| | -
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 3.85 Miles |
2,271 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.85 Miles | 2 Hrs 48 Mns | | 1.38 mph |
| 2,271 ft AEG | | 15 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Looking for a challenging hike to break out of my winter slump, I headed out to try the Elk Mountain/King Mountain Loop. It was in the low 40s at the trailhead and a little breezy, but at least the skies were clear.
The main parking area was locked shut since its still winter, so I parked with several other cars by the highway and walked up the road. The trail was nice and steep (exactly what I needed) and I slowly made my way up towards Elk Mountain. Trail started completely dry, but I started encountering snow patches in the shade and then by 1500' it was mostly solid snow up to 2' deep. Very slick in some of the steep areas so I put on micro spikes to make things easier/safer.
Only saw 1 other hiker when I arrived at the top of Elk Mountain, she was just finishing up taking in the view and heading back down. I scouted around to see if I could find the loop trail that headed over to Kings Mountain, but the snow was much too deep and there was no sign of the trail, so I decided to head back as well. Always a bit disappointing to cut a trip short, but definitely the right call. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
