HikeSummer '17

Well, unlike most summers I didn't mind this year for a number of  reasons. It might be that I had a number of days camping as I started HikeSummer '17 on a three-day weekend with the Clinch Coalition at Bark Camp Lake in Southwest Virginia. Then I had three backpacks with the Harvey Broome Group of the Sierra Club. The first to the Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Then two outings around and in the Shining Rock Wilderness. The first, in July, near Sams Knob and the second in August near Black Balsam Knob. I also had plenty of day hikes to the Roans, Camp Creek Bald, and Big South Fork. I also added two categories...State Parks and Campsites. So here is an overview of HikeSummer '17.

Total Days Out: 19; Hiking Days: 19

Total Hikes: 24; Hikes: 24 

Total Miles: 95.5; Hiking Miles: 95.5

Longest: Round Knob to Shelton Graves - 12.8 Miles (06-26-17)

Shortest: Roan Rhododerdons Gardens Trail - 1 Mile (06-12-17)

Warmest: Nathan Bedford Forrest S.P. - 100+ Degrees (07-22-17)

Coldest: Roan Highlands - Low 50's Degrees (07-30-17)

Mountain Peaks: 26

Highest Peak & Point: Roan High Bluff - 6,267 ft. (06-25-17)

Lowest Peak: 20 Trail Knob - 600 ft. (07-22-17)

Lowest Point: Eva Beach - 363 ft. (07-22-17)

Fire Lookouts, Towers & Water Towers: 3

Highest & Tallest: Camp Creek Bald FT - 4,844 ft. & 21 ft. (09-25-17)

Lowest & Shortest: Meadow Creek Tower - 2,875 ft. & 18 ft. (08-29-17)

Lowest: High Knob Tower - 18 ft. (06-03-17)

Cliffs & Outcrops: 70

Highest: Grassy Ridge Bald Summit - 6,189 ft. (06-12-17)

Lowest: Honey Creek Cave - 1, 180 ft. (08-20-17)

Overlooks: 25

Highest: Roan High Bluff - 6,267 ft. (06-25-17)

Lowest: Honey Creek Overlook - 1,190 ft. (08-20-17)

Waterfalls: 11

Tallest: Wildcat Falls - 200 ft. (07-08-17)

Shortest: French Broad Cascade - 3 ft. (08-03-17)

Bodies of Water: 36

Largest & Lowest Lake: Kentucky Lake - 250.5 Sq.Miles & 363 ft. (07-22-17)

Smallest & Highest Lake: High Knob Lake - 4 Acres & 3,550 ft. (06-03-17)

Highest River: Doe River - 2,679 ft. (Three Times)

Lowest River: Big South Fork - 1,100 ft. (08-20-17)

Trailheads: 43

Highest: Cloudland Trail - 6,161 ft. (06-12 & 21-17)

Lowest: Nathan Bedford Forrest S.P. - 419 ft. (07-22-17)

Gaps: 34

Highest Hiking: Investor Gap - 5,723 ft. (08-12 & 13-17)

Lowest Hiking Gap: Cumberland Gap - 1,631 ft. (07-18-17)

Highest Road: Toll House Gap - 6,087 ft. (06-12 & 21-17)

Lowest Road: Moccasin Gap - 1,266 ft. (Four Times)

Shelters: 1

Jerry's Cabin - 4,166 ft. (06-26-17)

Gift Shops & Visitor Centers: 26

Highest: Roan Rhododendron Gardens VC - 6,196 ft. (06-12 & 21-17)

Lowest: NB Forrest SP VC - 409 ft. (07-21-to-23-17)

Wilderness Areas: 1

Shining Rock Wilderness - 5,466 ft. (08-12 & 13-17)

Recreation & Picnic Areas: 5

Highest: Mt. Rogers NRA - 5,530 ft. (06-17 & 18-17)

Lowest: Houston Valley RA - 1,754 ft. (08-29-17)

State Parks: 4

Highest: Roan Mountain SP - 3,769 ft. (Three Times)

Lowest: Nathan Bedford Forrest SP - 363 ft. (07-21-to-23-17)

Campsites: 4

Highest: Kim's Gap - 5,466 ft. (08-12 & 13-17)

Lowest: Bart Camp Lake Campground - 2,864 ft. (06-02-to-04-17)

Major Trails: 10

Appalachian Trail: 7

Mountains-to-Sea Trail: 1

Art Loeb Trail: 1

Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Trail: 1

Hiking & Hauling A Lummox Just Another Week Down The Rabbit Hole

What better way to start off fall than with a trip with me Pete...Down the Rabbit Hole. While this week's edition is only one hike it felt like three. Yes, I only had to carry one person this week but I had close to a mile-and-a-half of dead weight to haul up from Paint Rock, but I digress.
The Big Lummox and I decided to head back to the Weaver's Bend area to complete a hike that the Lummox tapped out of last November. We made it up to Chimney Rocks and I wanted to head down to Paint Rock, but he was still recovering from a sinus infection, so I cut him some slack. That wasn't the case Tuesday as it was Paint Rock or bust. The first part was too bad as we headed up the Chimney Rocks Trail. 

Back in November...

...& me in August.

The Lummox only complained once or twice, but that was about to change.  I knew I was in trouble when he was whining going downhill! We got to Paint Rock and it was pretty cool, but I spotted a side trail to the top so a dragged the Lummox kicking and screaming up the gently sloped trail. Once he took his pictures and ate lunch (I don't need to eat just hike) my work really began. 

Paint Rock...

...the easy trail up...

...at the top...

...I wanted to climb down this way!

I think the rating of the Paint Rock Trail is moderate and this wasn't too far off the mark (if not a little high for a hiker of my level).  However when you have to carry 200 pounds of dead weight...no dead weight would have been better as it doesn't cry and moan for 1.3 miles. I don't know what is harder carrying two people on an easier trail or the Lummox on this one. Anyway, once at the top and after the Lummox finally woke up after passing out we headed from the Chimney Rocks to the car. I will say I was excited to see some fall colors because I love autumn hiking. Don't get me wrong the weather doesn't bother me, but Easter is not even in the thoughts of people so it is a win. 

The moderate trail back.

Fall colors!

After that I let him have his little drive to the Meadow Creek Tower. If it would have been my decision we would have hiked it, but the Lummox is just a girly man so we drove.

Back at the river.