We did this hike on February 19, 2012.
We started hiking just before 11 AM because we drove up from Harpers Ferry that morning. We were so glad that the weather forcasters had been wrong about the winter snow storm and that Knitting Bull was able to join us once again.
It was warm and sunny so we just took our time today. The trail was nice and gentle all day long until the final descent.
Swamps of NJ
Very close to the start of the hike, we saw a sign that pointed left to the office. We didn’t realize that this was the way to the shelter.
Park Office Sign
We crossed an old iron bridge over Double Kill stream and the sign said there was a one ton limit.
Bridge
Hope we are not too heavy?
We found a wonderful log for our lunch break.
Rock walls
We crossed a stream using a wooden footbridge and met a family with three young boys.
Dirigo & Python
We later talked with the family while they were taking a break on the trail. The mom asked us how much farther it was to “the stairway to heaven.” None of had any idea but told her that it couldn’t be much farther – that is always what you say when you have no clue on the trail.
Just before the descent we passed a sign that said “Old AT overlook” – perhaps this led to the “stairway to heaven?”
Old AT Vista
Knitting Bull told us that the descent was long and rocky so Python put on her knee brace.
Rock scramble down
She used the knee brace yesterday while hiking Old Rag and decided to use it again for the descent.
Knitting Bull descending
We started to meet people as we descended so we knew that we weren’t too far from the parking lot.
Yup, we came down from there