It is no secret...I love Rocky Fork, State Park. It's a place one can't tire of I mean I had been here three times during the summer including one camping trip. So, when I needed a place to just get out and enjoy some nice early autumn weather away from the crowds and I thought of Rocky Fork, specifically Blockstand Creek Backcountry Campsite (BCS) The reason I chose it is that it is the most remote and is a single-use site. Also, I decided to go out on Friday to avoid the Labor Day Weekend crowds. Last year it was ridiculous the mob of people at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (NRA).
Labor Day Weekend 2020 at Mt. Rogers NRA
Three prior trips in 2021 to Rocky Fork
So, I made my way to this beautiful place. The hike isn't an easy one. The first part of the hike is the same as the one to Flint Creek BCS that I used back in July. However, I wasn't even halfway because that is when I reached the junction for the Blockstand Creek Access Trail. I have to give a shout-out to Ranger Joe. I discovered on the Flint Creek Trail that I had dropped my trusty water bottle Big Orange. But when I thought I would have to backtrack here come Ranger Joe with Big Orange!
Heading to Rocky Fork
The Blue Hole
Friday parking lot
The Big Rock...
...two of the cascades
Flint Creek Trail
Big Orange, Pete & my chair from Max Patch
Where I discover Big Orange was missing
The Park Rangers at work
This was at one time part of the Snake Den Ridge Trail before becoming the Orange blazed trail. It clocks in just under a mile but is a steep climb all the way. Luckily when you get to the trail's terminus at the Blockstand Creek Trail you head right (not the direction of the sign) it flattens out. This 0.7-mile stretch will take you past the camp's water source about halfway. It isn't too long before you see the sign for the campsite on the right.
Going up the Blockstand Creek Access Trail
At the Blockstand Creek Trail...go right, opposite the sign
The water source
Made it!
Like Flint Creek Blockstand has a tent pad, fire pit, and most importantly a bear box (more on that later). But, one thing it lacked was a privy. The other thing you will feel is this is far more remote than Flint Creek or Headwaters BCS. After getting my tent up I went to get water and do a day hike down the Blockstand Creek Trail. This hike took me out of the state park and into the Cherokee National Forest. I hiked this almost to where it runs into the Blockstand Creek Route, but I just didn't want to get my feet wet, so I turned back at the creek.
The campsite
Out on my day hike...
...about to exit the state Park
My turnaround spot
It was on this stretch that I found something that would have an impact on my evening, bear tracks (some of the best I have ever found). While I will talk about this more in my next blog, but someone stole my Crazy creek chair and I think it was a bear. I am grateful that I put my backpack with my food in the bear box and he didn't tare up my tent. So I fixed dinner and then enjoyed a nice fire...oh, and that night a did sleep great.
This bear might have a chair
While my chair is gone...
...I still enjoy my fire
Our tents...
...but I brought Pete inside (he wasn't happy)
The next morning it was breakfast, packing up, and hiking back. It was downhill most of the way back and I was glad of that. One thing that had changed was the number. While the first half of my hike back I saw no one on the back half (starting at the Flint Creek Campsite) I passed plenty. It is what I expected, but at least there were plenty of dogs. Anyway, I finally made it back to the parking area and that brought an end to another outing at Rocky Fork State Park.
What does a Hiking Machine love more than just hiking...camping, but specifically backpacking. Not just backpacking but doing it in the backcountry and that is what I did on Friday-Saturday. I got to go to my favorite state park...Rocky Fork. I shredded some new trails (Blockstand Creek Access and Creek Trails) got to camp at Blockstand Creek, tested out my tent, and another joy of mine...seeing the Lummox suffer!
Yes, he went but he lost his Crazy Creek Camp...to a bear! We went for a day hike and to get water and when we got back it was gone from where he left it. So, he moaned and whined all evening while I laughed! He didn't want me to leave my tent outside of the big one in case the bear came back. But between you and me he wants the Hiking Machine in his tent for protection because I am always carrying a can of Bear Whoop Ass! Well, just thinking about it makes me laugh uncontrollably so with that I am out...BITCHES!
For those who don't know the Devil's Bathtub is a popular spot. If you have ever been on a weekend you will know about parking issues. However, if you hike to the Bathtub you will know its popularity from the trash. I was recently in Southwest Virginia, specifically at the Cabin. I already talked about making the decision to hike to this popular spot in Scott County, but I forgot something I needed a trash bag. Since this was an out and back I leave the trash I find until on my way back. Since I didn't have a trash bag I ended up just using my backpack and my water bag for smaller stuff (like cigarettes).
Anyway, I collected 18 plastic water bottles, two aluminum cans, a couple cigarette packs, a juice pack, small trash, a shoe bottom, and a pair of sunglasses. I have brought out more, like the time at Devil's Racetrack in Campbell County, TN where I hauled out a construction trash bag full. However, just know I could have collected more on this trip but I wasn't hauling out clothes without a trash bag and by trash picker.
My Granddaddy would hate to see this place that he took me to as a boy spoiled by people who care so little about the Bathtub and leave behind their trash. I might sound like a broken record, but I am going to keep playing this one! f you can't take a little responsibility and Leave No Trace, just stay home!
My trip early this week to the Cabin was a little different. I am going to start with the hike I did. It was different than normal because it was on my trails across our land. No, since I was flying solo I decided to get up Monday morning and head out to the Devil's Bathtub.
On my way to Southwest Virginia
This popular spot isn't that far from where you turn up to go the Cabin. It is no more than ten minutes, it takes longer to get back to the main road. So, I turned left at the old house, which is good as I know that because the Devil's Bathtub sign on this side was missing (but the other side in there). Another thing to know if you turn in here is that you can't get a passenger car to the main lot because in the six years since I was last here it has become REALLY rutted...I mean high clearance rutted.
"The Tub" in 1981 (L) & 2015 (R)
The sign in 2015 (L) & in 2021
I have a 40-plus-year history with this Scott County Treasure. Like I said my last visit was in October of 2015 there have been some editions to this hike. While the sign at the trailhead is gone there is a new information kiosk and triangle yellow blazes. The first half-mile heads downhill and crosses the first creek. This one is one of the tougher ones because it is deeper than most and the rocks to hope are bigger and more spread out. However, being summer it is a little easier with lower water levels.
Information Kiosk
While I was doing this a four-mile out-and-back it can be done as a seven-mile loop. Because of this, you want to go left at the sign (which is also a different sign). From here you just follow the Yellow Blazed Trail. While the trail is wide, I wouldn't describe it as easy. A lot of people think this and a lot have to be rescued. The reason is the 10 creek crossing on this trail. When the water is up you will rock hop and probably still get your feet wet. When water is low the difference is you don't get your feet wet. Just know this is not a short jaunt on a flat trail. Still, you can't deny the trail's popularity and how can you tell...all the trash left behind. I doing a Rant Blog on the (here) but let me just say it is a lot.
Old sign (T) New Sign (BL) & the direction
Old Railroad Cart
Anyway, you know you're almost there when you reach the narrow path down to the creek with a rope cable to assist. This is where the main swimming hole is (and a lot of trash). But you are not there yet as a steep short climb leads you to above the Bathtub. After passing a mileage sign you go through rhododendrons and it will be down to the left. It once had a sign which means it is even easier to miss. So, if you reach the creek crossing you need to backtrack as you went too far.
The downhill with cable (L), Waterfall (RT) & the Climb (RB)
Swimming Hole
This nice sign is no longer here (T) now it is this one (B)
As for the Devil's Bathtub itself, you might be surprised by its size. It might seem small at 20 feet by four feet but it is an impressive 10+ feet deep. There is a smaller tub in the making above it. Both are fed by a nice waterfall. As the story goes is that the water is so cold that the devil goes there to cool off, so I might have just missed him on Sunday (more on that).
After hiking the two miles back I decided to make a quick stop at Stoney Creek Park.
Before becoming a park in late 2020 it was Carters on the Creek. The park provides parking for the Devil's Bathtub and is also free. Now it is 0.85-mile just to the trail information kiosk and a half-mile of road walk. But, if it is crowded and you don't have a high clearance vehicle it is a good place to park. Also, the park has a vault toilet, picnic table, and swimming access to Stoney Creek.
Was Carters on the Creek but now Stoney Creek Park
Now free parking, but a walk is involved
While this was the main highlight of the trip to Southwest Virginia I did enjoy time at the Cabin but I first had to survive the heat on Sunday. Mowing on this day was the hottest this season and easily one on the all-time list. There was plenty of late summer wildflowers and it did cool off Monday, but it came with rain which it was still doing until I departed...
