IN > Spring 2015 > Hoosier HFH > CVII > April 17,18,&19th

[Rolloff]

The Official Spring 2015 HHFH April 17,18, 19th Thread Begins here.

Welcome to all those that have signed up to make the HHFH, all that couldn't make this one, but participated nonetheless, to help us get to this point, as well as anyone lurking, who might like to just drop in unannounced. Please do so, and remember we do this again in the Fall, so no need to miss out.

Directions: Nobody is probably coming in through the forest from the S or SE. You can, but probably shouldn't, unless you really know the way, and in that case you don't need much help getting to the parking areas, so I'll just skip that and link everyone coming in, from the north or south, off of SR446 on Tower Ridge Road(Maumee Boys Camp Road). OM or Post a request for more detailed directions.

Take SR446 N from Bedford or S from Bloomington to Tower Ridge Road (Maumee Boys Camp Rd).

Turn E on Tower Ridge Rd to the Parking lot @ Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower on the left.(Main Park Lot) or

*Continue E on TR Rd past the Tower to small dirt and gravel pull off parking area on the left. (10) Car.

From the Fire Tower hike N on wide stone fire trail. You'll traverse two saddle backs. Just beyond the top of the second hill, you will come up on the Sycamore Branch Trail Head on the RIGHT (Brown Wooden Marker).

Follow the Sycamore Branch Trail to the wooden trail marker designating Campsite #2.

Just before Campsite #2, turn left(step up) continue N into the woods. You're bushwhacking now, but the trail is easy enough to follow. If you lose it just follow the large creek on riight. Cross a small branch an continue up the hollow, until it opens up into a meadow. This is Cresent Valley II. The fire pit is on the opposite end of the meadow
at the base of the ridge.

*Taking the short-cut from Lot #2, is basically easy to follow. It's just N from the vehicles, all downhill until you cross the SBT. Turn R on to SBT and continue to Campsite #2, then follow above directions to CVII.

For those wishing to co-ordinate with other or another group a hangers for the hike in, you can post arrival times and dates, and I'll try to keep up with them on the signed up list.

No drugs or drinking allowed at the Lookout Tower Lot. As per HNF regs.



So far we have:

jlink79

farmer.ron.99

Skyline

JasonACraft

Maddog 5150

Stitch(USN)

Mule

HomeMadeHiker

Treebird

Oms

aidanpryde18 +1 ~ Friday

Jerry

rcam1977 ~ Thursday

Rolloff~ Friday

Thumbs

jackj

barchetta

Mustang ~ Thursday

Bobber

Capt Buck

[Oms]

What are the approximate distances hiking in from both lots?

[Rolloff]

What are the approximate distances hiking in from both lots?

From the Lookout tower to the off trail turn off just before Campsite #2, is a little less than 2 miles. Then it's probably a little over a 1/4 mile through the woods from there to CVII.

From Lot #2 (Short-cut) Not sure of the mileage, but it's only about a 20-25 min trip to the site, and maybe 30-45 mins back uphill on the way out.

Both lots are within reasonable slack pack distance, for trips back and forth to vehicles if need be.

For those looking for additional mileage, the SLT is a nice 6 mile loop, that remains one of the better maintained trails in The Deam. Only foot traffic allowed, and the best sections are just beyond the Campsite #2 turn off for the hang.

[riverjoe]

What are the approximate distances hiking in from both lots?

Here is the shortcut trail from the 2nd parking lot . This lot is about a mile and change east of the fire tower on your left .

You will see a trail headed north east from the parking lot . Follow this trail until you come to the old marked up Beech tree .

When you get to the big Beech veer to the left off the trail and begin walking on the left side of the ridge until you come to the little Beech marked with a Z . This is the beginning of an old logging road which is washed out . Follow the road / trail by staying up on the bank of the road on the north side (this is much easier then tumbleing down the cliff ). You will come to a little crick eventually which you have to jump across . Look up and you should see the twin White pines shown . Take a right down that little ridge and you will stumble across campsight 2 .
When you get to campsight 2 follow the little trail back up to Sycamore trail . You will see the obscure trail marked back to the rendevous right near the campsight 2 marker sign . Follow the obscure trail north easterly up the big crick .
About 1/2 mile total distance .









Wish I could come but the date conflicts with our northern spring outing .

[Oms]

Thinking about bring the Lazy-boy

[billygoat]

Wish I could meet you guys this time - I have a section hike scheduled on the AT with my son. I'll meet up with you all this fall. Thanks Rolloff for the work you've done in organizing.

[Rolloff]

Killer Short-cut directions and photos. Thanks riverjoe and to billygoat. We're gonna miss you guys. See you in the Fall!

[rcam1977]

i am planning on arriving Thursday afternoon sometime, i cant wait to get back out to the Valley for some Hang Time, with a little luck Brandon will get my new Ridgerunner and Spindrift out to me in time for the hang

[Rolloff]

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=39.03232,...f%20Kurtz%20IN

Waypoints are as follows

L - Jct of SR446 & Tower Ridge Road

J - Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower (Park lot #1)

D - Sycamore Branch Trail head (Turn Rt on to SBT)

B - Turn off SBT, Go N up the draw thru woods (keep creek on Rt)

F - Cresent Valley II Fire Pit

H - Park Lot #2 (Short Cut)


You can run the mapper in and out from the above link. Change magnification, definition, and even print copies if desired.

[Stitch(USN)]

I will get in some time Thursday night. If I have to work that Sunday, I may need to leave Saturday afternoon. Can't wait to get back out there...