CoreyB’s Trip Reports

Hiked WRT Southern Terminus up to Bradley Wales after first driving up to BW to take in the spectacular vista with morning fog in the Pine Creek gorge & drop off my bike which I then used to ride back down West Rim Rd to return to where I parked at Rattlesnake Rock/southern term parking. Really enjoyed the peaceful start of the hike along Lloyd Run (dropped off-trail down steep banks 3 times to take in the nice smaller waterfalls). Gradual climb to ridge with first vista facing down to Blackwell (very nice)! Wish there were more vistas the rest of the way to B.Wales, but at least each vista you did get is awesome! Interesting array of forest sections, and even though no big climbs, the elevation adds up. Did trail running quite a bit with trail in great shape overall & not rocky - just have to be careful since narrow with steep drop-offs. Laurel overgrowth after Dillon Hollow, but not too bad. Next excellent vista not until Good Spring Hollow with 2 nice campsites in area. Trail then heads west away from gorge out to West Rim Rd with dam or bog area making trail muddy, but then a break on the road hike before heading back east towards B.Wales (another swampy section with tree stump steps to help). Definitely make sure you turn right up the dead-end road away from WRT just a short way to get to the main BW vista which has a bench to take in the 180 degree views over Pine Creek! BW also has a nice picnic area with restrooms if you go left from WRT on that dead-end road for a nice break. Thankfully my bike was still safely locked to the tree where I left it in morn, so then road West Rim Rd back. Went north a bit first to Pine Creek roadside vista which isn't much, then mix of tough climbs for tired legs, and super fast downhills requiring holding onto brakes to stay under 25mph & in control since stopping on gravel/dirt, plus avoiding hard-to-see potholes not an easy task! Such a beautiful area, and had perfect weather to enjoy it all while only seeing a few people.