Author: mybirdwalks

Mary birds, walks, takes photos, and talks

MST-3

by mybirdwalks, posted in Mountains to the Sea, North Carolina, Walks

Rivermont Road to Guess Road

Although the eastern Rivermont Road trailhead is here where I parked my car, I actually begin this hike by walking up the road to the western trailhead. The map will show why.

On the last hike, I turned around at the western junction (“Start here”), so I have go back to that spot and hike the stretch along the river. But when I’m finishing up today, I can take the shorter way back to the car (blue arrows).

Here’s the whole route.

At half a mile, this is one of the longer access points to get to the MST, but it was an easy downhill to the Eno River, to where I finished up last week.

Lead on, white dots!
Here’s my new friends in abundance–Christmas Ferns

A new wardrobe modification is to add in my binoculars. I keep an e-Bird list for each hike, and “bins” are essential for bird identification.

I was appropriately cautious.

Although the day was overcast, it was still wonderful to be out on a trail.

Coyote scat — they often “go” on trails to mark their territory.
Remains of the Guess Mill keeper’s house–people sure know how to make long-lasting chimneys!
And here’s what’s left of a dam.

The trail runs right along the floor of an old mill sluice…

…and then right by this cool mill stone!

You can see Guess Mill Road just ahead.

I crossed over the Eno River on the Guess Mill Road bridge, then back down to the river–this is the turnaround point! Time for a snack. The view is delightful!

Total hiking distance was about 7 miles–although I’m only at mile 8.5 on the MST! Having to backtrack each section adds the extra mileage, plus the spur trails from parking lots.

But I don’t mind at all–God’s creation is beautiful in both directions!