New Parking Lot for the Big Piney Trail at Roby Lake. Big surprise, our car is the only one parked here. +1
Hike over, back at the new registration point. There’s a new parking lot, and they’ve moved the trailhead so it is on the parking lot. 18 miles hiked and 1500 ft of elevation climbed.
May 21, 2023 16:09
Black Snake by the Big Piney Trail — It got fed up with the attention it was getting from me and slithered off.
May 21, 2023 15:56
A quarter mile of sticky muddy mess. This is back near the point where the North Loop and South Loop join together.
May 21, 2023 15:38
Another drop-off.
May 21, 2023 14:58
Leaves, leaves, and more leaves. Gary takes a picture and then leaves too.
May 21, 2023 14:57
Up on the ridge.
May 21, 2023 14:56
Crossing Point — Little Paddy Creek.
May 21, 2023 14:35
Crossing Little Paddy Creek — I stopped for a brief lunch before making the final crossing.
+1
May 21, 2023 14:07
Well to the left and stock pond right in front. What an overgrown mess. This will be my last time on this trail until the winter. +1
May 21, 2023 13:37
Can’t see the bluff for the trees. The bluff’s some 50-60 ft. high. There might be a decent winter camping spot here too. +2
May 21, 2023 13:05
Tangled mess — view of a small hollow off the Big Piney Trail.
May 21, 2023 12:56
Day Three — Rocky Outcrop by the Big Piney Trail — South Loop.
May 21, 2023 12:32
Camped at sunset.
May 20, 2023 20:28
Camped at the end of Day Two — And I’m facing east, ready for the morning sun.
May 20, 2023 18:15
Ticks and Chiggers and snakes! Oh my! This (and the heat) is why I don’t like summer backpacking. All those places for ticks, chiggers, and snakes to hide! And don’t forget the spiders too…
May 20, 2023 16:43
I had just crossed Paddy Creek Road for the second time today.
May 20, 2023 15:24
Lunch in the shade by Paddy Creek.
May 20, 2023 14:49
Paddy Creek Crossing — Looking down Paddy Creek from the crossing. +1
May 20, 2023 13:33
Gary (and company) at the Paddy Creek scenic overlook. 2
May 20, 2023 12:50
It’s a long way down — according to the map, over 200 ft.
May 20, 2023 12:48
Scenic Overlook — Paddy Creek, looking southeast.
May 20, 2023 12:46
Scenic Overlook — Paddy Creek, looking northwest.
May 20, 2023 12:45
Scenic Overlook of Paddy Creek on the Big Piney Trail, Paddy Creek Wilderness, Missouri.