MST-68, segment 6

Rex Triplett Grocery to Stone Mountain, westbound

May 5, 2025. An absolutely wonderful day of hiking, with some route-finding adventure, creek-hopping, stunning views of Stone Mountain, and NO DOGS! 14.6 miles.

6:45am start at the Rex Triplett Grocery near Austin.

First I had to walk over to the other side of the parking lot, because that’s where I ended last time. Don’t want to short-change the MST by 200 feet!

The Husband-Shuttle took off for some splendid birding.

I heard dogs in the distance, but with much gratitude and relief, I had no unfortunate encounters today.

The Austin Full Gospel Fellowship Church has both a unique design and a magnificent view!

A short section of tall grass and no-shoulder, but traffic remained very light.

I had to look twice to find the trail as it enters the woods from Traphill Ridge Road.

The trail wasn’t always very distinct, but there were plenty of White Dots to follow. When in doubt, I used the FarOut App to confirm I was on route.

I always take my time when crossing creeks–even these little ones. As a solo hiker, I have to be extra-careful about safety. [I once fell on slippery rocks and broke a wrist.]

After SO MANY MILES of roadsides, my spirit is soaring, hiking on these beautiful trails!

Yay!

I had never been to Stone Mountain before, so this was a real treat, exploring it on foot.

I took my shoes-off break at my half-way point, near Martins Low Gap.

Wash-out!

You either had to jump into the Big Sandy Creek, or find a different way around. I had noticed a small way-trail about 100 feet back, so I returned to that spot, thinking that’s where other hikers had gone.

Through the woods, partly following the faint path, partly just deck-reckoning on where to re-join the MST. It worked out fine.

Although wading across Big Sandy Creek was a viable option, I chose the rocks, which required….commitment, making that first leap up!

The route doesn’t go into the fields at the picturesque Hutchinson Homestead, but I thought Loren might find some interesting birds here tomorrow. (It ended up being better birding on the trail and road leading TO the Homestead!)

Woo hoo!!! Bring it on!

Heading up, up, up to Cedar Rock.

Wonderful!

After admiring the view of Stone Mountain, the route continues across the top of Cedar Rock on this slanted face.

On the third section of rock, I lost track of the MST, but some fellow hikers pointed out where the trail began again, below us. I had to do some careful downhill footwork to get down off the rock face. I could hear my mom telling me, “Trust your boots, Mary.”

The short side trail to Wolf Rock is well worth it for the view!

Mary is in her happy place.

I won’t get to Devils Garden Overlook today.
In fact, who knows when we can get there. It’s still closed-off due to Hurricane Helene.

One last drink break before descending to the park road.

The Husband-Shuttle was waiting faithfully at the BackPack Parking Lot Trailhead.

Then we drove to Traphill, to a really fun Airbnb!

I recommend this “Glamping Globe” for a comfortable place to rest between hikes!