail (TR533) and High Meadows Trail (TR564) ([E] on Map V-B-2). Huckleberry Trail here is part of the old Hedrick Trail. The site is a logical one for a homestead. Look for foundations or other signs of former habitation. Lumberjack Trail (TR534): Segment 2 p.149: About 1mi N of the intersection of Huckleberry Trail (TR533), the trail crosses the lower edge of a small wet meadow often filled with wildflowers. First you must make your way across a small, sedge-filled bog and then step across a small, running stream. About 30yd further on, note a large piece of aluminum with white paint and two large holes — possibly the remnant of a small airplane. Directly across the trail is a ledge with an old fire ring and space for a small tent. This is the only potential campsite along this segment of Lumberjack Trail until you are almost of the beginning of High Meadows Trail (TR564). Between the ledge campsite and HM Trail (TR564) you’ll cross many springs and seeps. Just before Lumberjack Trail (TR534) turns back S and becomes High Meadows Trail, note an old road or RR grade coming in on the uphill side. Follow it, and within 30yd you pass a fine campsite on your left. Continue another 70yd and you’ll see another, larger campsite in a grove of trees, also on the right of the old roadbed. Both campsites are on the edge of a meadow that shows on topo maps with green overprint. All you need for the perfect site is a source of water. One alternative is to see if the small stream that crosses the upper High Meadows Trail (TR564) is running (see below). Another is to make a hollow in one of the seeps with your hands, a cup and scoop up the water that collects. You should check out the third alternative just to see more of the magnificent country on Spruce Mountain. Follow the raised road or railroad bed north across the meadow and through spruce forest beyond. Soon you will come to a second, larger meadow. The old road may end here in the meadow. On the far side, just within the tree line and a bit on the E side of the saddle, is a stream that was not running on 9/6/07 -- a relatively dry spell -- but probably is most of the time. A 4586’ knob rises beyond and beckons exploration. upper High Meadows Trail (TR564) p. 152: The point where Lumberjack Trail (TR534) turns into High Meadows Trail ([X] on Map V-B-2) and turns back S is not signed but is obvious. HM Trail follows an old fence for a while. Shortly beyond the end of the fence, a small running stream crosses the trail. (V-C) – FLATROCK PLAINS-ROARING PLAINS AREA (p. 161-172 of Edition 8) The view into the upper headwaters of Roaring Creek Valley from the pipeline swath [Q] (See page 164) Roaring Plains Trail (TR548) (p. 169) The GPS coordinates of the "Spruce" campsite area are N38' 55.734 W79' 25.746' NOTE: Because of the outstanding scenery of the "Plains" area, people are often tempted to rush things a bit and take their first backpack trip on the "Plains." This could easily be a huge mistake, especially considering the remoteness, the dramatic changes in weather that are common on high altitude ridge-tops, the steepness of some sections of trail, and rockiness of some sections of trail. (The treadway of some sections of trail is just the ballast of ancient logging railroads, much like Rocky Point Trail in Dolly Sods Wilderness.) (V-D) – DOLLY SODS AREA (p. 174-184 of MNF8) The statement on page 182: "(No car access. Former FR80 is now private.)" is no longer true. Around 2004 the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Canaan Valley NWR) repaired this road. It is now their responsibility to maintain it. It is open to anyone, but no overnight parking is allowed. The junction of the former end of old FS 80 (now closed to vehicle traffic where it reaches the top of Cabin Mountain), the top of Breathed Mountain Trail and Big Stonecoal Trail, and the southern end of Rocky Ridge Trail is a busy place on summer weekends. Bicyclists take the chairlift from Timberline Resort and come in here. Horseback riders ride up from Timberline. Residents of Timberline walk their dogs along Rocky Ridge Trail. This is not the place to be if you value solitude. Overnight parking is now allowed at end of FR 80 on the west side of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. When Red Creek is high and FR 75 is closed (it is now, until April 15th), you can use it as an alternative route into the Dolly Sods Wilderness. FR80 used to provide excellent access to the Wilderness. After the wilderness was designated, the Forest Service blocked off the northern (upper) 1.5 miles of the road to vehicles. The remainder of the road is now on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), and on private land. The Forest Service stopped maintaining it. Then, a few years ago, the FWS repaired it and provided a small parking area at the present end of the road. Commensurate with their policy of not allowing camping or overnight parking on the refuge, the present end of FR 80 could not be utilized by backpackers. That changed last month, when the FWS approved the 2011-2015 management plan for the refuge. You can now get a Special Use Permit from the refuge to park at the end of FR 80 for one or more days. You can get it by visiting the refuge office when it's open, ca. 7:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays, or by requesting one over the phone (304-688-3858) or by email (canaanvalley@fws.gov) It is free. (V-E) -- DOLLY SODS NORTH AREA AND NATIONAL SCENIC AREA (p.185-199 -- a new area in MNF8) Dolly Sods North, Raven Ridge Trail TR521, Segment 3. p.190. Dolly Sods North, Bear Rocks Trail TR522, Segment 2. p.191. The eastern end of Bear Rocks Trail is a rocky, eroded former road. However, the USFS has apparently created a grassy/heath alternative. About 20 yards from the eastern trailhead, watch for a narrow grassy side trail leading off from the south side of the trail. Follow it instead of the rocky, eroded route. The grassy/ heath route soon widens and rejoins the rocky, eroded section of trail perhaps 100 yards downhill. Just past the end of the grassy alternative route, about 20 yards to the south off Bear Rocks Trail is a cranberry bog. During Labor Day weekend, or somewhat later, you may see people harvesting cranberries there. In 2009, Labor Day weekend, fall colors on Dolly Sods North could be seen on many deciduous treetops. Be sure to start out from the parking lot that is the eastern trailhead of Bear Rocks Trail at the official trailhead (where the USFS signs are). If you start out at one of several alternative trailheads you will not see the various temporary signs posted at the official trailhead. These temporary signs will advise you of such things as the locations in Dolly Sods North where the risk of bears invading campsites is abnormally high. Dolly Sods North, Raven Ridge Trail TR521, p.189 Dolly Sods North, Upper Red Creek Trail TR509, p.186 Dolly Sods North, Northeastern end of Dobbins Grade Trail (TR526) (Segments (1) and (2)) p. 194
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