White Rocks Circuit |
Description: This is an 8.7 mile moderate
circuit hike with 1300 foot elevation change. Highlights are
streams and views. The elevation gain is pretty moderate when
the loop is hiked as described. Getting to the White Rocks
Vista will take a short rock scramble but the views are well
worth it.
As you start up hill you'll come to a pink or orchid farm gate on the right and a pull-in for 4 cars on the left. This is where the hike starts. |
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Trail Notes: From the parking area walk up the continuation of Waite's Run Rd, past the turn-around, through the forest gate. You are now on yellow-blazed Wilson Cove Trail. As you top the hill turn right onto pink-blazed Old Mail Trail. Cross Cove Run and slowly climb up through a mix of pine and deciduous trees. This portion of the trail may be wet due to beaver activity. Come
to a wildlife clearing. Continue to an orange-blazed forest
road ( Racer Camp Hollow Trail). Turn right onto Racer
Camp, passing the continuation of Old Mail Trail on your left
(Part of your return route).
Racer Camp Hollow trail descends into the cove, crosses a fork of Waites Run and becomes a footpath. Gradually climb out of the cove, crossing the stream a couple of times. Pass a hunter's camp on your right and a pond on your left and arrive at the intersection of the blue-blazed Tuscarora Trail (left and right) and purple-blazed Little Sluice Trail (straight ahead). Turn left on the Tuscarora Trail and climb gradually on a decent grade. You'll notice the ridge narrowing on both sides of the trail just as you drop down into a slight saddle. Look for white-blazed White Rocks Trail on your right and follow it about 0.3 miles to the overlook. Return to the Tuscarora Trail and turn right. Soon turn left onto the Old Mail Trail. Watch for partial views as you descend. Cross orange-blazed Racer Camp Hollow Trail, zig-zag to the wildlife clearing you walked through earlier and retrace your route back to the cars. |
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Date: 11/08/13 Rating: 4
Fun hike, I would agree with the moderate description. Few additional notes. Stop and pick up a map at the crossing of the Yellow and Pink Trails (Wilson Cove/Old Mail). I did this hike in the autumn after all the leaves fell, so at times on the Racer Hollow Trail (orange) it was difficult to pick up the trail. Outlook was amazing. Lots of campsites along the way if you want to do an easy backpack trip. As far as the directions, very accurate. Don't make the same mistake I did though: When you leave the White Rocks trail, don't go all the way back down the mountain! ________________________________________
Name: Galen
Hike: White Rocks Circuit ________________________________________ |