Trip/Event Location: Mathias, WVUS
Trip Leader(s): Eupatorium
Max # People: 15
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Let's climb up and see how the trails have recovered from the March wildfires. We'll experience a 1,000 foot elevation change and cover about 8 miles. Most of the trails are a
We'll meet at the Lost River State Park Administration/Gift Shop building parking lot at 9:00 am. Head to Mathias, WV, then drive up Howards Like Road until you see the sign for Administration/Gift shop building.
A good time was had by all…well, by me. ;-) The morning started out cloudy and cool as I headed up the Big Ridge Trail, but the clouds parted upon reaching the top of the ridge. Signs of March’s wildfire were visible with the trail acting as a firebreak at some points. Along the way, tree showed scorched bases but survived. The mountain laurels were scorched but had green shoots growing out of their bases. The Cranny Crow overlook shelter’s roof had burned, but is now being replaced. The view is still amazing! It’s amazing, however, that the swing right next to it did not burn. The Tusing cabin survived the flames, but the glamping tents did not. Lots of old oak trees on the ridge were burned up the entire trunks. Yet, wildlife is making a comeback. Red headed woodpeckers, millipedes, Eastern-tailed blues, wood nymphs and more flew and crawled along the trail. Looking forward to future climbs to see autumnal colors and the regeneration progress.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
