MST-67, segment 6

Elkin to Rex Triplett Grocery, westbound

April 29, 2025. This is the second day of a 2-day outing in segment 6, and this hike was 15.6 miles evenly split between roads and trail.

We stayed overnight in nearby Jonesville, so I had a nice early drop-off at the Elkin Recreation Center. The gym was open, and it’s always a plus to have a restroom available before starting off on a hike. Just sayin’.

I was armed with my pole and my dog-mace.

And I will be glad I had them both. [Cue ominous music.]

Navigation on this broad path was easy, even before the sun was fully up.

I heard a Yellow-breasted Chat and a Swainson’s Thrush along this secluded road.

US 21 was not all that busy at 7am, and there was a nice wide shoulder.

Isaac’s Trailhead is well-marked!

I am smiling, because I don’t have to worry about dogs when I’m on a trail!

Near this pond, where there was a Solitary Sandpiper, the MST crosses into Wilkes County.

My Morning Needs include being “defended from assailing foes.”

I know I’m obsessing about dogs, but it really has become quite unsettling.

Shoes-off break at about 10 miles, in a shady spot on Shoaley Branch Road.

What a peaceful place.

And then….

Shortly after I turned onto Shoaley Branch Church Road, a barking, snarling Doberman came running at me. He stopped at about 5 feet, which was within the reach of my dog-mace. However, I did hear an owner starting to yell at the dog to “Get inside!” although the dog did not break off. The owner yelled at me to “Keep walking!” which I would love to do, lady, but I am currently being pinned down by your off-leash, aggressive dog. I yelled, “I will spray!” and brandished my pitiful little can of dog-deterrent.

After about ten commands, Fido started to back off, and eventually he trotted into the house, followed by the unapologetic owner.

I can’t wait to get finished with Segment 6.

The camera never quite captures how STEEP some roads are, but this is the type of MST challenge I enjoy!

The route skirted around the gate, then continued up the trail onto Wells Knob.

The route instructions say, “this section is steep and has numerous switchbacks.”

Well, if you are westbound, all those switchbacks are going DOWNHILL on the other side. On this side of Wells Knob, you just go straight up!

At the MST-highpoint (not the top of Wells Knob) there wasn’t any view, but at my feet was a brilliant display of Fire Pink (Silene virginica).

My ancient knees appreciated those switchbacks going down, actually.

700 miles, and I have yet to meet a horse on the MST.

My endpoint for the day was the Rex Triplett Grocery, where the Husband-Shuttle was kindly waiting in the only shady spot.

The Intrepid Hiker is determined to press on!