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AegisIII 
Group: Members
Posts: 510
Joined: Jan. 2010
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Posted on: Jan. 14 2013, 8:35 pm |
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Photos
On New Year's Eve I figured it was time to take for first snow hike of 2012. I have found that the Allens Valley area of Buchanan State Forest to be a great place for snow hikes, and as there were some trails I've not been on yet, I planned out a short loop there.
I started at the lot at the junction of Aughwick and Tower Roads, atop Tuscarora Mountain. The lot had been partially plowed. I headed up unplowed (but driven) Tower Road, an easy hike on the compressed snow of vehicle tracks. A short ways away I reached the trailhead for the Plank Trail. I headed east, first on a wide trail, old footprints, which leads to "The Bowling Pin." The trails narrows afterwards and begins a light descent. Perhaps two people have been on this trail before me in the snow. All plant life on the south side of the trail is ice-coated. Snow is 6-8 inches deep, but I can stay atop by following others' tracks. In places where drifts had occurred the snow is deeper, and without tracks to follow some postholing occurred. The trail opens up into the middle of an old logged area, with expansive views east and southeast. Everything was snow covered. The Cumberland Valley, South Mountain and Black Rock, the Bear Pond Mountains, the Bear Valley/Broad Mountain area. Wait, I wanted to try shorter TRs. I left the clearing, and soon reached the junction with the Tuscarora Trail.
I headed north, first postholing across a drift, and the following old footprints in the snow, making the going somewhat easier, except for when they got drifted over. And then the footprints stopped, and so I was making new trail, thankfully the blazes being easy to follow in the winter wonderland. I had also forgotten how difficult snow hiking can be sometimes. Rocks were also an issue, making sure I didn't suddenly step right between some. Eventually, new footprints appeared, the walking was easier, and I reached the Fore Trail.
I headed west, uphill, following old footprints in the crusty snow except when drifted over. The trail soon became the north edge of the giant logged area, with views towards the Cumberland Valley, South Mountain, and the Bear Pond Mountains. Further along I reached an old log landing, with almost all trees and plants covered with a layer of ice. I continued west, crossed Tower Road, then a short distance later reached the Gish logging road, which I needed to cross a deep drift to get to. I first did a quick out-and-back on the logging road to Tower Road, just because I've not hiked that little section before. After deciding I wanted to continue, I headed back to the Fore Trail, postholed my way through some deep drifts on the edge of the logging road, and continued west on a gentle downhill, possibly following old footprints, which ended by the time the trail got steep. One good thing about deep snow is that it makes steep downhills much easier, and I quickly made it down, making large craters in the snow with each step, soon reaching Aughwick Road.
After the quite short road walk to reach the continuation of the Fore Trail, I crossed the snow piles and headed down the steep road embankment, and soon fell. Getting back up, I then hiked the rest of the way down into the narrow ravine. I continued west along the base of the ravine, which basically doubles as the trail. Sometimes a stream runs down the ravine, and the trail, meaning I had to watch my step in winter. I then reached the unsigned junction with the Lockard Trail, fully untrodden.
One of my goals of the day was to hike the Fore Trail up Cove Mountain. Though, by this time I was wondering if I was up to it. I first headed north through a winter wonderland under snow-draped hemlocks, and reached the crossing of Little Aughwick Creek. I probably could have easily made it across, but I decided I just didn't feel like it and should finish the hike. So I had lunch, and then turned around. I continued south on the Lockard Trail, untrodden except for deer and small game. After leaving the winter wonderland among the hemlocks, the trail continued in the snow, as I slowly made my ascent up, ever more slowly. Expecting the Lincoln Trail to be just around the next turn, but instead having the climb continue.
Finally, I made it to the Lincoln Trail. Of course, the ascent was not over, and I had to climb the rest of the way up Tuscarora Mountain, and slowly made my way back to the parking area. Probably only about a four mile hike, but felt like a whole lot more with the snow.
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EJS
(Ed. S)
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no_granola
minor deity
Group: Members
Posts: 12564
Joined: Dec. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 14 2013, 8:41 pm |
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NIce pics. Looks like a good workout.
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The difference between people who think for themselves and those that follow the herd is that thinking people aren't afraid of reality.
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hikingFF77
Group: Members
Posts: 5237
Joined: Aug. 2005
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Posted on: Jan. 15 2013, 9:13 am |
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What's that white stuff? Haven't seen much around here recently. ;) Looks like a good hike though, definitely a good workout.
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“I’m just hanging on while this world keeps spinning and it’s good to know it’s out of my control. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all this living is that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go…”
Jimmy Buffett & Martina McGraw
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AegisIII
Group: Members
Posts: 510
Joined: Jan. 2010
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Posted on: Feb. 18 2013, 9:43 pm |
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Photos
Back in January, not certain of where to go, I headed back up Allens Valley way to get a couple more trails out of the way and try some bushwhacking.
I started north of Cowans Gap, where the Tuscarora Trail bounces off of Allens Valley Road. Snow was mostly gone, with only a thin crusty layer in the shade. The first leg of the hike was mostly easy and familiar. I headed north on the TT, crossing back over the road and the bridge over Little Aughwick Creek, and continuing on the TT as it joins with the Mellot Logging Road, recently active. The logging activity was confined to previously logged/fenced areas, and ended soon after the Allen Trail.
A bit later, I left the TT/main logging road onto a different logging road, ascending the slope of Tuscarora Mountain for a short climb to a clearing, and then along the slope on a rough log skid, passing the Ellisic Trail. When the skid finally ended, I bushwhacked my way back to the TT, but trying to stay level so as to not have to do any reclimbing, which actually worked. Back on the TT, I continued north to the now-finished Burd Run Shelter, where I stopped for lunch.
After lunch, I headed a bit north to the Forest boundary and the unsigned Bird Run Trail. This trail is a well-built boundary woods road, lined with rock from the wooded talus slope. There are some seeps near the bottom, and so the beginning of the trail is wet. It dries up, and becomes steeper; the thin layer of crusty snow was an issue in spots, but I did not slip or fall. I took a break at the top of the mountain before I started my adventure.
Last time I was here, I continued east and downhill on the Bird Run Trail to Carrick Valley Road (gated, dirt), and took that south to the Allen Trail to get back over the mountain and to the TT. This time I would stay atop of Tuscarora Mountain. Of course, there is no trail there. Aerial photos, and 2-foot LIDAR derived contours suggested that the terrain should not be too difficult; it turned out to be true. Of course, terrain is not everything. From the Bird Run Trail, the top of the ridge is dense young growth, including an assortment of thorny plants, with talus to the west and a steep slope to the east. Not a great start to the bushwhack; quite slow going. After entering more mature woods, I climbed up a somewhat rocky stretch, past a porcupine, to easier terrain. Going improved, but there were still some short traverses of rock spines, or talus if the top of the ridge got too difficult. There are a couple of eastward views, but the ones from Carrick Valley Road below are better. After a while, I crossed the Ellisic Trail.
And here, the bushwhack became much easier. There was a well-trodden game path along the ridge; rocky areas were minimal, as were climbs and descents. The ridge did become narrow in a couple of places. The only difficulties were blowdowns which blocked the path. A pine stand marks the approach to the Allen Trail. This area still had the thin layer of snow. At the Allen Trail, I started downhill to the west. Everytime I've been to this spot there has been snow on the ground; it is a nice place in winter. I reached the clearing with the view of Sydneys Knob.
Here I started my second bushwhack. My goal was to hit a short logging road about a half mile south, and perhaps 200 feet downhill. Most of it was easy, through open woods, to a spring. This also marked the edge of a previously logged area. Which of course meant dense young growth. And obscured sight, especially looking into the sun. And, being on the sideslope of a ridge, topograpy does not really help in figuring out just where I was. So, basically heading south, trending somewhat downhill, and trying to take the path of least resistance as much as possible, noting my progress by heading towards of series of unfelled trees. Maybe a false log skid or two, and then a real one. Took that downhill, and made it right to the clearing at the end of the logging road. Not gonna do that again.
I wind down the logging road, with some views of Cove Mountain, before I emerge at the muddy Mellot logging road at a shale pile. I cross a few side streams, to reach a deer fence. Instead of continuing on the logging road, I head west on the fenceline until its turn south. There I continued downhill next to a small stream until I reached Little Aughwick Creek. I turned upstream/south, and did a gentle bushwhack along the creek bank on the wide, well flowing stream. I passed one of a very few rhododendron stands in Allens Valley. A couple of points I had to climb up to avoid wet areas and sloughs. Unfortunately one I decided to skip was a side stream, and doing so had me avoid the rest of the creek bank until I reached the Heath Trail and its cabin, and the road bridge, right across from the parking area.
But, other than the young growth bushwhacks, a good hike. And, to avoid the first, I would recommend heading down to Carrick Valley Road, and take that to either the Ellisic Trail and bushwhack the rest of the way to the Allen Trail, or take that gated road all the way to the Allen Trail. Note that the short climb up either trail from the east will be STEEP.
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EJS
(Ed. S)
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AegisIII
Group: Members
Posts: 510
Joined: Jan. 2010
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Posted on: Feb. 20 2013, 10:45 pm |
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Photos
With fresh snow occurring after last week's adventure, I decided to return to Allens Valley yet again, this time to get a Standing Stone Snow hike done. Parking was again at the bridge where the Tuscarora Trail bounces off of Allens Valley Road.
The hike started as last week, heading north on the Tuscarora Trail, now covered with an inch or two of dry powdery snow. No one had been on it since the snow; though people had hiked from the south. Two sets of fox prints led the way ahead. I followed the fox tracks (except that I went around the gate where they went under it), past the Sharpe Trail (my return route), and the first logging spur. Nearing the trailside cabin, I found there was ice hidden under the snow in places and had my first fall of the day. I reached the second logging road, and headed west uphill, leaving the TT.
This logging road levels out near the change of slope on the east side of Cove Mountain, roughly paralleling the TT below it. I see a flock of about half a dozen turkeys. I then reach an old log landing where the unsigned but green blazed Cove Trail heads downhill, and the logging road becomes more of a skid; the only tracks being that of another fox. The skid ends short of the Todd Trail, as expected. I follow the path of least resistance north through the logged clearing, following fox tracks through the patchy snow. In a short bit, I spot the Todd Trail, obvious tracks on it. To my surprise, they were human. Three, maybe two, apparently with a dog, heading downhill.
I head uphill on the Todd Trail, soon reaching the switchbacks. A couple of inches of snow, but packed down from previous hikers. Easy going, even in the rocky stretches. I reach the Standing Stone Trail. Footprints from each directions. I go south, cresting the ridge. I then head west on the Todd Trail, downhill, footprints heading uphill. The beginning is a doozy in the light snow, and I make my steps gingerly. As the grade lightens, the footing gets better, even as it gets rockier. I head down the trail, then along the boundary woods road, until I arrive at the end of the Todd Trail at a logging road.
Instead of continuing on the old Link Trail, I head north on the snow covered logging road, pristine with no tracks, though pine and hemlocks. It undulates above The Narrows, passing some clearings with views towards Little Scrub Ridge. As the logging road ends, it becomes a skid and enters a surprisingly colorful area for winter, with mountain laurel, pine, and oaks with unfallen leaves. I try to follow a level path, which should get me close to the SST. The laurel is young and DENSE. There are some briars to add to the fun. I basically have to force my way through the thickets. I finally make it to the SST, the short stretch concurrent with the Loop Trail. I head west; footprints go both directions. I enter the hollows, cross a stream, and the SST joins up with a woods road. Where the SST leaves the woods road for its Narrows traverse, I stay with the woods road.
I assumed that this is the woods road I saw the other end on at the plank along the old Link Trail. Thankfully, it was. The woods road is easy to follow, beneath hemlocks and pine, going lightly downhill, as it follows various branched of Ninemile Run. All but one stream crossings are easy. There are supposed to be some camping areas along the route; tough to see with snow. Could have been two or three, but the best had a fallen tree issue. Snow still at 1-2 inches, untrampled. Some ice lurked below the snow. I reach the old Link Trail, and walked the plank. I joined up with the SST, and took it east, stopping at a good fallen tree for lunch.
After lunch, I take the SST on its path above The Narrows, with good rock steps on a narrow trail along a steep talus slope. I arrive again at the woods road, closing the third loop. As the SST leaves it, I continue on the woods road, cross a stream, and reach the Loop Trail, which I took east back to the SST, closing the fourth loop. I take the SST up Cove Mountain, following the footprints, likely a day old. I stop at the overlook at the summit to take a break. Afterwards, I head south on the SST, past the two branches of the Todd Trail.
No one had been in the snow along the SST south of the Todd Trail before me, giving me the untrodden snow I desired. A fox had taken the trail, which I followed for my stretch of the SST. Deer, turkey, and rabbit tracks cris-crossed the trail in many locations. The snow enhances the numerous rock formations along the way, but due to my choosing this stretch, does not make it more treacherous. Views are still many, as I can look out to where I was last week. The stretches beneath pine are serene in the snow. All too soon I reach the junction with the Sharpe Trail. The fox tracks continued south on the SST, apparently he was heading to the Fox Trail.
At the beginning of the hike, I worried if perhaps the Sharpe Trail was not a good choice with only light snow. Without snow there's enough rocks and roots to keep from falling. Heavy snow would also work. But light snow seemed like it would enhance slickness. I thus very gingerly made my way down the trail, holding tight onto my walking sticks. I slipped once. Later, I fell. Going was quite slow until I reached the fallen tree that marked the change in slope. It was getting late, so I greatly picked up the pace. I soon met up with new footprints going uphill, and off the trail. Near the bottom it becomes clear these started at the cabin at the bottom, as vehicle tracks made it up there now (the vehicle was gone by this time). I make it back to the Tuscarora Trail, and jog the short distance back to the parking area.
This was a great seven mile hike along Cove Mountain and The Narrows, enhanced by the snow. Obviously, I would skip the two logging roads, staying on the trails instead. But I was right that the SST on Cove Mountain would be wonderful with snow, or at least the stretch I did north of the Sharpe Trail; I don't think I'd be willing to try the sections south of it in snow, as the rocks get worse there and require more scrambling.
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EJS
(Ed. S)
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Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
