While we were slackpacking back to Black Bear Resort yesterday, we were approaching Laurel Fork Falls. On the Trail, the main trail is the White Blaze Trail (marked in red on the map below), which simply means that there are marks made along it in white paint to ensure that you are on the correct trail. There are also Blue Blaze Trails, which are alternative routes that you can take to avoid hazardous conditions, to see a more scenic route, to travel on smoother terrain or simply to take the trail less traveled. The main White Blaze Trail along Laurel Fork Falls is a very narrow, rocky ledge far above the Doe River. I had some concerns about Forest walking on the ledge; one false move and we could both be in trouble. In addition, there is no place to go if you happen to meet another hiker coming from the opposite direction. Instead, I decided to take a higher, easier trail. We missed the waterfall in doing so, but as we were slack packing and in a hurry, I didn't really mind.
Today's Public Service Announcements:
We saw a rattlesnake yesterday that never rattled. Please don't kill the rattlers that do give you that warning. If we let natural selection eliminate the snakes that rattle, we won't have the benefit of that warning any more.
I recently discovered that I am between two forest fires. One south of me on the other side of Hot Springs, which may have destroyed a shelter. The second one is north of me around mile 700. I'm told that this one has been 100% contained. Hikers need to be more cautious when they make fires and/or dispose of smoking materials, or we will no longer be permitted to have any fires along the Trail. Please be sure that all fires are 100% extinguished before leaving a campsite. It's all part of that Leave No Trace mentality.
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