Lumber Ridge Loop

This was a pleasant probably 8-9 ml. day hike which started from the Tremont parking lot and Lumber Ridge trail. The sky was overcast with high gray clouds and temperatures probably in the lower 50's. The "Mysterious One" led the way for most of the first 3 miles which is a consistent incline and then levels off for about a mile before connecting with the Meigs Creek and Meigs Mountain trails. At this point, Buckhorn Gap, we began the unmapped section of the hike by turning right down a steep nameless trail which is frequented by groups from the Institute and those of us who are aware of this section of trail.
Just a short distance down the trail the grade lessens and there is evidence of a logging camp at which we found a log to sit on and eat some lunch. Throughout the next 4 miles there are obvious signs of an old railway on which cut timber was once hauled out on. These signs came in the form of rusting portions of track, cables, and assorted iron pieces scattered about. This section of trail follows Spruce Flat Branch, making numerous stream crossings, until you reach Spruce Flat Falls (approx. 4mls.), and then descends on some short and steep switchbacks down to the base of the falls. Today we saw some folks taking pictures here as we crossed the stream and completed the last mile of the hike.

Meigs Creek Trail

This walk begins at The Sinks parking area; along Little River road, which also provides access to the Meigs Creek Trail. The relatively moderate trail was really fun, once out of the cluster of people and cars which double park in the area provided. After I cleared the stone and root staircase just out of the parking lot and the first hill, I saw no one until I returned. Over this first rise, along the side of a ridge, and back down I crossed a small marsh via stepping stones, previously laid in the dark mud. This was the beginning of a bunch of wet spots, which involved numerous medium to small stream rock hops, and given a time of "average rainfall", or a few days of steady rain this would probably be best done w/ old sneakers, water shoes, etc... According to the "lil brown book" at 1.8 mls. I got to experience the cascades seen in the photo, though it sure didn't feel like a much more than a mile. "Musta been having a bunch of fun". (I hope the guy from Michigan; who looked like he was looking for something to film w/ his camera, didn't follow my suggestion that he might want to walk the "mile or so" to see it.) I followed this trail the 3+ miles to the intersection at Buckhorn Gap and the intersection of the Meigs Mountain and Lumber Ridge trails. This crossroads offers a wide choice of options. I was doing a RT so I sat down, had some gorp and crackers, picked up someones disposable mustard packet and enjoyed the moments. At one point on my walk back I came real close to damn near stepping on what turned out to be two snakes (apparently copperheads) doing their thing, I guess. This could be seen as porn by some and if it offends you turn the channel! The return was cool, in how along this trail there are no drastic elevation losses or gains and so any serious "cardio exertion" I felt was because I chose it by keeping a steady pace up an incline. And there are some extended inclines. I must note in the future that these descriptions of trail difficulty are skewed somewhat to the easy side and that a novice hiker may find the same trail more difficult. Enjoy your walks, Peace.