GaliWalker
Trail Wise!
Have camera, will use.
Posts: 3,699
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Post by GaliWalker on Jul 17, 2021 17:38:12 GMT -8
With its 2050ft sustained elevation gain over 2.8mi, I've always thought that Chimney Top, a spectacular viewpoint on North Fork Mountain, would make for a great conditioning hike. There are few (if any?) other trails in the mid-Atlantic that provide this much elevation gain this quickly in one shot. Unfortunately, North Fork Mountain is a 3.25hr drive away for me, which is too far for a mere conditioning hike. A week ago, I got the bright idea for a hike that would allow me to have my cake and eat it too: How about I hike up to Chimney Top with my full camera gear, come down, stash the camera gear and then go up again one or two more times? I started my hike from North Fork Mountain's north trailhead at 5:45am. I made the ridge, 1.75mi in, in about 50min, and decided to take a break while enjoying the view of New Creek Mountain, across the Potomac River valley. 15min later, I was on my way again, and 40min later was atop Chimney Top, basking in the magnificent views. New Creek MountainMy favorite view in the mid-AtlanticThe impressive notch carved by the Potomac RiverAt 9:30am I was on my way down. It was already hot and muggy and I was totally soaked with sweat. 1.25hrs later I was back at the car, where I traded my heavy camera gear for a Gatorade bottle. My second lap up was painful. The temperature had climbed into the upper 80s, so I was dragging. I knew that more ambitious plans of a third lap or a longer second lap had to be abandoned. I'd have to be satisfied with a second Chimney Top ascent. I eventually dragged my sodden carcass up in 2hrs. Even though I'd put my main camera away I couldn't resist taking a few snaps with my iPhone.
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