Three Ridges Hiking

[link-kmz urlbase=”ramseys-draft/ramseys-draft”] [link-gpx urlbase=”ramseys-draft/ramseys-draft”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=Ramsey’s+Draft+N&hl=en&sll=36.75282,-79.989155&sspn=5.095376,8.822021&geocode=FROISAIdRwpF-w&mra=mr&t=m&z=7″ location=”the trailhead”]

Trail Description

Parking for the trailhead is at the very end of the Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness drive. An information board marks the trailhead and encourages you to sign-in before heading out. Take your first right onto the Bridge Hollow Trail. Your first draft crossing, and most challenging due to the width, is the first obstacle. The trail ascends quickly after the crossing, gaining around 700 feet before the junction with the Bald Knob Trail. Turn left here and continue upward.

The next 6 miles takes you along an undulating and wooded ridge-line. Depending upon the time of year, the ground vegetation can get a little thick. Keep a sharp eye on the trail because it is easy to miss a jog and end up on a precarious slope. Before cresting the highest elevation at Big Bald Knob, you’ll pass the Dividing Ridge junction. There is a stagnant pool of water here. After a steep climb, the trail gradually descends to it’s end at the Hiner Springs Trail. Keep an eye out for briar patches, especially on some of the higher elevations.

At the junction, take a left onto the Hiner Springs Trail. It will gradually ascend and open up at the springs. There are several really good campsites here, complete with fire pits and stone seating. The spring is nearby and is a good source for water.

Continuing through the camping area will take you to the junction with the Hardscrabble Knob trail. This is a lush trail that leads to the forested summit of Hardscrabble Knob. Here there are several large rock outcroppings that can be scaled for a better view. Keep a lookout for the fire tower ruins before heading back down.

The Ramsey’s Draft trail returns you to the parking area and is mostly down hill. While this may sound easy, it’s a challenging 7-mile trail that is littered with fallen Hemlocks and crosses the ever-growing draft 14 different times. Along the way, you’ll pass several great campsites.

A little more than halfway down, the trail becomes what looks like a very old road. According to Wikipedia, the 3 mile section of road was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930s and existed until 1969 when it was heavily damaged by heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Camille. When returning to the parking area, don’t forget to sign-out.

This loop makes a perfect weekend backpacking destination – one can arrive Friday, hike out to Shiner Springs on Saturday and back to the parking area on Sunday. Given it’s length, remoteness and around 2000 feet of elevation climb, the hike is fairly strenuous and is not appropriate for beginners.

[link-related url=”http://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/RamseysDraft/” subject=”Link to more info at Hiking Upward”]

Trail Data

[gps-data-up distance=”16.8″ elevationdifference=”2008″ climb=”3520″ descent=”3520″ time=”2 days total”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”ramseys-draft/ramseys-draft” height=”496″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Fall Mountain Trail” urlbase=”ramseys-draft/ramseys-draft”]

Trail Photos

[link-kmz urlbase=”appalachian-trail/shuckstack-fire-tower/shuckstack-fire-tower”] [link-gpx urlbase=”appalachian-trail/shuckstack-fire-tower/shuckstack-fire-tower”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=35.46074,-83.811264&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=15&sll=35.455566,-83.806543&sspn=0.022967,0.043087&ie=UTF8&z=15″ location=”the trailhead”]

Trail Description

In probably one of the more remote parts of North Carolina, out of the range of most cell towers, the Fontana Dam sits at the foot of the Smokey Mountains, impounding the nearly 17-mile long Fontana Lake. It is here that the Appalachian Trail crosses into the National Park and begins its ascent onto the 6000+ foot peaks. The now abandoned Shuckstack Fire Tower is a popular out and back hike for those visiting the dam.

For those not through-hiking on the Appalachian Trail, this hike is best accessed by driving to the Fontana Dam. At the visitor center, keep straight, cross the dam, and follow the narrow National Park road about a half-mile up to the trailhead. The trail picks up elevation quickly as it meanders up to the ridge line. The next mile and a half follow that ridge line up to Little Shuckstack.

At this point, the trail follows the terrain around to the west, setting up an elongated switchback up and over the steep terrain at the summit of Shuckstack. When the trail turns back to the east, the grade increases immensely, gaining 300-400 feet in a hurry. Keep an eye out for a junction – you will follow the trail to the right and arrive shortly at the the fire tower.

Climbing the fire tower will test any fear of heights as there is little more than a set of wooden stairs and rusted metal handrail. It does sway in the wind and has not been maintained in many years, so use caution.

Trail Data

[gps-data-up distance=”3.4″ elevationdifference=”2120″ climb=”2275″ descent=”150″ time=”4 hours total”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”appalachian-trail/shuckstack-fire-tower/shuckstack-fire-tower” height=”496″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Fall Mountain Trail” urlbase=”appalachian-trail/shuckstack-fire-tower/shuckstack-fire-tower”]

Trail Photos

[link-kmz urlbase=”south-mountain-sp/chestnut-knob-trail/chestnut-knob-trail”] [link-gpx urlbase=”south-mountain-sp/chestnut-knob-trail/chestnut-knob-trail”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=35.602689,-81.628954&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=16&sll=35.599462,-81.626744&sspn=0.011463,0.021544&ie=UTF8&ll=35.600683,-81.623182&spn=0.022925,0.043087&z=15″ location=”the trailhead”]

Trail Description

Although there are many trails within the park, the Chestnut Knob Trail takes hikers to a high observation spot where one can look over the whole valley below. Starting at the Jacob Fork parking area, head to the main trailhead. Take the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail, past the picnic area, past the restrooms, past the amphitheater, until you reach the trailhead for the Chestnut Knob Trail on the right.

The first portion is fairly steep. Switchbacks wind up and around until you reach a small junction. Taking a right leads to the Jacob Fork Overlook, going left continues up the trail. After crossing a minor stream, and then climbing up a small staircase to the Chestnut knob, you will reach another junction. Taking a left here continues on to the Chestnut Knob Overlook.

At the next crest, the trail begins to head down again, this time for the last time before emerging onto an outcropping of rocks – this is the overlook you were working towards. The view is impressive and well worth the moderately strenuous hike. If hiked earlier in the day, you could certainly combine it with one of the many other trails for an entire day of hiking.

Trail Data

[gps-data-up distance=”2″ elevationdifference=”918″ climb=”1000″ descent=”180″ time=”2 hours total”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”south-mountain-sp/chestnut-knob-trail/chestnut-knob-trail” height=”496″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Fall Mountain Trail” urlbase=”south-mountain-sp/chestnut-knob-trail/chestnut-knob-trail”]

Trail Photos

[link-kmz urlbase=”morrow_mountain_sp/hattaway_mountain_trail/hattaway_mtn_trail”] [link-gpx urlbase=”morrow_mountain_sp/hattaway_mountain_trail/hattaway_mtn_trail”] [link-related url=”/gps/morrow_mountain_sp/morrow_mtn_sp.gpx” subject=”Download .GPX of Morrow Mountain State Park trails”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=35.37522,-80.074067&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=17&sll=35.375063,-80.073874&sspn=0.005581,0.007939&ie=UTF8&ll=35.375081,-80.073874&spn=0.005546,0.007939&t=h&z=17″ location=”the trailhead”]

Trail Description

Morrow Mountain State Park, located in the piedmont of North Carolina, preserves the remnants of the mighty Uwharrie Mountains. In the central section of the park is the modest Hattaway Mountain. The trail that summits it is a moderate hike that almost anyone can do.

Beginning at Swimming Pool, the trail begins and immediately heads into the densely wooded terrain. Shortly after starting, there is a t-junction, this is where the trail separates into the loop portion. Taking a right here, the trail follows the base for around 3/4 of a mile. The terrain here is undulating, cross over several small streams flowing away from the mountain and their subsequent ridge lines. In a bit of randomness, water line boxes litter this portion of the trail.

After a sharp left-hand turn the trail immediately heads up to the higher elevations. The trail here is very poorly designed, moving up one of the steepest slopes with no effort made to create switchbacks. At the top, it levels off for a short period before heading back down again. Switchbacks are utilized here, forging a nice, even slope down the mountain before returning to the main junction, and then back to the trailhead.

Giving some thought to the trail afterwards, we agreed that it was best to attack it by taking a right at the junction. The steepest portion of the trail averages around a 30% slope. We all agreed this was easier to walk up, as opposed to down, especially with a layer of slick leaves covering the trail. This means that at the junction you would take a right and move counter-clockwise through the loop.

Trail Data

[gps-data-up distance=”1.75″ elevationdifference=”436″ climb=”550″ descent=”480″ time=”1 hours total”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”morrow_mountain_sp/hattaway_mountain_trail/hattaway_mtn_trail” height=”496″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Fall Mountain Trail” urlbase=”morrow_mountain_sp/hattaway_mountain_trail/hattaway_mtn_trail”]

Trail Photos

[link-kmz urlbase=”doughton/doughton-recreation-area”] [link-gpx urlbase=”doughton/doughton-recreation-area”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=36.4185002,-81.1467315+(Brinegar+Cabin+Trailhead)&saddr=&ie=UTF8&ll=36.4185,-81.146732&spn=0.006295,0.007823&z=12″ location=”the Brinegar Cabin Trailhead”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=36.3907529,-81.1997624+(Basin+Cove+Overlook+Trailhead)&saddr=&ie=UTF8&ll=36.390753,-81.199762&spn=0.006295,0.00782&z=12″ location=”the Basin Cove Overlook”]

Trail Description

Before beginning the hike, it is important to consider transportation to and from the trails. Because the trail doesn’t start and end at the same place, it will be necessary either bring two cars, arrange a ride or turn the hike into a 16+ mile loop. In my case, I hiked with a friend and we both brought our cars, dropping one of them at the Basin Cove Overlook.

Beginning at the Brinegar Cabin, the trailhead is located at the end of the parking lot. It looks as if someone stole the trail marker because the only signage alerting visitors to the presence of a trailhead is a very small Mountains to Sea Trail sign. Continue up the slope and into the forest. After a short distance, hikers will come onto a junction – continue left to begin the downhill Cedar Ridge Trail.

The Cedar Ridge Trail, as it is named, follows the Cedar Ridge line as it gradually slopes down. Switchbacks handle some of the steeper slopes. There aren’t many good vistas because the ridge is smooth and covered in trees. Towards the bottom, the trail moves from the ridge to the west slope and winds its way down to the Grassy Gap Fire Road. Take a left and head out to Longbottom Road, the Flat Top Ridge Trailhead is on the other side of Basin Creek.

Following the small sign, the trail begins to head upward immediately. It curves up the slope to the ridge line quickly and continues up. The combination of ridge lines and knobs that the Flat Top Ridge Trail traverses isn’t as smooth as Cedar Ridge, so the trail uses switchbacks to navigate up the slope. After a slow and easy ascent onto the Flat Top Ridge, the trail descends 300 feet before finally ascending to the Basin Cove Overlook.

I hiked the trail with a friend in 3.5 hours at a quick pace, although it could take up to 2 hours more if you move more slowly and stop more often. The hike down in elevation is a moderate difficulty while the hike back up is strenuous.

The Loop Option

If attacked early enough in the day, it would be possible to combine this with the Bluff Mountain Trail to create a 16+ mile loop. The Bluff Mountain Trail parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Basin Cove Overlook to the Brinegar Cabin. It is an easy to moderate trail that is 7.5 miles in length.

Trail Data

[gps-data-down distance=”9.4″ elevationdifference=”2070″ climb=”2450″ descent=”2680″ time=”4 hours total”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”doughton/doughton” height=”600″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Doughton Recreation Area Trails” urlbase=”doughton/doughton”]

Trail Photos

[link-kmz urlbase=”yosemites-four-mile-trail/four-mile-trail”] [link-gpx urlbase=”yosemites-four-mile-trail/four-mile-trail”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=37.7340057,-119.6016286+(Trailhead+-+Valley)&saddr=&ie=UTF8&ll=37.734006,-119.601629&spn=0.054711,0.077162&z=14″ location=”the Yosemite Valley trailhead”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=37.7274118,-119.5738978+(Parking+Lot)&saddr=&ie=UTF8&ll=37.727412,-119.573898&spn=0.054716,0.077162&z=14″ location=”the Glacier Point trailhead”]

Trail Description

Since there is road access to both the upper and lower trailheads, hikers have many options when deciding how to tackle the trail. The most popular way is to park at Glacier Point and hike down to the valley floor. This requires the least energy and just about anyone can do it. The way I chose to tackle it was to hike from the valley floor to Glacier Point. This requires ample amounts of water and the will to keep hiking.

The lower trailhead is located on Southside Drive, where there is a small parking area. Beginning here, the trail is paved for a short distance before it gradually begins to slope upwards through a thin forest. At the first signs of vertical stone, the switchbacks begin. The quality of the trail declines at this point – you will find it is generally made up of small stones and a very fine dust. In some locations, there will be enough loose material to make the trail slippery. The switchbacks continue upwards as the trail travels eastward.

At about the halfway point, hikers will come upon a junction to Union Point. The 200 foot long trail leads out to a small stone outcropping, however, the view is not very rewarding. There is one last section of switchbacks before the trail crests and levels out. There are some tight sections at this point where the trail sits precariously amidst a shear drop-off. It doesn’t last long, however, as the trail enters a forest of very large coniferous trees before arriving at Glacier Point. The hike up to Glacier Point is an excellent way to experience the true nature of Yosemite Valley – the higher you hike, the better the views get. From my standpoint, it is more rewarding to hike up and see the views get better and better.

I hiked the trail on a hot summer afternoon starting at 4pm. This worked out good as the temperature dropped over the course of the afternoon, providing relief on the more exposed sections of trail. Most importantly, we were treated to an excellent sunset view of Half Dome from Glacier Point. This worked because I had a ride waiting for me at Glacier Point. People who are on their own can ride a shuttle bus to Glacier Point and hike back down to the valley. Of course, those who choose do that will have to time their hike according to the bus schedule.

Trail Data

[gps-data-up distance=”4.8″ elevationdifference=”3180″ climb=”3300″ descent=”140″ time=”3 hours one-way”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”yosemites-four-mile-trail/four-mile-trail” height=”496″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Four Mile Trail’s” urlbase=”yosemites-four-mile-trail/four-mile-trail”]

Trail Photos

[link-kmz urlbase=”cooperriver_bridge/cooperriver_bridge”] [link-gpx urlbase=”cooperriver_bridge/cooperriver_bridge”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=&daddr=Patriots+Point+Rd&hl=en&geocode=FYVn9AEdZsA8-w&mra=ls&sll=32.793971,-79.904171&sspn=0.003635,0.004823&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=32.794501,-79.904666&spn=0.006295,0.007489″ location=”parking”]

Trail Description

Due to the ease of parking in Mt. Pleasant, it is usually best to begin on that side of the bridge. After parking either in the designated and signed lot or along Patriots Point Rd, follow the sidewalk to Coleman Blvd. Continue up Coleman on the sidewalk past the gas station and hotel on the harbor side of the road and the bridge will begin shortly. The initial climb out of Mt. Pleasant is a steep one to the first bridge tower, however once there it is possible to sit for a rest and enjoy the view of the harbor and Charleston Peninsula.

Continuing on and crossing the main span will be next. It really is powerful to stand at the center point and get a perspective of just how large container ships are these days. Continuing on, there will be another rest point at the western tower before the long and slow descent onto the Charleston Peninsula. The slope is much less on this side of the main span as you cross Drum Island and follow the on-ramp down to East Bay Street. From here you can continue on past the port yard and to the heart of Historic Charleston.

A high metal fence keeps people from falling 200 feet down into the harbor while on the bridge. On the other side of the walkway though, a relatively short concrete barrier is all that separates you from the road and cars or trucks moving at highway speeds. That can be a little intimidating at first but is just a condition of the bridge one has to accept. The pathway is divided into pedestrian and bike lanes so be cautious of which side you are on in order keep space open for faster moving bikers.

The bridge walk is an excellent weekend or evening activity in nice weather but be cautious as winds can be especially fierce high up on the bridge, especially during pop-up summer thunderstorms.

Trail Data

[gps-data-up distance=”2.4″ elevationdifference=”190″ climb=”190″ descent=”180″ time=”50 minutes one-way”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”cooperriver_bridge/cooperriver_bridge” height=”496″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Cooper River Bridge Walk” urlbase=”cooperriver_bridge/cooperriver_bridge”]

Trail Photos