Hard Times P.L.#2 - Pine Tree Loop

About the Hike

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Hike Description

Contact hike leader for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. A pleasant, moderate loop hike in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, starting at Hard Times trailhead and using parts of Homestead Trail, Small Creek Trail, Deerfield Loop, Pine Tree Loop, L on South Ridge Rd., R on Sleepy Gap Trail, R onto Explorer Loop, R on connector to Pine Tree Loop and then R along FS 479 and L across bridge to follow road. Topos: Skyland

Scout Report

The trails are in OK condition, very dry with the lack of rain. Goldenrod is in abundance and spotted ?Hearts-a-bustin? euonymus pods along the way plus some wild asters. This is about 5-mile loop starting at Hardtimes Trailhead, Bent Creek. There?s not a lot of elevation gain/loss overall, but there are a couple of short steep sections. If you have cranky knees, like me, hiking poles are a good idea. The hike loops Lake Powhatan and Bent Creek using various trails to the south and returns to Lake Powhatan and passes by the fishing pier above the dam on Bent Creek Rd. to intersect with Hardtimes trail again to complete the loop. Wear orange - it is hunting season.