Slickrock, Citico Wilderness North Carolina

**warloc4326** · 08-06-2012, 14:47

Great story and report. Nice details and quoted sections.

**raiffnuke** · 08-06-2012, 14:52

Great trip report! Thanks for the good story!

**Resqsarge03** · 08-06-2012, 15:42

Very nice report. Good mix of detail and imagery. This judge gives it a 10

**Running Feather** · 08-06-2012, 20:10

Great writing Cookie. Even better report. Kinda felt like I was right there with you thanks to the eloquent verbiage.

Looking forward to next week's shindig.

**Hawk-eye** · 08-06-2012, 20:23

You da man when it comes to trip reports Cookie! Mighty fine read! Thanks for sharing pal!

**Hangin' Burrito** · 08-08-2012, 07:26

Very nice trip report, Cookie.
Yeah.... good to know we've got an eloquent writer amongest the "sub-culture" group!

Looking forward to seeing you again, my friend!

HB

**vdeal** · 08-08-2012, 09:21

My hiking buddy and I have done a loop similar to yours twice but in the opposite direction. First time was back in 1992 and then we returned in 2006. The first time we parked by Calderwood Lake and followed the Slickrock Creek trail the entire way to the top at Naked Ground then out over Haoe Bald to Hangover and back down to our car via Ike Branch (I believe). The second time we short circuited it a little by starting at Big Fat Gap and going down the Windy Ridge Tr to Slickrock.

I have to say that the Slickrock Creek Trail is one of my favorite stream side trails ever. That is, until you reach the part that leaves the stream and heads up the mountain to Naked Ground. In October 1999, Backpacker magazine ran an article on the Twelve toughest trails in the country and they selected Slickrock Creek Trail as one of them. From the article:

The upper section of the Slickrock Creek Trail is widely considered the hardest hike in the southern Appalachians. Its nickname among local hikers is "The Ballbuster." As we found out, all kinds of body parts get worked over on this hike. The fun begins where Slickrock Creek Trail leaves the creek and rockets skyward through dense rhododendron. Successfully completing this climb takes stamina and willpower. You'll know you passed the test when you burst into the bright sunlight on Stratton Bald and delight in the jaw-dropping vistas of untrammeled wilderness.

When we were there in 2006 someone had made a sign in USFS style and posted it at the beginning of the steep section that said "Ballbuster". It was good to say that we could still do it and keep ahead of the younger folks behind us. It is very cool with hand-over-head climbs of rock faces, narrow promontory ridges and laurel tunnels.

If you get a chance go to Slickrock. I do wish we had time to get over into Citico but anywhere down there is beautiful.

Thanks for the trip report - it brought back memories.

**Cookie** · 08-08-2012, 20:27

Originally Posted by vdeal

My hiking buddy and I have done a loop similar to yours twice but in the opposite direction. First time was back in 1992 and then we returned in 2006. The first time we parked by Calderwood Lake and followed the Slickrock Creek trail the entire way to the top at Naked Ground then out over Haoe Bald to Hangover and back down to our car via Ike Branch (I believe). The second time we short circuited it a little by starting at Big Fat Gap and going down the Windy Ridge Tr to Slickrock.

I have to say that the Slickrock Creek Trail is one of my favorite stream side trails ever. That is, until you reach the part that leaves the stream and heads up the mountain to Naked Ground. In October 1999, Backpacker magazine ran an article on the Twelve toughest trails in the country and they selected Slickrock Creek Trail as one of them. From the article:

When we were there in 2006 someone had made a sign in USFS style and posted it at the beginning of the steep section that said "Ballbuster". It was good to say that we could still do it and keep ahead of the younger folks behind us. It is very cool with hand-over-head climbs of rock faces, narrow promontory ridges and laurel tunnels.

If you get a chance go to Slickrock. I do wish we had time to get over into Citico but anywhere down there is beautiful.

Thanks for the trip report - it brought back memories.

Thanks for giving me some history on this ballbuster of a trail. There is no doubt that those 3 or 4 miles coming out of Naked Ground fit the name. I'll pass your comments on to Chef and Mark.