Video: Doughton Park via Bluff Mountain, Cedar Ridge & Grassy Gap loop

[TallPaul]

The weather this weekend looked promising (by which I mean warm, as opposed to those Roan Mountain folks looking for Higher & Colder).

Both Bonepile & Firebird were able to join me on an overnight trip to Doughton Park. Great company made it all the more enjoyable.

February is a great time for this area, as there is very little traffic on the Blue Ridge.
In fact, most of the time the road closes just north of this area due to a waterfall that deposits ice on the road. The warmer weather did result in the Blue Ridge being open, but it was still quiet.

Day 1 - We parked at Alligator Back overlook on the Blue Ridge, and started with a brisk climb up Bluff Mountain. We then hit the balds, soaking in the sun & views until we hit Brinegar cabin.
From there we proceeded down (approx 2000') the Cedar Ridge Trail, and back up to Basin Cove camping.
The camping area is ok - they now have 8 spots, all next to each other. We would have preferred more solitude, but it is the only game in town (permits are required). Bedtime for all started around 7 pm

Day 2 - After a 32 degree night with stars and the moon shining, we got up around 7 am - putting us in the 12 hour club. Not sure how you folks in the north handle even longer nights. We headed up the Grassy Gap Road/Trail, and were surprised by having creeks near us most of the way. We saw a number of chimneys from old homesteads. After gaining the ridge and more great views, we headed back to our cars.

GPS data
Alligator Back Overlook parking
36.420998,-81.189802

Longbottom Road
36.3752,-81.144746

Link to the video

[PappyAmos]

Great video and trip report Paul. I am so jealous. Not too sure about those two characters you had with you though! Brought back memories from many years ago and a church youth group backpacking trip in Doughton Park.

Hopefully the Dr will let turn me loose tomorrow - its going to be chilly Wed and Thurs and I'm itchin to go again.

Pappy

[Bruciehi5]

Talk about perfect weather for a hike like that! I liked the talk about trail names and the map of the hike was nifty as. All up, a fantastic trip report for what had to of been a fantastic trip! Thanks for the video, TallPaul!

[Firebird]

Great job Tall Paul. That's quite a crew there. You beat me to the draw with the video, I'll try to get mine up today. I was hoping you would leave out the slippery rock creek crossing.

[Bonepile]

Another fine trip report Paul. Thanks for planning the loop and getting the permit. Also thanks for the shuttle to Longbottom so I could go ultralight the first day. My feet sure can tell the difference in pack weight! I'm glad you didn't record me nearly falling off the log bridge.

[PappyAmos]

Sounds like a few tales to tell around the campfire in the Uwharries next week.

[2ply]

Thanks for sharing the adventure. Looks like a great time was had by all!

[TallPaul]

Great video and trip report Paul. I am so jealous. Not too sure about those two characters you had with you though!

Thanks for watching Pappy - those two kept me entertained.

Talk about perfect weather for a hike like that! I liked the talk about trail names and the map of the hike was nifty as. All up, a fantastic trip report for what had to of been a fantastic trip! Thanks for the video, TallPaul!

Brucihi5 - always appreciate your comments. Hope to see a trail video from you soon. It's been too long.

[PMan]

Super video and great inspiration to get back to Doughton!

Gotta love hiking in snow with shorts and tshirts!

[STinGa]

Note to self ... don't watch TallPaul videos ... always adds more to never ending to do list.

Great video.

STinGa