Backpacking – 02-27-2025

Journal: Paddy Creek Wilderness, February 2025 — My first plan was dashed. I decided to spend three days on the Big Piney Trail at Paddy Creek Wilderness instead. It was a good hike, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.Journal: 8   24

Day Three stats and end of hike thoughts — My total mileage for the trip was 22.02 miles, with 1,875 ft. of elevation climbed. 4 2

Little Paddy Creek crossing on the North/South Loop Shortcut — This is the crossing on the shortcut between the North and South Loops. You used to be able to cross straight over here, but now it is too deep for my short legs.

Camped at ‘Paddy Creek Trolltunga.’ 1

Today, I’m wondering when that unsupported span will collapse. It’s a good 100 ft.

End of Day Two’s hike — I’m stopping at ‘Paddy Creek Trolltunga’ tonight. +1

Gary at the end of Day Two’s hike.

The second Big Paddy Creek crossing — After crossing the creek, the sign directs you to go right. No, not anymore. Follow the trail to your left. 1

Frozen stock pond.

Looking out across ‘Spring Hollow.’

Camped above ‘Spring Hollow.’

‘Spring Hollow’ — I decided to camp above the big rock formation on the right. 2

‘Spring Hollow’ a great secluded spot — Getting here across all the large boulders and down the steep hollow sides can be a bit sketchy, but worth the effort.

Spring in ‘Spring Hollow’ — This spring is proving to be very reliable and was running well.

North Loop — At the start of the Shortcut to the North Loop. Paddy Creek Wilderness, February 2025.

Signs of confusion — It appears that the most popular route, along the North Loop to the falls (straight ahead) is no longer signposted. Plus, my plans and lots more confusion in general. Five-minute read, +4

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