Nelson Rocks Reserve, WVA near Seneca Rocks

[Hikerhead]

Here's a map showing Big Bend. Most people will have to come thru Franklin to get here. After Franklin, get on 220 north. Go thru the small town of Upper Tract and you'll notice the South Branch of the Potomac running parallel to the road on your right. This is the river we'll be camping beside of.

After Upper Tract, go about a mile and turn left unto CR-2. This is just before an old iron bridge on 220 that the SB Potomac flows under. If you cross this bridge, you'll knowthat you missed the turn.

CR-2 is mostly narrow and one laned. Be careful.

After about 5 slow miles <Guessing> You'll come to an intersection with a small country store. Go straight and that will take you to the campground.

This map shows the campground. Expand it and pan south to find Franklin.

www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=38.8909&lon=-79.2423&s=50&size=l&symshow=n&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

[refrigerator]

;D Big Bend sounds Good !

I am finally back on line, I had some cliches with my computer and now back YE HAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Big Bend looks good.

[Hikerhead]

I went by Big Bend on the way back from Dolly Sods. I think we should move camp back over to Seneca Shadows. The nine miles in from 220 took me about 30 minutes and it's about 45 minutes from where you get onto 220 back to the other side of the mtn where I think we'll be most of the time. Meaning a 1:15 to an 1:30 drive each way. I need some feed back from everyone that's signed up please. Oh, I also walked underneath the BOD. It's quite a place.

[wvcoaleater]

I am interested in this also, when is this planned?
Forgive me, if it is already been said. I did not see a date.

[refrigerator]

Labor Day Weekend is the date set thus far.

[wvcoaleater]

Sign me up.
Sounds VERY exciting, and fun!

And, that bridge, I would have to walk that!

[Hikerhead]

OK WVCoaleater. You're on the list. I'll send you an PM with more info.

And yes, you have to go over that bridge. You're lucky too, cause we just added a new rule that the last one to sign up has to be the first to cross the bridge. ;D

Or is it the daddy of this site has to go first?? OR is Whitedove going first??? Or Frig because he's done this stuff before. We'll work it out when we get there.

[wvcoaleater]

Me first?
Age before beauty is what I always say! lol just kidding. I would try it first, I do not know how long it would take because I might be inching my way over!

[Hikerhead]

It will probably take me twice as long as everyone else cause I can see me doing that bridge twice, across and back and to the car. Seriously, just getting to the bridge will be hard enough. You have to get on top of the first wall to get to the bridge. I went to Grandfathers Mtn this weekend and I must say the walk across the mile high swinging bridge worked on my nerves. I kept on thinking about if there wasn't a deck to step on. <chills>

If someone has the campground site info saved, could you send it to me and to WVcoaleater. I can't seem to pull it up.

Thanks.

[wvcoaleater]

That gives me the chills also.
But, I must do it, so I will swallow my fear and go for it.

I can't wait for this trip. .I am trying to find somewhere/someone to hike this coming weekend. I think me, and Frig are going to Mt. Rogers the weekend after next.

I can't wait for that either.

[Hikerhead]

The Frig is the man. He knows all the secret water holes too. And Mindy is Traildog #1. I did the loop around there last weekend. The ponies were not too friendly. Saw Frig's big ass truck in Damascus and talked to him for a sec.

[wvcoaleater]

The Frig seems like he is a cool guy.
He sent me some pictures of his trips, and made me envious lol.

How long does it take to walk the hoop?
I am temped to go by myself this weekend, if I can't find nobody else to go anywhere with.

[Hikerhead]

The loop is about 12 miles starting at Grayson Highlands. It took us about 8 hours. A good map of the area is the National Geographic map that they sell at the ranger station. You can break it in half by walking back on a gravel road leading from Scales.

[Hikerhead]

Here's some pics of the Nelson Rocks Reserve and also of Dolly Sods that I took last month. The time is getting near for the BOD.
community.webshots.com/user/hikerhead

[Hikerhead]

This is what I'm briging.

Coleman two burner camping stove.
The largest tarp I can find...25 X 50 I believe is the largest.
Canoe....Frig, are you bringing yours?
Large cooler... Milk, Orange juice, hot dogs, beer. If we need anything else we can make a townie run.

Activies.....

We can all decide as a group on what we want to do when we get there. These are just suggestions.

I was thinking we should do the bridge on Sunday so the ones coming on Sat won't miss it.

On sat we could do a dayhike...Dolly Sods, Seneca Creek, North Folk Mtn trail.. Seneca Rock...Somewhere with a nice creek to jump in would be nice.

Monday I would like to do a float......

I'm going to get there late Friday, I'll try to sneak out of work a little early so hopefully I can get there around 8 or so. It's about a 3 hr drive for me.