Did a classic Arcadia loop a couple of weeks ago. I think there was about 10 of us middle agers and older.
Started near the North Creek Campground. Full house in the parking area
Across the road and up Whitetail Trail. Trail sign was dilapidated but the trail was rolling good.
Off the trail and across a field to one of the many grassy fireroads in Arcadia. Guess who all these guys are waiting on? Luckily they are used to it.
Pleasant riding on Thomas Mountain
Out to FS 812
Only a half mile or so and onto another grassy fire road.
Pleasant riding, like the first grassy fireroad
Eventually this dumps you out at the beginning of North Creek trail on an abandoned section of trail
Then about 1.5 mile up North Creek trail in the direction of Apple Orchard Falls. It is a nice scenic trail but designed for hikers and has too many steps, etc.
About half way to the falls we cross the creek and start the gravel grind up to Parkers Gap
Back onto FS 812 for the rest of the climb
Note radar dome on Apple Orchard Mountain
I think it is about 2500 vertical feet from our start, but we made in to Sunset Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Started near the North Creek Campground. Full house in the parking area
Across the road and up Whitetail Trail. Trail sign was dilapidated but the trail was rolling good.
Off the trail and across a field to one of the many grassy fireroads in Arcadia. Guess who all these guys are waiting on? Luckily they are used to it.
Pleasant riding on Thomas Mountain
Out to FS 812
Only a half mile or so and onto another grassy fire road.
Pleasant riding, like the first grassy fireroad
Eventually this dumps you out at the beginning of North Creek trail on an abandoned section of trail
Then about 1.5 mile up North Creek trail in the direction of Apple Orchard Falls. It is a nice scenic trail but designed for hikers and has too many steps, etc.
About half way to the falls we cross the creek and start the gravel grind up to Parkers Gap
Back onto FS 812 for the rest of the climb
Note radar dome on Apple Orchard Mountain
I think it is about 2500 vertical feet from our start, but we made in to Sunset Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway