Otter Creek Wilderness: NW loop

Otter Creek: North West Loop Backpack

Last week we went backpacking into Otter Creek Wilderness. Our group consisted of myself, WanderersWife, my parents, and our 3 four legged furry friends. We hiked the NW Loop (see MidAtlanticHikes.com for map and description), which begins at the Big Springs Gap trail head. From the trail head, its only a short distance to Otter Creek trail. We followed it upstream to Possession Camp, stopping along the way at Moore's Run for a photo op. We stayed the night at Possession Camp, then continued upstream the next day a short ways before fording the river and beginning the long climb up McGowan Mountain via Moores Run trail. We finished the climb up the mountain via Turkey run trail, which crosses a long plateau before dipping down into Turkey Run. A short distance after crossing the run, the trail joins an old forest road, which is now a river of stinging nettles, and continues along the side of the mountain before eventually ending at FR 701. We finished the hike by following the road back to our vehicles. We had great weather the entire time, and the water level was low enough to allow safe fording of the creek. The first day of hiking was rather easy, but the second day was a bit more strenuous than I had planned for. Even so, I believe everyone had a good time. Otter Creek remains one of my favorite hiking destinations in the Mon.

Seneca Creek Backcountry: Allegheny Mountain-Seneca Creek Loop

Seneca Creek Backcountry: Allegheny Mountain-Seneca Creek Loop

Seneca Creek Backcountry: Allegheny Mountain-Seneca Creek Loop

Last weekend we backpacked into the Seneca Creek Backcountry. Our group expanded this hike. My parents and their 2 dogs accompanied us on the trip. It was my mom's first backpacking trip ever, so we choose a moderate yet scenic route.

We spent 2 days and 1 night on the Allegheny Mountain-Seneca Creek Loop, described by Mr. Hyker at MidAtlanticHikes.com. It was very cold Saturday night, down into the 30's. Even so, I believe everyone had a good time. My parents are excited about going again sometime soon. We camped near the base of the falls, and on Sunday we hiked out following Seneca creek. Along the way, we ran into a party of approximately a dozen people on horses, but we didn't see too many fearless campers such as ourselves, willing to brave the cold weather. It was great! Overall, we hiked approximately 12.5 miles.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park: Pocosin-South River Falls Circuit

In August we went car camping in the Shenandoah National Park of Virginia. We spent 2 nights tent camping at the Lewis Campground. We went on a day hike, following the Pocosin-South River Falls Circuit described by Mr. Hyker at MidAtalanticHikes.com . This was a moderate 10.3 mile hike, with only one steep part climbing out of the South River. Even this part of the hike wasn't too difficult, as shown by the numerous people we passed along the trail with nothing on but sandals and some even wearing jeans. It was a very hot and humid day, yet most of these "Sunday Hikers" coming from the South River Picnic area down to view the falls did not even have a bottle of water with them. The last 3 miles of the hike was on the Appalachian Trail. We were very surprised at how well maintained and easy the AT is through the park.

The hike was uneventful, except for me almost stepping on a Copperhead Snake (see picture). It happened as we arrived at the pool below the South River falls. I was in the process of lowering my foot when luckily it moved. If I hadn't seen the movement, I would've surely stepped on it.

Big Beechy / Middle Fork Loop

Cranberry Wilderness: Big Beechy / Middle Fork Loop

It's been over a year since my last post. SORRY. We haven't been sitting around, but instead we have traveled quite a bit. We've been to Niagara falls, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, & Croatia. I will post some pictures of these trips soon.

In July we hiked in the Cranberry Wilderness again. We spent 3 days and 2 nights backpacking the Big Beechy / Middle Fork loop. The first day was spent hiking the Big Beechy trail and then camping at the confluence of Big Beechy with the Middle Fork river. The second day we left our gear at the campsite and hiked west on the Middle Fork trail down to the 3 forks of the Williams river, and returned the same route. The third day we hiked east on the Middle Fork trail, back to our vehicle. Round trip, including the out and back day hike, it was approximately 22 miles.

We had a great time, and the campsite along the Big Beechy was excellent. I took a VERY COLD swim in the hole below the water falls. Not really a good idea, but I had to do it.

The trail description and map of this hike can be found at MidAtlanticHikes.com