We're still at the mercy of snow melt, and our new hikes are limited. We decided to venture to Granite Falls. This is what we term a destination hike. The journey, itself, bows in comparison to the payoff. We start this hike at The Green Mountain trailhead, a very familiar starting place. The hike is about ten and a half miles round trip, but without a great deal of elevation gain. There is an initial ascent for about a mile and half, and then we are at the head of Big Meadows, as seen from our Onahu hike.
The trail then winds through the forest for about two and a half miles. The trial is not terribly interesting, although the forest is once again different. We have had more rain, and the trail is muddy. But, the forest floor is the most vibrant green, with mosses and ground covers more lush than we have ever seen. And the fragrance from the moist pine needles at times is intoxicating. We eventually find smaller meadows and streams bordering the route, and happen upon a young buck elk, having breakfast. 
The trail soon begins to shadow the Tonahutu Creek, as we climb up to Granite Falls. As in most of our hikes, the sound of these rushing waters announces something ahead, and once again, we are not disappointed. The Granite Falls cascade over 75 feet down into the Tonahutu, as we stop, and have a picnic lunch, sitting right under the falls.
No comments:
Post a Comment