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
Paddy Creek Wilderness
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. Three-minute read, +1
March 1, 2025 16:00
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.
March 1, 2025 12:19
Camped at ‘Paddy Creek Trolltunga.’ 1
March 1, 2025 9:47
Today, I’m wondering when that unsupported span will collapse. It’s a good 100 ft.
March 1, 2025 9:46
End of Day Two’s hike — I’m stopping at ‘Paddy Creek Trolltunga’ tonight. +1
February 28, 2025 16:21
Gary at the end of Day Two’s hike.
February 28, 2025 16:18
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
February 28, 2025 14:14
Frozen stock pond.
February 28, 2025 12:15
Looking out across ‘Spring Hollow.’
February 28, 2025 10:29
Camped above ‘Spring Hollow.’
February 28, 2025 10:05
‘Spring Hollow’ — I decided to camp above the big rock formation on the right. 2
February 27, 2025 16:00
‘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.
February 27, 2025 15:58
Spring in ‘Spring Hollow’ — This spring is proving to be very reliable and was running well.
February 27, 2025 15:52
North Loop — At the start of the Shortcut to the North Loop. Paddy Creek Wilderness, February 2025.
February 27, 2025 14:04
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
February 27, 2025 12:27
Journal: Getting outside my comfort zone, Paddy Creek Wilderness, December 2024. Things have conspired to keep me off the trails this year. I’ll be pushing my comfort zone as I don’t normally venture out if the daytime temperature is going to drop below 40°F. Journal: 10 20
December 5, 2024 16:20
Frozen stock pond — And that’s the last picture of this trip. Plus, a trip summary. Five-minute read, +2
December 5, 2024 14:36
Keeping my feet warm at 26°F — A change of plan, I decided to hike the five or six miles back to the trailhead and go home. I ought to be able to finish the trip before it gets dark.
December 5, 2024 14:04
Frost Flower.
December 5, 2024 13:04
A bed of frost flowers.
December 5, 2024 13:03
Wrapped up warm for a cold hike — I’m going off in search of a trail that I’m sure runs from where I’m camped near Little Paddy Creek to the North Loop. Then I plan to look for a better campsite at ‘Spring Hollow’.
December 5, 2024 13:00
Imagine a hammock between those two trees. Why? Because I forgot to take a picture before I took the Tarp and hammock down. Oh well, I wasn’t going to put it up again just for a picture.
December 5, 2024 12:38
Day Three — Slushy water bottle. It dropped to around 19°F overnight, and is currently 21°F. The forecast is for it to not go above 26°F.