There were also Rue Anemone, May Apple and Wild Geranium - too many to count, several varieties of violets, a lot of Sweet Cicely, Star Chickweed, Fleabane, Dogwood, Blood Root (Out of bloom now but the leaves are quite obvious.), a couple varieties of mustard, Golden Ragwort, Wood Betony or Lousewort, Golden Alexander and way to much of that invasive garlic mustard. Don't know what blooms there in the summer but I thought I saw some Wild (Smooth) Hydrangea leaves and we found a lot of False Solomon's Seal that should be blooming in a couple of weeks.

I will definitely be leading a group down there next Mother's Day weekend.  _______________________________________________________________________________

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Notice: Midatlantichikes.com will not publish any Outing Critique that mentions the breaking of any Park/Forest/Conservancy/Local/State or Federal regulations and/or laws. This includes, but is not limited to, trespassing, ignoring fire bands and breaking pet rules (prohibition or leash).

Name: Greg                                                                                                  Hike: AT/Sunset Rocks
Date: May 4, 2008                                                                                                       Rating: 2

Critique: I had high hopes for this hike, but it was really rather dull. Drove out from the Philadelphia area for the hike, and could have found better options closer to home. I have hiked the opposite direction on the AT from the furnace stack on previous occasions, and found it enjoyable - especially the spur up to Pole Steeple. However, this hike is pretty boring for the first 4 miles or so - much of it is spent on private drives and paved roads. Once you get off the AT onto the blue blazed Sunset Rocks Trail, it gets a little more interesting, but traversing the rocks only takes 20 or 30 minutes. But the return trip doubles back on the AT -- and back to the same boring/sightless path you took in.

Even if this was in my own backyard, I probably wouldn't do this hike again. Maybe for someone who has never really hiked before, or maybe looking for a brief intro to scrambling, this would be enjoyable. But if you hit the trails more than once or twice a year, I don't think you will find this hike particularly rewarding.

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Name: B. Gordon                                                                                                         Hike: AT-Mau-Har Trail Loop
Date: 5/10/2008                                                                                                         Rating: 5

Critique: As advertised, this is a very strenuous hike. We did it as an overnight, staying at the Harpers Creek Shelter area and were the only ones camping there. The creeks are really flowing right now so if you can break free soon get out and see them. From other reviews it seems that the creeks can turn to a trickle quickly as we get into the summer months and no rain. The trillium and rhododendron are blooming and were beautiful. Don't miss the yellow blazed side trail to see the waterfalls on Campbell Creek on the way up the Mau Har Trail, a worthwhile side trip. I highly recommend using trekking poles for this hike. An excellent hike and even better done over 2 days.

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Name: dcmidnight                                                                                                      Hike: Bull Run Mountain
Date: 11 May 2008                                                                                                      Rating: 5

Critique: Beautiful hike. Rain has really washed a lot of the pollen/dust off of the trees and undergrowth and the scenery was really spectacular. Graveyards and ruins make really neat side features to this hike. High Point was really worth the trip. Saw 3 nesting hawks flying below us.

Only downside is all the rain has turned the first part of the trail before and after the boardwalk into a river. Literally. Boards have been sporadically placed in spots but be prepared to get wet. At a few places along the way the intense washout does make it hard to follow the trails. I'm sure this will go down eventually but for now its something to watch for. Also blowdowns in several areas that appear to have been cleaned up for the most part.

Second downside, two hikers we came across at High Point that brought their dogs on this hike. While the signs clearly denote no dogs I guess people have a hard time reading.

Name: Eric Cober                                                                                                        Hike: Dolly Sods Circumnavigation - mod 1
Date: 4/23/08 - 4/25/08                                                                                         Rating: 4.5

Critique: Went late April 2008 (23 - 25). Bumped into only one other hiking party mid-week, but several groups were on way in Friday afternoon. Trails in Dolly Sods North very well marked, with signed junctions and trail markers. Raven Ridge essentially dry, not really any good place to camp up there. Itinerary good for 3 days, but in Wilderness area trails rocky, wet, muddy. A nice rugged trip. Campsite first night at Red Creek off of Blackbird Knob trail nice. 2nd night at the Forks fabulous, but apt to be quite busy in season. Overall, rough terrain and poorly maintained trails; not for inexperienced backpackers.

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Name: William Edwards                                                                                             Hike: Blackwater Falls SP/Canaan Mt. Loop
Date: 5/3/08                                                                                                               Rating: 3.5

Critique: This is a good day hike with some great scenery. It did not have quite as many vistas as I expected but there were some very nice natural features along the way.

There were a few blowdowns at the beginning of the Yellow Birch Trail but they were easily negotiated as this trail is mostly through mature woods with plenty of open space. The trail does twist and turn quite a bit here so you have to keep a vigilant eye out for the yellow blazes.

We chose to bypass the stables and cross Engine Run on the bridge. Don't get too used to bridges however as you will do a lot of small stream and boggy area crossings by rock hopping. This was one of the wettest hikes I have been on and as far as I know they had not had an unusual amount of rain. Just choose the proper footwear and don't expect to stay pristine and there will be no problems.

We stopped at the Davis shelter for our first snack break. It is located at the intersection of the Davis/Allegheny and Plantation trails. For anyone that is directionally challenged I would advise them to make sure they use the same trail to enter/exit the shelter as there are trails leading to both the Davis/Allegheny and the Plantation trail from the shelter so it could be easy to assume you had re-entered the same trail you just left and actually be on the other one.

The Plantation trail was also very wet and has limited views. Most of it is a tunnel of rhododendrons and would be absolutely gorgeous if they were in bloom but unfortunately we were a bit early for that.

When we arrived at the Plantation/Lindy intersection we were greeted by a fresh-looking sign that warns that the forest service no longer maintains the section of Lindy Trail that you need to take north to CLR13. We did not have any trouble but depending on how much travel this section gets from here on out this could be a potential trouble spot and some bushwhacking or an alternate route may be required. It looked like the trail was still being utilized by mountain bikes so if they continue using it they will probably cut back the brush themselves.

The absolute best part of this loop is Lindy Point. You should plan on taking a long break here to enjoy the views.

I think it took us about 5 hours to complete the loop but we were in no hurry and this was my wife's first hike of that length carrying a day pack. Thanks MRHyker for this hike!

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