We weren't sure the day was going to go so well. It rained most of the night and we broke camp for the final time in the rain and the dark. Then we had to put the extra cars somewhere since we had to vacate camp It was still raining when it was time to start hiking at 9:00. We thought that was a pretty good start with all the added difficulties.
We immediately, on the other side of the bridge, started up the biggest climb of the day. The trail was marked no horses, and even had a exclusion gate, but horses had been up it, churning up the dirt and knocking steps out of rockwork constructed for hikers. I know that sometimes we have to share the trail, but why do equestrians have to do this on trails that are marked "no horses." Do they not realize how much it damages the trail for hikers, or do they just not care?
Anyway, that first hill was close to 700 feet. On the way, we passed Devil's Den. The elevation profile for the day said we had a total of 1700 feet of climbing for the day and 1500 feet of descent. We were able to shed the ponchos after a while. The temperature was perfect for us northerners- it stayed in the mid-50s.
It was impressive, but the boulder scrambling got our attention more particularly. We didn't get any pictures of the actual scrambling (we were a little busy trying not to slip on wet rocks and leaves0, but there were some interesting places. Guess where the trail goes here.
Haha. We didn't believe it so we scrambled around the rocks to the left where many other people had done the same. Came around to the other side and learned that northbound hikers get some directional help. There is an arrow scratched on the rock Doug has his hand on.
And even though I had to pass up Maude's Crack, there was a chance to do rocks and rope right on the trail.
Sue met us for lunch at the top of the second hill at Honey Creek Loop TH. The trail got much better after that and we were able to pick up some speed.
We took the final steps coming in to the Burnt Mill TH just before 3:30 in the afternoon.
Great thanks to all who hiked with me and helped in so many ways. God has allowed me to finish one more moderately big hike, and it was grand! At 78, I don't take any big hikes for granted any more.
One more little piece of good fortune- I sewed a patch on the inside of my pants a week ago because they were worn through in a couple of places. It held out until the end!
Tonight we ate out, and are staying in a motel before everyone goes their separate ways tomorrow.
Miles walked in 2026: 645.8
Sheltowee Trace miles: 317.1 (I had to skip the tornado damaged part, remember)
Sheltowee Trace, Tennessee. O&W Railroad Bridge to southern terminus at Burnt Mill TH. 11.9 miles
 | See Sheltowee Trace- Prom Queen |
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