On the trail

I have been wanting to hike the Boone Fork Trail near Boone and Blowing Rock for a long time. It is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a 5 mile loop trail that winds along a couple of creeks. I knew there were some huge rocks along one of the creeks but I did not do enough research to know that 90% of the trail is rocks, roots and today was mud from yesterdays rain. And hills!

Jerry and I started out about 10:30 and finished the hike at 3:30. It was hard going. Sometimes we had to climb up steep rocky areas. There were many, many creek crossings. Bridges, steps, a ledge with a rope to hold on to as well as a creek crossing with a rope to hold on to. A ladder down to the next level of the trail. Small waterfalls were everywhere. The boulders lined the trail in places that were bigger than houses. In one section of the creek there were huge flat boulders where people were sunning or wading in the pools formed by the rocks. I am sure this place gets many summer visitors.

The trail was very lush and green. There were rhododendron lining the trail but they were not blooming. I did see some mountain laurel but most of the early spring flowers were already gone. It was humid and almost felt like a rain forest with all the green as well as moss everywhere. So hard to describe the area.

I can check this hike off my bucket list. I will sleep really well tonight as will Jerry.