A Grand Loop - Linville Gorge ... Day 2 4K

Third backpacking trip of 2024 ... April 13 - 19, 2024
Included … Mom, Sally, and myself
Day 2 ... April 14, 2024
Things to note ... most people would probably feel comfortable camping at the campsite by the Spence Ridge/Spence Connector - it was our judgement call to keep going. The NC wall trail was definitely worth doing - but when we popped back out on the MST there was a sign saying it was closed due to the Peregrine falcon nesting until mid-August. There wasn't a sign like that where we went down ... otherwise we wouldn't have done it. But now we know - so don't go down there until after the nesting is over. I think you can still go down to the Amphitheater area (it's outside of the NC wall nesting area. The Spence Connector trail is quite steep and like l've said I lost the trail where it comes out by the creek - and l'lI note that the Avenza app shows it staying on the right side of the creek. If somebody wants to comment and enlighten me about where the trail actually goes - that'd be super helpful! The campsites up by the Hawksbill parking area were fantastic - there's several up there and there's a nice view there as well. The section of trail from Shortoff to Table Rock is probably the busiest of the entire loop due to the accessibility and "easiness" of trails in the area.
For full day description and photos - check out my Facebook or website!

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You crushing it in 2024! Hike on!