Hike #3: Stone Mountain Loop

I stepped off of the Blue Ridge Parkway to hike at another of my family's old haunts: Stone Mountain (NC) State Park.  Of the various trails at the park, I chose to hike the Stone Mountain Loop Trail.

Location: near Glade Valley, NC (Allegheny County) and Traphill, NC (Wilkes County);  if coming from the BRP, take the exit for US Highway 21 near Cherry Lane, NC and head down the mountain; 1 hour 15 minutes from Winston-Salem, NC (US 421 to I-77 to US 21); 1 hour and 45 minutes from Charlotte, NC (I-77 to US 21); from US 21, turn onto Traphill Road and then take a right onto the John P. Frank Parkway.

There are two places from which you can access the Stone Mountain Loop Trail: the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot.  Each has its own pros and cons.  I elected to start from the Lower Lot, which, as the name implies, is at the foot of the mountain.

Length: The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is 4.5 miles (elsewhere listed as 4.3 miles).  My GPS-aided fitness app measured it at 4.2 miles.

Difficulty: The trail map lists it as "strenuous."  This rating is due to the ascent of Stone Mountain itself.  If you begin from the Lower Lot (which I did) and head clockwise, the ascent takes place entirely within the first mile (see chart below).  As you can tell from the multiple "pause" balloons on the above map prior to the first mile-marker, this is a challenge.  If you head the opposite direction (counterclockwise), the ascent is divided into two chunks.  The first section is up a lengthy wooden stairway that parallels the "Upper Falls" between miles two and three (above). The second is up a series of switchbacks between mile-markers one and two.  The trail head from the Upper Lot splits this ascent evenly.  Most people simply wanting to go to Stone Mountain's Upper Falls or to the summit of the mountain will probably want to take the Upper Lot option.

My hiking partner and I maintained roughly a two mile-per-hour pace, which included a few breaks for picture-taking.  Our total time on the trail was close to two and a half hours.

Steps like those above give way to stairs like those below as you near the summit. 

Scenery: There is a lot to see along this trail. The view from the top of the mountain is stunning (Image 1 below). The 200-foot high Upper Falls is also quite beautiful (Image 2).  Then there is the impressive view of the mountain from the base (Image 3), which is most easily accessed by heading counterclockwise from the Lower Lot.  Finally, there is the Hutchinson Homestead at the base of the mountain (Image 4).  We skipped the homestead (which is just slightly off the trail) this time but it is worth a look if you have the time.

Image 1: View to the Southwest (one of many great views)

Image 2: Upper Falls (only about the lower 1/2 is visible here)

Image 3: Stone Mountain

Image 4: Hutchinson Homestead

Recommendations: Where to start and which direction to head all depends on whether you're doing this hike for exercise or for sightseeing.  If the former, I would recommend starting at the Lower Lot and heading clockwise.  The first mile is a bear but it's a great workout.  If the latter, I would recommend starting at the Upper Lot and then heading to the right (to catch the view from the summit) or to the left (to visit the falls).

Tough Decision: (from the Lower Lot) To the left it's all uphill for the first mile to the summit

Although they've made this trail much safer over the years by pulling the trail away from the exposed rock face, you will find the urge to step off the trail onto the expose granite in order to get a better view.  If you do, be careful.  They've also put up a wooden fence to restrict access to the very top of the Upper Falls for a very good reason.  As seen in the picture below, what looks like a refreshing mountain stream quickly becomes a death-drop.  I fell into this part of the stream as a child and was pulled out before I went over the edge.  Others have not been so lucky.

View from the top of the Upper Falls (note the drop off)

Finally, be on the alert for snakes.  We paused to allow a blacksnake to cross the trail and saw two other water snakes in the creek that follows the trail between the Upper Falls and the base of the mountain.

Share the Trail!

Packing List:

• Water (a least two quarts for the loop)
• Change of shirt/socks
• Whistle
• Camera

Overall: This is a trail with a good "payoff" in that the scenery from the lot and of the falls is worthwhile.  That being said, both of these are accessible from the Upper Lot without having to undertake that much of a hike.  If you elect to do the entire loop, then it is a good calorie-burning workout.  All things considered, I would rate this trail a 4 (of 5).

Happy Hiking!

Chris

Day Hike Packing List

On each of my trail reviews, I include a packing list that is specific to that trail.  I decided that there may be some use in discussing the topic in a little more detail, to include the pros and cons of various items and other considerations.  Keep in mind that I'm dealing with day hikes, which I define loosely as any hike that does not involve an overnight stay.  A day hike could be as short as a 20-minute loop or as long as a 12-mile trail (or more, if you're up to it).

I use the following as a rule of thumb for calculating how much time to allow for a day hike:

• Easy: 20-minute mile average pace (3 miles per hour)
• Moderate: 30-minute mile average pace (2 miles per hour)
• Strenuous: 45-60-minute mile average pace (1-1.5 miles per hour)

I do NOT generally consider any hike that requires rock scrambling or hand-over-hand climbing to fall within the category of a "day hike."

What you decide to pack will determine what kind of pack you need.  For hikes of 30 minutes or less, no pack is necessary. For hikes of 30 minutes to 2 hours, I would recommend a "fanny pack" or hydration carrier (a "Camel-back").  With the latter, you can shove several things into the carrier and attach other necessities to it.  For hikes of 2-5 hours, I would recommend a standard day pack (i.e. military-style "assault pack").  For anything over five hours (ten miles or more), I would recommend a military-style "ruck sack" (aka "Alice pack" or "MOLLE") or a commercial backpack.  An alternative is a combination of an assault pack and a hydration carrier (or military "Load Carrying Equipment").

1. Water.  My general rule of thumb is to take one pint (.5 liter) per mile in warm-to-hot weather.  If you begin hydrated, and keep some post-hike water at your start/finish point, then you may be able to get by with less than this.  On the other hand, if the weather is exceptionally hot and/or if you are carrying much of a load, you will want a quart per mile.

Given that water is heavy, I recommend that the average person take water purification tablets or another method of collecting and sanitizing water if their water needs will exceed a gallon (naturally, the amount of water each person is willing/able to carry will vary significantly).  The tablets (or iodine) take time to work.  The alternative will require starting a fire, which isn't always an option.  Most important is to always begin any hike fully hydrated.

2. Signaling Device.  I always hike with a whistle. Whistles work day and night, don't use batteries, don't require a line of sight, and don't mimic nature. On the visual side, a signal mirror is a lightweight, and energy independent, signalling option (for daytime).  For nighttime signalling,  flashlights and chem-lights are good options.

3. Clothing.  A poncho is a good lightweight way to be prepared.  A poncho is generally water resistant--not waterproof--but it is still of use.  If draped over something, ponchos can provide shade (if necessary) and shelter. Other clothing worth packing on a day hike include: clean, dry socks, a dry t-shirt, and windbreaker (or rain jacket).

4. Fire starters.  It is never a bad idea to carry a lighter--even on day hikes.  I usually carry a magnesium bar and some tender (petroleum jelly-soaked cotton balls work great) on hikes longer than five miles.  I haven't needed this yet but, for the weight, it just makes sense.

5. First-Aid.  It's not likely that you'll need much in the way of First-Aid on a day hike but preparedness is never a bad thing.  I would recommend some moleskin, some alcohol (or alcohol wipes), Band-Aids, and an instant ice-pack.  Unfortunately, Murphy's Law tends to rear its head.  Whatever you need is what you didn't pack.  Such is life...but pack the most likely items just in case.

6. Cordage.  For day hikes, there is no compelling reason to take cordage.  That being said, 550 cord is light and it wouldn't hurt to have 50-100 feet in your pack.  With a couple of bungees and a poncho, you can have a decent shelter in no time.

7. Cutting tool.  I take a folding knife and a multi-tool pretty much everywhere. I take a larger fixed-blade knife on most hikes as well.  You probably won't need any of them but, let's face it, all survival situations are unplanned.  If it's planned, its not truly a survival situation.

8. Food.  I would recommend undertaking any day hike on a full stomach.  I would not bother taking any food on a hike less than 5 miles or so.  Pack a snack for 5-8 mile hikes and a meal (perhaps an MRE?) for those from 8-12 miles.

9. Containers.  In addition to canteens (or your water bottle/hydration carrier of choice), I strongly recommend a metal canteen cup.  These can be used for boiling water and for cooking. You probably won't need it but, if you do, you'll thank me.

10.  Navigation Aids.  A compass is not necessary for day hikes on marked trails but a basic one will help you find the trail if you happen to stray from it.  I would definitely take a trail map, preferably a topographical one (if you can find one).  Here are links to trail lists/maps along the Blue Ridge Parkway, courtesy of blueridgeparkway.org:

North Carolina BRP Trails
Virginia BRP Trails

The bottom line is that you can never be fully prepared for every contingency.  What you can't afford to risk is dehydration or hypothermia (or hyperthermia).  Thus, take enough water and a way to stay dry/warm.  In the event that you get lost, you will need a signalling device (preferably audio with visual as backup).  Most of the other items on the list vary based on the distance of your hike.  One thing I didn't include--but is always worth taking--is a cell phone.  It may not work...but it might.  Why NOT take it?

Happy hiking!

Chris
(aka BRP Hiker)

Hike #2: Boone Fork Loop Trail (Julian Price Memorial Park)

My second hike of the summer was on the Boone Fork Loop Trail at Julian Price Memorial Park on the BRP.  I have hiked parts of it several times but have only completed the loop twice (for reasons I'll explain later). The park itself is one of my favorite locations on the BRP.  There are multiple trails, babbling brooks lined with picnic sites, and a decent-sized lake for fishing and rental boating (rowboat, canoe, or kayak; no motors).  Whether or not you decide to take on this particular trail, I would definitely recommend a trip to the park (which is only five miles from Blowing Rock, NC).

Location: Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297); 12 miles southwest of Boone, NC; 2 hours from Charlotte, NC

Length: Five-mile loop.  My GPS-aided fitness app marked it at about 4.8, so I walked around the parking lot until I reached 5 miles even.  There are mile markers every half-mile on the trail, which is both helpful and, at time, demoralizing.  Regardless, they seem to be reasonable accurate.

Difficulty: Moderate (with short strenuous sections and some unsure footing).  The trail starts out relatively flat and easy in either direction.  Heading clockwise, you will pass through the Price Park campground before really getting "into the woods."  If you elect to start counterclockwise (my route of choice), the trail is flat (though, at spots, muddy) and follows the Boone Fork Creek. There are signs along the way that call attention to the handiwork of beavers on the creek (which can be seen around the half-mile point).

The most challenging section is between miles three and four on the map above.  There's not a major altitude gain but there are a few steep sections.  What's most frustrating, and at times slightly confusing, is a section around mile marker 3 where the trail follows a shallow creek (or runoff) for a few hundred yards.  You have to decide whether to walk in the mud and water (the path of least resistance) or to fight your way along either bank.

As seen below (based on a counterclockwise route), the major descent takes place between the 1.5 and 2.5 mile markers as the trail follows the creek.  Most of the ascent takes place between miles 2.5 and 3.5.

Scenery: The views are best along Boone Fork Creek. It is worth stepping off of the trail a little to investigate the creek.  It has some rather impressive cascades which, recently, have been labeled "Hebron Falls."  There are a few places one might even be tempted to take a dip.  The trail does not offer any panoramic views of the mountains, as you are generally boxed-in by trees.

Overlooking one of Boone Fork's higher cascades

Video of Boone Fork Creek

Recommendations: I would recommend taking the counterclockwise route and allowing time to explore the creek.  For sightseers, once the trail heads away from the creek, the show is over.  For hikers in moderate shape (or better), finishing out the loop is a good workout. I've seen people of all ages on the trail, including some runners (although it would seem to very difficult to maintain a running pace through some sections of the trail).  I would recommend that those with small children, those in sub-par condition, and those with pets to avoid the middle third of the trail.

I would NOT recommend taking the spur to Hebron Falls.  This trail is apparently very new and, hopefully, still under construction.  The footing is poor and the grade is steep.  Worst of all is that the view of the falls that it affords is not very good.  IF you are willing to fight your way upstream through the tangled mountain laurel along the creek bank or by scrambling over the many large boulders, you can access much better views.  There is a better spur to the creek around mile marker one (near the dam) but it is not labeled.

Packing List:

• Three liters of water minimum (a full hydration carrier would be suitable)
• Audio and visual signals (whistle, signal mirror, flashlight)
• Poncho or raincoat (the trail is long enough and Appalachian weather is unpredictable enough that it is worth taking precautions)
• Camera
• Extra shoes and socks (your hiking shoes will get dirty if you hike the entire loop)

Overall: I really enjoy the first mile and a half of this trail (counterclockwise) but the rest of it is so-so.  If you want a decent workout, a target 20-minute mile pace for the loop will do the job (although doing so required me to jog at certain points). If you just want a leisurely and scenic hike, then do the mile-and-a-half out and back in the counterclockwise direction (towards Hebron Falls).  If you still want exercise, head across the road to the 2.3-mile Price Lake Loop trail (to be covered soon).  All in all, I would rate the Boone Fork Loop Trail a 3 (of 5).

Happy Hiking!

Chris

(BRP Hiker)

Hike #1: Gully Creek Trail (Cumberland Knob)

I've biked, ran, walked, ruck-marched, and propelled myself at various paces with various things on my back in various parts of the world--but I like hiking the most. For me, a good hike is not determined by length, difficulty, or scenery (or what I call "payoff").  A good hike is any hike that you enjoy.

On this blog, I will share an overview of trails that I've hiked on or near the Blue Ridge Parkway (and I am open to suggestions).  Each overview will address length, difficulty, scenery, and overall worthiness of your time (or mine, at least).  I also want to share some pictures and give you some considerations that will help you decide if this hike is for you.  I'm not a survival expert but I've watched one on TV.  Seriously, though, I have some relevant U.S. Army survival training and have been hiking on and around the BRP for most of my 38 years.

When selecting a trail to be my test case for this endeavor, I decided that it might as well be the one that I've hiked the most.  This would be the Gully Creek trail at Cumberland Knob (milepost 217.5).

Location: This park is just off of NC Highway 18 near the North Carolina/Virginia state line.  It is 22 miles from my hometown of Mount Airy, NC, one hour from Winston-Salem, NC, and nearly two hours from Charlotte, NC.

Length: The trail is listed as 2.5 miles but my GPS-aided fitness app marked it at 2.15.  Another sign (seen below) lists it as a "2-hour walk." I've walked this trail at least 25 times and it has never taken two hours.  I suppose if you stopped for a lot of pictures along the creek or took a lot of rest breaks it could take this long.  My last trip was around an hour and ten minutes, which included a few water breaks on the way up. My best time, running roughly half the way, was between 40 and 45 minutes.

Difficulty: The first thing that the casual hiker should know is that starting to the right (counterclockwise) is considerably easier than starting to the left (clockwise).  It is listed as a "strenuous trail." I would consider it strenuous clockwise but moderately strenuous counterclockwise. That being said, I've met several "senior" hikers on the trail heading in either direction.  Small children will likely struggle in either direction. Below is the trail map (note the pauses on the uphill slope):

The first half mile (counterclockwise) is pleasant and gently downhill.  Most of the 556 feet descent occurs between the half mile and mile mark (as seen in the top chart below).

After you reach Gully Creek (at 1.2 miles counterclockwise), you begin to gain elevation as you walk upstream. Along the way, you cross the creek a total of eight times.  The crossings are not terribly difficult but, depending on the level of the creek, can be tricky.  I've fallen in the water a few times in the past, especially when attempting to run the trail.  It is not very deep but it does tend to make the rest of the hike less pleasant.  The banks of the creek are muddy and footing is occasionally unsure. Your pace will slow during this one-third of a mile from roughly a 20-minute mile to a 40-minute mile due to the creek crossings and uneven terrain.

On the way back up, there are quite a few switchbacks which make the altitude gain more tolerable.  The average hiker can expect about a 30-minute mile pace on the ascent.  I used to do the trail clockwise and run down this section but found out it just wasn't worth it (although it's an easy run).

Scenery: On the plus side, Gully Creek provides the best scenery on the entire trail.  The sound of crashing water is impressive for the size of the creek.  Views from the top (even if you take the spur to the actual knob) are disappointing because they are obstructed by vegetation.  There is, however, an impressive vista of Surry County, North Carolina from an overlook just south of the park entrance.

Gully Creek

View of Surry County, NC

Recommendations: I would advise you to take the counterclockwise route and to pack a camera, as you will want to take some photos of Gully Creek.  Although the trail is fairly well-traveled, I would recommend a whistle or some form of audio signalling device just in case you turn an ankle or experience any other injury (which is most likely to occur along the creek--at the furthest point from the parking lot).

For those not looking for a strenuous hike, an alternative route is to head out to the right (clockwise) down to Gully Creek, cross it a few times (the third crossing is the only one with a bridge), and then return the way you came.  This would be a little under two miles but would still be a decent hike.  For those with pets, it makes sense to take this route, as the trail is wider and less strenuous.

Packing List:

• Two liters of water minimum (one for during and one for after)
• Audio signaling device (whistle)
• Camera
• Extra shoes and socks (your hiking shoes will get dirty and/or wet along the creek)

Overall: I would say that the Gully Creek trail is a worthwhile hike for those in moderate to above average physical condition. The drawbacks are that the park opens late (mid-May) and the park office has been closed for years now.  There are, however, operational and clean restrooms and picnic facilities. I've never spotted much in the way of wildlife on the trail but I have seen a herd of deer and a flock of wild turkeys near the park entrance.  On the whole, an afternoon at Cumberland Knob is an afternoon well-spent.  I'd give the Gully Creek trail an overall rating of 3.5 (of 5).

Please leave a comment if you have anything to add on this trail or have any questions/suggestions.

Happy Hiking!

Chris
(aka: BRP Hiker)