Shinleaf Recreation Area to Barton Creek Boat Ramp
March 19. I was able to make a nice loop with this hike, 5.9 miles on the trail, then 1.2 miles roadside to return to the car. I’ve now completed over 60 miles on the MST!
Shinleaf hosts the only public camping in the Falls Lake State Recreation area.
There is always such a lovely sense of anticipation and adventure when I pass by that first big white dot!
Besides pretty views of Falls Lake, the main thing I noticed along this section of trail were all the excellent bridges!
Bridges are useful for more than safe creek crossings!
The MST followed “Old NC 98” for a bit. The road markings were still visible.
If you look at the map and wonder why the trail snakes back and forth, it’s because it’s following the lake shoreline, but also having to go inland around all the little inlets. That’s why it’s so much faster to follow a major road back to the car, rather than re-trace the trail route.
Here’s my turnaround point, although I’m actually not backtracking, but walking (cautiously) roadside back to the car.
And as usual, I enjoy a thoughtful meditation from “The Valley of Vision.”
My.Bird.Walks. 