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View Full Version : Morrow Mt. St. Prk Christmas weekend



Dancer
11-29-2006, 07:35
Anyone in NC interested in Morrow Mt. St. Prk the weekend before Christmas (Dec 22,23,and 24)?? I'm going to have all or most of my gear by then and want to do a shakedown hike.

I'm not planning any hard miles just around the park trails. Arriving 22nd around 3pm and then leaving whenever on the 24th. Haven't been there before and don't want to camp overnight alone there until I get comfortable with the park. have a friend tenatively interested but I'm not holding my breath. Come on, be the first to meet the Amazonwoman:) .

Anyone interested PM me or leave a post.

LeeF
11-30-2006, 10:42
Morrow Mtn. will be beautiful with all the leaves off the trees. I have been going there for over 25 years and know it well. It’s a good place for day hikes, canoe trips, and picnics. Check out the pictures on this outfitter’s website for a general feel of the area.
http://www.godscountryoutfitters.org/pictureArchive.htm (http://www.godscountryoutfitters.org/pictureArchive.htm)
http://www.godscountryoutfitters.org/pictures.htm (http://www.godscountryoutfitters.org/pictures.htm)
I can’t make the trip, but will offer you some unasked for advice.
I have hiked most of the trails at MM and even spent one night in the backcountry campsite. It can be used for backpacking, but the allowed sites are only 1.5 miles from the parking area and then the trail parallels a road for a while. Not much of a backpacking experience. It will allow you to test your gear in a controlled environment. The gate will be locked at sunset and safety shouldn’t be a concern. In the time you have set aside you will be able to hike every trail in the park and most likely have the place to yourself. So while you are in the area check out the Uwharrie Trail across the river. Once deer season is over on 1-1-07 several of us are planning to hike as much of the Uwharrie and Dutchman Creek trails as possible one weekend during January or February.

Dancer
11-30-2006, 11:25
Thanks for the post Leef. That is actually exactly what I was hoping for. I don't want to be too far from my car in case I have a gear malfunction (aka I get really cold) or something else unexpected were to happen. I'm going out with new gear. Also I'm out of shape and while I will hike my full pack to the campsite will probably use only a daypack on the trails and want to lock my stuff up in the car.

Right now I'm hiking in a fairly flat state park (Cliffs of the Neuse state park) with only around 100 ft elevation change. I want something a little more challenging but still managable for my fitness level.

Again, thanks for the advice. And I'd love to be involved in your Jan/Feb weekend if you are opening it up for newcomers.

Amazonwoman

blackbishop351
11-30-2006, 11:31
I've never hiked MM SP itself, but I hike in Uwharrie NF all the time. It's a great area and I'm sure you'll have a blast. I'd love to join you, but I'm planning on doing the New Year's on Springer thing - and I really don't think my wife would be thrilled about me being gone on Christmas AND New Year's :o

BTW LeeF - The entire Uwharrie Trail is easily done on a one-night trip. And I don't hike terribly fiast. I'm pretty sure most of the "serious" hikers here could do it in one day; it's only ~ 20 miles.

LeeF
11-30-2006, 12:49
BB,
I'm not a serious hiker so starting at 24/27 and hiking north along the UT all the way to Jumping Off Rock, then turning around coming back down south, and finishing on the Dutchmans Creek trail is plenty for a long weekend for me. I just wish they would re-open the entire trail. Starting on Tot Hill Farm Road, hiking through Birkhead, and finishing a 24/27 would be awesome. If you don't know already avoid the Uwharries on February 3rd. http://www.raceuwharrie.com/

Grey Fox
11-30-2006, 14:26
hey there Amazon woman. i live in the Morrow Mountain area (richfield) I might sugest that you go across the lake to the Uwharrie National Forest where there is a trail much like the AT (White blazes and all!) I just finished my thru hike 2 months ago and would be glad to help you with any questions and stuff. My email is [email protected]

Love (Of course!!!)

-Grey Fox

Dancer
11-30-2006, 15:14
Grey Fox,

Thanks for the tip, I'll check out Uwharrie. Congrats on completing your thru! I've seen your journal but didn't have time to read it yet. Your pics are great. I especially liked your summit pic in the spongebob boxers, that was great. (In my best Paris Hilton voice...'that's hot') :)

I'll probably take you up on your offer to answer questions as my big day gets closer. Thanks again.

Amazonwoman (Julie)