Rock Scrambling and Gunpowder South

Last week, I mentioned in my post that we were probably going to hike the Torrey C. Brown rail trail this weekend. However, when I woke up Saturday morning, I decided I wanted to do something much more challenging than the rail trail. I have no doubt that the rail trail is wonderful, but after the week Hubs and I had, we wanted something that would tire us out completely. After some looking around online, we decided to hike the Lefty Kreh Fishing Trail, also known as the Gunpowder South Trail.

From what I could read online, it looked like a circuit hike along the river. I was unable to find trail maps specifically of that trail to view online, but I thought "how bad could it be?". I read reviews from people who'd hiked a combo of Gunpowder South and others with each one extolling the beauty and serenity of the trail. It couldn't be too bad, after all it was a circuit, right? Wrong. 

So off we went to Hereford. We found the parking area with little trouble. The Gun. South Trail is marked with a White Blaze. None of the trails were marked with signs from the parking lot, so after talking with some people we found our way to it. We picked up the trail where it crosses another, so we decided to head left up the hill. After climbing for a little while we started to head down the other side where we met the river which flowed lazily by. The trail stuck with the river the whole way after this point, which was just fine by me! I love hiking along the water.

The river would have been perfect for a serene canoeing or kayaking trip. There were a few rough spots that gave some excitement, but for the most part the river just flowed by without a care in the world. Every once in a while a fish would jump, or you'd see a fisherman standing quietly swing his line back and forth. Peaceful is the best word I can use to describe it.

After a while we broke for lunch, where we planted ourselves on a rock on the river bank. It was the perfect place to take off my boots and dip my feet in the water! The dogs couldn't have been happier to sit on the warm rock and to drink from the cool (cold) river. Plus, we got to enjoy a fantastic view.

When we started back on the trail, it became decidedly smaller the longer we walked. If we came across others on the trail, we'd have to stand in the tall grass on one side of the trail (which made me really nervous considering our tick episode not that long ago!). A lot of the trail on the river side had been eroded, and as such we had to be careful about our footing. There were several times when our feet slipped out from under us.

When I had been researching this trail, there were some comments about "rock scrambling" that I had seen online. Yet after an hour and a half on the trail, I hadn't seen any evidence of it. I began to despair, which was silly of me (never doubt a hiker!), until we finally came across the rocks. O.. M.. G.. For serious.

Awesome, right? 

Ok, so we didn't actually climb that, the trail went up and around, but a girl can pretend right??

In all seriousness though, it wasn't easy. The hills were steep and the ground was slick in some places which caused a couple of misplaced steps. We encountered rocks like this for the rest of the journey, which I grew to love despite my fear of losing my balance. I was taking risks, something I hadn't done before like this unless you count the risk of buying a pair of shoes without trying them on first (perish the thought!). 

At one point, the trail went up into the hills again. I was chattering on to Hubs about something (probably my absolute need to get another pair of heels for work), when he shushed me suddenly with the wave of his hand. Obviously I was a little miffed, after all wasn't my need for shoes important to him?! When I expressed my displeasure, he shushed me again and pointed up ahead. I peered around him and saw an incredible sight: Bambi! A little fawn had lost her way from Mama and was following the trail! I had never before seen a fawn so close. So what did I do? The same thing any good high-heel-loving-turned-hiking-boot-wearing girl would do. I whipped out my camera.  "Error! SD card unreadable".. I was crushed, and Bambi had frolicked away.

Up ahead, I could hear the sound of rushing water. In little time we came to the source of the sound: Prettyboy Dam. It was so awesome looking!

I had never been so close to a rushing dam like that before. It reminded me of when I went to see Niagara Falls with my family and we rode the Maid of the Mist. I remember the mist soaking everything! But feeling the water spray on your cheeks after a long hike is refreshing! Now, if only we could find how the trail circuits we'd be in shape!

After walking up to the top of the dam and crossing the bridge, we determined I must have been incorrect about the circuit since we could find no evidence of it. I was a little more than embarrassed that I had misread the reviews I'd found online. After two and a half hours of hiking, we turned around to head back the way we came.

I learned some lessons from this hike, which in the end is the important thing. I learned to always do thorough research on a trail and be sure to know what kind of route it should take. I learned that my dogs don't like swimming in ice cold water and I can't say I blame them! And I learned that when your husband tells you to stop talking about the new shoes you want, you should probably listen to him so you don't miss the treasure up ahead.

It was a hike of firsts. I hope I never stop having hikes with firsts. There's nothing so incredible than doing something you've never done, or learning something you didn't know before.

Some trail notes:

1. This trail often intersects with other trails. Keep an eye on the trail blaze to make sure you are following the correct one or you will get lost.
2. This is not a circuit. I repeat: This is not a circuit. (If anyone can find a trail map, I would love to see it)
3. Be alert for fisherman carrying their fishing poles on narrow portions of the trail
4. Wear good shoes, preferably boots to protect your ankles. The rock scrambling was awesome, but could be dangerous if you're not careful.

And lastly, I'll leave you with the rest of my pictures from the hike!

I look terrible in a hat, don't I? Too bad I need it to keep my part line from getting sunburned.. Ahh the fashion sacrifices you make for the things you love..

Thank you so much for visiting My Journey from High Heels to Hiking Boots! I'd love to hear from you in the comments section! You can also follow me by email at the top of the left hand navigation bar by simply entering your email address. Happy Trails!