We started at the Rolling Creek TH at noon. It was an easy climb for the first 3 miles, then went to crap very quickly. We actually had to backtrack a couple times because I wasn’t sure we were on trail. We’d hit spots that were definitely trail, then lose it for another half-mile. This was pretty much the story of the next 4 miles to the junction with the Wigwam Trail. Earlier, we had passed a pair with gigantic packs – you know, over their heads and wider than their bodies. I just kept thinking they’re going to have a hell of a time with this section. I wonder if they made it…
Start of Rolling Creek Trail
Early views!
“Dad…this is getting old.”
“Trail”
I wasn’t in the best mood after that climb, but the views along Wigwam certainly helped fixed that. The first couple miles kept us in the woods, then it all opened up. Poor Flurry had an issue with one water crossing…they sure don’t make those for dogs! She has a hard time keeping her footing on thin logs, so the bigger crossings always make me a little nervous.
Flurry enjoying the views along Wigwam
Beautiful weather!
We passed a huge group camped a few miles from Lost Park Campground. They offered me tacos, but sadly, that just didn’t sound very good. My trail appetite is non-existent until the third day out or so. Oh well!
Eventually, we made it to Lost Park Campground. The trail split here: left for Brookside-McCurdy, right for the campground. We decided to go the long way around (left), but that was a mistake. The trail was completely under water – no way we were crossing it. We backtracked to the split, went right, and luckily found a much more amenable crossing.
We had more great views along the Brookside-McCurdy trail. Flurry was starting to get tired and I was about ready for a beer, so we stopped at the first nice spot we hit, just before the junction with the CT.
Home for the night
Flurry lounging
Beer time!
Dusk
It was a little chilly the next morning, so we lounged around for a bit before getting packed up and heading out. We hiked this section of the CT in 2012. Unfortunately, most of the section was a sloppy, wet, muddy mess. I gave up on keeping Flurry clean and my feet dry after the first few miles.
Sleepy girl
A good representation of most of this section…
But not all of it
The miles seemed to crawl by, but we made it back to the start at 10:45.
All done!
Overall, it was a great little micro-adventure. I was under the impression this loop was closer to 23 miles, but Gaia GPS said we did 17.3, then 9.4 for a grand total of almost 27 miles. With the bit of backtracking we had to do, that sounds about right.
