View Full Version : Secret Places on the A.T
highside
03-28-2010, 17:10
Does anyone know any cool places off the trail on the A.T. that most people might not be aware of? Waterfalls, swimming holes, old graveyards ect?
saimyoji
03-28-2010, 17:16
Does anyone know any cool places off the trail on the A.T. that most people might not be aware of? Waterfalls, swimming holes, old graveyards ect?
if people posted those things on the net they wouldn't be secret now, would they? ;)
Ox97GaMe
03-28-2010, 18:06
THere are a lot of secrets in the Smokies. Old train engines, steam engines, homesites, graveyards.
white_russian
03-28-2010, 18:16
THere are a lot of secrets in the Smokies. Old train engines, steam engines, homesites, graveyards.
Isn't there a plane crashed up there too?
I just went to one today - Camp Michaux, about 2 miles south of Pine Grove Furnace. It was a WW2 site for interrogating high level prisoners, in between use by the CCC and as a church camp (where Keystone Trails Association also met for the first 16 yeras of its existence). With leaves on in thru-hiker season it might be difficult to see much although it's possible the remains of two different swimming pools may be of some interest to the especially desperate.
warraghiyagey
03-28-2010, 19:44
if people posted those things on the net they wouldn't be secret now, would they? ;)
Good point.... ;)
SmokyMtn Hiker
03-28-2010, 20:16
Isn't there a plane crashed up there too?
Yes and it's right next to the trail on Inadu Knob, between Tri-Corner and Cosby Knob Shelters.
wcgornto
03-28-2010, 22:57
There's a secret shelter in Vermont.
Feral Bill
03-28-2010, 23:32
A little blue blazing in Harriman-Bear Mountain will get you to some very old cemetaries and other such stuff.
Wise Old Owl
03-28-2010, 23:34
The Cave at the Pinnacle.
butts0989
03-29-2010, 07:51
cave at blood mtn. also there is water about 200ft down the front side of the mountain for all you guys who may forget to bring water up there with you.
sasquatch2014
03-29-2010, 10:47
A little blue blazing in Harriman-Bear Mountain will get you to some very old cemetaries and other such stuff.
There is a neat old Cemetery just up hill from the first road crossing north of Wiley Shelter in NY.
LimpsAlong
03-29-2010, 10:52
cave at blood mtn. also there is water about 200ft down the front side of the mountain for all you guys who may forget to bring water up there with you.
Which sides the front side?
Bigglesworth
03-29-2010, 10:55
Not so much a secret but something many regretfully pass by - take the blueblaze to Dismal Creek Falls in VA and spend the afternoon and night there - go to the general store at the road before and hike in some good grub. This is a day or so south of Pearisburg.
Not so much a secret but something many regretfully pass by - take the blueblaze to Dismal Creek Falls in VA and spend the afternoon and night there - go to the general store at the road before and hike in some good grub. This is a day or so south of Pearisburg.
Is this Trent's Grocery?
If so, it's a welcome place to get a cheeseburger.
There's a secret shelter in Vermont.
Sorry it's not a secret...Everyone who thru-hikes knows about it.:sun
Many very cool and not so secret places along the AT that hikers miss because they are focused on just the white blazes.
saimyoji
03-29-2010, 11:11
Many very cool and not so secret places along the AT that hikers miss because they are focused on just the white blazes.
yeah, no one should skip the blue blazes just before lehigh gap, both the north and south trails......
yeah, no one should skip the blue blazes just before lehigh gap, both the north and south trails......
I totally agree. I say if one is shedding their responsibilities for the trail, stay out there as long as possible, hike as slow as possible, stop at anything that could possibly be remotely interesting, and just enjoy life.
I kind of wandered off trail near the tinker cliffs, and found a spot which was I think was a very very old barn. You could see the outline of a building, and there was alot of old farm equipment. The hand powered, all metal kind. It's all rusted over, but it was pretty neat. I spent a good half hour there, just poking around. I seriously doubt very many hikers see it, being so close to the cliffs.
Not so much a secret but something many regretfully pass by - take the blueblaze to Dismal Creek Falls in VA and spend the afternoon and night there - go to the general store at the road before and hike in some good grub. This is a day or so south of Pearisburg.
We did that in March, just before a snowstorm. It's a decent little store, lots of food, and they let us sit for quite some time. When the storm hit, the owner let us stay in his barn, sleeping above the horses. Although I got the distinct impression that offer is not generally open to others.
butts0989
03-29-2010, 15:33
Which sides the front side?
The side pointing south west or just west. When you are up on the main rock on top there is a 300 ft. cliff if you walk down the face about 200ft from the rock. at the top of the face you'll find a spring.
peakbagger
03-29-2010, 17:26
The Frye Brook Cascades in Maine are a nice side hike off the trail but most folks go right past. This area is a series of water falls and deep pools which are a nice place to go on a hot day. The trail past them used to be the AT until they relocated the trail at one point to keep it on the ridgeline and away from the East Andover road. It still is a good way to day hike the Baldpates from the Andover side.
earlyriser26
03-29-2010, 18:19
The Frye Brook Cascades in Maine are a nice side hike off the trail but most folks go right past. This area is a series of water falls and deep pools which are a nice place to go on a hot day. The trail past them used to be the AT until they relocated the trail at one point to keep it on the ridgeline and away from the East Andover road. It still is a good way to day hike the Baldpates from the Andover side.
Frye Brook Shelter was always my favorite on the A.T. It was a shame they relocated this section of the trail. The last time I stayed there was the day Nixon resigned. So often they relocate the trail to follow a pointless ridgeline leaving all the great spots like this befind.
cave at blood mtn. also there is water about 200ft down the front side of the mountain for all you guys who may forget to bring water up there with you.
Where is the cave located?
Frye Brook Shelter was always my favorite on the A.T. It was a shame they relocated this section of the trail. The last time I stayed there was the day Nixon resigned. So often they relocate the trail to follow a pointless ridgeline leaving all the great spots like this befind.
Folks will just have to settle for Cooper Brook Falls shelter. I didn't stay there as there was an extended family in residence when I arrived, but the swimming hole looked very inviting with a nice cliff to jump off of right in front of the shelter.
valkyrie
03-30-2010, 03:40
I found the wreckage of a helicopter around the Tennessee North Carolina Border. Unfortunatly, I can't remember exactly where. heading south it was on the left. Strewn across an area about 50 yards long. Maybe Gray Blazer knows where.
Gray Blazer
03-30-2010, 07:45
I found the wreckage of a helicopter around the Tennessee North Carolina Border. Unfortunatly, I can't remember exactly where. heading south it was on the left. Strewn across an area about 50 yards long. Maybe Gray Blazer knows where.
I know, Angel, But I ain't tellin'. And I had nothing to do with it! I was nowhere close at the time it crashed. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Tennessee Viking
03-30-2010, 09:07
These are mainly side trails:
Standing Indian summit
The old Runion logging camp. Located just outside of Hot Springs on Laurel River Trail. Old foundations. And river has some great cascades and rapids.
Rocky Fork Tract (viewed from Flint Gap). Hidden lake. System of old logging roads. Tons of waterfalls.
Lost Cove settlement on Flattop Mtn. Old cars. Foundations. Very historical
Eagles Nest on Ephirams Trail. Awesome view of Nolichucky Gorge
Elk River Big Falls
Big Yellow Mountain Bald
Grassy Ridge Bald
Berry Farm in Elk Park NC
Laurel Fork Trail with Frog Level, Upper Laurel Falls, Dennis Cove Falls
Coon Den Falls
Laurel Fork swimming holes at Koonford Bridge
Creeper Trail
Gray Blazer
03-30-2010, 11:50
Maybe Gray Blazer knows where.
Actually, now that I thought about it, I don't, but, my dad does.
LimpsAlong
03-30-2010, 13:20
The side pointing south west or just west. When you are up on the main rock on top there is a 300 ft. cliff if you walk down the face about 200ft from the rock. at the top of the face you'll find a spring.
I'll have to be pretty thirsty to walk down the face of a 300' cliff! But thanks anyway.
Does anyone know any cool places off the trail on the A.T. that most people might not be aware of? Waterfalls, swimming holes, old graveyards ect?there are nudist camps along the trail around here....
butts0989
03-30-2010, 18:21
Where is the cave located?
The cave is located about 30 yards east of the rock referred to earlier. there are many holes that appear to be caves but you'l know once you get the right one. the cavern is about 20 ft long and 4 -5 feet high, last i was in there i saw evidence of a fire in there. The hole to inter is very VERY small, hope you're a tiny guy.
earlyriser26
03-30-2010, 18:37
If the weather isn't bad, the old AT now blue blazed to Coon Den falls is worth the short side trip. Very steep and slippery, but great falls.
Race Brook Falls is large waterfall on a blue blaze off the AT not very far north of the CT/MA border, Sages Ravine and the excellent ridge walk on Race MT. Taking the scouts there in April. :cool:
About 5 miles south of Jeffers Brook Shelter in NH, there's a lake and campsites on the water just off the trail. Don't know how much of a secret it is because it is a great big lake, but it's not mentioned in the trail companion.
Does anyone know any cool places off the trail on the A.T. that most people might not be aware of? Waterfalls, swimming holes, old graveyards ect?
Hickory Flats Cemetary and Pavilion about 6 miles north of Springer.
http://www.trailgallery.com/photos/5512/tj5512%5F050407%5F194611%5F215387.jpg
http://www.trailgallery.com/photos/5689/tj5689%5F062507%5F172832%5F231796.jpg
BitBucket
03-30-2010, 22:38
Scramble 200 feet down Coon Den Ridge from the Appalachian Trail (AT) and a leaf covered spring is usually visible even to the casual visitor. From this gentle outflow a mighty river is created. It flows through the heartland of Georgia, both physically and historically. Clean, fresh, and sparkling at this point, the water is begining a 500+ mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico as the Chattahoochee River.
Tennessee Viking
03-30-2010, 22:47
If the weather isn't bad, the old AT now blue blazed to Coon Den falls is worth the short side trip. Very steep and slippery, but great falls.
I looped it from Dennis Cove up the AT to Coon Den Falls back to Dennis Cove with six inches of snow. I had to butt-scoot down the trail it was so slick.
There is 3 silver mines on Beauty Spot/Unaka Mtn. If you find them please send me a "pm" and I will keep it a secret!
Tennessee Viking
03-30-2010, 23:05
There is 3 silver mines on Beauty Spot/Unaka Mtn. If you find them please send me a "pm" and I will keep it a secret!My theory is that it is in the Unaka Mtn Wilderness. Why else would the CCC build the campground at Rock Creek. They were looking for the Lost Unaka city of Silver. Where is Nicholas Cage or Harrison Ford when you need them.
Its got to be above Rock Creek Falls. May be even over toward Dicks Creek since there are so many roads in that area.
Most of the markers to find the mines are gone or destroid. The is a Birch tree on Rock Creek that has the turtle and cave/mine symbol. There is a Rock that has been mostly destroid up on the mountain that is supposed to show the way. Rumor has it that there is one close to Beauty Spot. One at the top of Rock Creek. And one in Dicks Creek. But I read about a cave below a lookout that I need to check into. I also know of a cave close to Beauty Spot. Maybe someday I'll put some Holloween spider web stuff infront of it to see if any large animals are using it. Or better yet, maybe one of my friends have one of those tree mount cameras they use for hunting...hmmm
Buddy Johnson wrote a book called "Silver in the Unakas".
one of the hut crews pointed us to a small cave about 1/4 to 1/2 mile south of the summit of washington. it was the only place sheltered from the wind on the summit cone in case you need to get a flame going for whatever reason.
BigHodag
03-31-2010, 23:31
The Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC) is a "secret" underground facility just a few miles east of the trail around Cascade, MD (Pen Mar Park). You might could wander down to the Legion hut and find someone to drive you by.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven_Rock_Mountain_Complex
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Camp David is also a few miles east of the trail in the Catoctin Mountains of MD. I wouldn't approach it, as scary men with badges will show up long before you see fence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_David
Topo map:
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/united_states/camp_david_1971.jpg
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FEMA's Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center is just off the trail in the SNP area just south of Snickers Gap.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Weather_Emergency_Operations_Center
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/mt_weather.htm
randyg45
04-01-2010, 17:49
[QUOTE= Very steep and slippery, but great falls.[/QUOTE]
Cell service? EMTs close by?:banana:welcome
OutdoorsMan
07-24-2010, 10:54
If y'all see smoke comin outa a holler, ya better keep on truckin. if you approach this holler you will be greeted first by my dogs who are normally very hungry. The smoke is from my campfire and not anything else. If anyone has any copper tubing, I need some and can trade ya somethin fer it. I also need some turpentine and glass jugs for a project.
Please stay away from my secret place and find one of your own.
LIhikers
07-25-2010, 21:37
There's a secret shelter in Vermont.
That shelter is nice, but I thought it's accompanying out-house was really unique.
Lightfoot70
07-29-2010, 03:29
Yes!! There is a georgia air gaurd f-15 I used to work on back in the mid 90's. It happened in the winter and the pilot enjoyed a nice cool evening before the blackhawk picked him up.
remington79
07-29-2010, 17:10
It's not really a secret but by Bear mountain in CT there is a nice cabin by a stream. There's a wood stove in there and an upstairs to sleep in. The stream is clear and cold. I can't remember where exactly it is but it's a short hike from there to the summit.
Scramble 200 feet down Coon Den Ridge from the Appalachian Trail (AT) and a leaf covered spring is usually visible even to the casual visitor. From this gentle outflow a mighty river is created. It flows through the heartland of Georgia, both physically and historically. Clean, fresh, and sparkling at this point, the water is begining a 500+ mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico as the Chattahoochee River.
Is that Chattahoochee Gap where Jack's Knob trail comes in? Must be 200' in elevation, because its about a quarter mile or more with the switchbacks. Not exactly a "hidden" place either since there is a sign there, but folks might not know the significance of this spring if they didn't catch a clue with the name.
It's not really a secret but by Bear mountain in CT there is a nice cabin by a stream. There's a wood stove in there and an upstairs to sleep in. The stream is clear and cold. I can't remember where exactly it is but it's a short hike from there to the summit.
The cabin is used by the trail runners and maintainers of the CT Section AMC and is about half a mile west of the AT on old Northwest Road, which joins the Trail at the north base of Bear Mountain. I hear the cabin is available for a fee - it looks pretty spiff. It's about a third of a mile on the NW Trail from Mt. Washington Road Parking near CT-MA border.
Sages Ravine, in itself, is a beautiful place, ecologically fragile and very green - especially the southern wall of the gorge. One of my faves in our neck of the woods on the Trail. Runs for about a mile and starts half mile or so north of Bear.
mweinstone
10-14-2010, 09:40
most of the posts on this thread are well known places. with the exception of two witch i am impressed by. the river source. riversources impress me. i know a great one. well. its a creek. hertline. in pa. at the top campsite. theirs a tree beyond. with a moat of wet around it. and bubbeling comming up from under it.
the other is the turtle and cave?mine symble on the tree. thats an old cool thing. i diddnt ever know the story. but knew it was special and allways ment to find out. the disc with my pic of it is with the dude. dude! send me my damm pics!
okay, now i will stump you all. if anyones seen this, well, im impressed.
we all understand historical trail bits and peices are moved form time to time. either to museums or, in alot of cases, to veiwing areas. large rocks may be moved to near graded trails like in highlands,....well. can anyone tell me they know where the stones from the windsor furnace blast furnace building were left when just a few were moved to a publisized location? cause i can show you the original spot where the 80 or 90% of the stones remaine in their pile covered with berries and beauty.
Serial 07
10-14-2010, 09:42
i want to know matty! i've got lots of stones from that area...
mweinstone
10-14-2010, 09:49
im sorry serial that would be takeing the thread off track or hyjacking witch is forbidden here on our blaze. this forum was begun to discuss secret places. anyone is free to post a thread of known places elswhere here on the blaze. admat
LIhikers
10-14-2010, 17:23
Depending on how far off trail you want to go, there are some old iron ore mines in NY's Harriman State Park. Some are filled with water but others you can walk a ways into.
The Cleaner
10-14-2010, 17:38
I totally agree. I say if one is shedding their responsibilities for the trail, stay out there as long as possible, hike as slow as possible, stop at anything that could possibly be remotely interesting, and just enjoy life.
I was on Big Bald on 4-10 this year taking a break&soaking up the views and 2 thru hikers passed by without even breaking their stride,didn't even say a word,just kept on truckin'.....some people really miss many things when all they have on their mind is getting to Big K...slow down see the sights & meet&greet the hikers!:)
THere are a lot of secrets in the Smokies. Old train engines, steam engines, homesites, graveyards.
Even a few antique cars, still sitting where they were left by their owners when the park was created.
Odd Man Out
10-14-2010, 19:29
In SNP at the Crescent Rocks Overlook on Skyline Dr between Skyland and Big Meadows there are great views to the west from the rock outcroppings. I followed the rocks south as far as I could to get away from the crowds by the parking lot. But protruding out from the ridge, there was one more good sized flat-topped rock that was separated from the main rock by an uncomfortably wide crevasse. I got up enough nerve and jumped the gap and had this perch all to myself (disclaimer try at your own risk). At the farthest edge of that rock, there was a shelf a couple of feet below the top. The ledge sloped back away from the edge so when you sit on it, you lean backward slightly with your back on the front edge of the main rock. The seat fit me just perfectly, like an Eames Lounge Chair. It was so comfortable and because of the reclining position I had no sense of risk of falling off the edge. Because you were at the outermost edge of the rock and your feet were dangling over the abyss, when you looked forward you couldn't see anything (even in your peripheral vision) except the bowl of trees on the side of the Blue Ridge and the Shenandoah River Valley below. After a few minutes, I got the feeling of floating in mid air, like riding in a balloon. It was so cool.
When the trail was relocated to the ridgeline between Gulf Hagas Mountain and White Cap in the 100-mile-wilderness, it by passed the old AT including what was one of the trail's most beautiful shelters. 30 years later that shelter still remains and in pretty good repair when I last visited a few years ago. Stop by if you can find it.
northernstorm
10-14-2010, 21:18
I have braved the Fargo deep mine, defeated the blood fish at jarred landing!!! Hopefully some of you watch south park?:banana
Trail Bug
10-15-2010, 07:30
On north side of road crossing at US 421 at Low Gap. No date on stone. Just the flag and a Navy anchor on the marker. http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=37072&catid=514
nitewalker
10-15-2010, 09:15
I just went to one today - Camp Michaux, about 2 miles south of Pine Grove Furnace. It was a WW2 site for interrogating high level prisoners, in between use by the CCC and as a church camp (where Keystone Trails Association also met for the first 16 yeras of its existence). With leaves on in thru-hiker season it might be difficult to see much although it's possible the remains of two different swimming pools may be of some interest to the especially desperate.
Camp Michaux Web Site (http://www.schaeffersite.com/michaux.htm)
The History of Camp Michaux
M.S. Reifsnyder
circa. 1955
What follows in these pages is a brief history with facts and legend concerning a spot in the Michaux forest that has grown very dear to many of us. Here we have played and studied and experienced deep convictions concerning our faith. It is only a small tract of land that looms large in the life of the camper.
We hope that in this history you may find some interesting facts (and some fiction) concerning Camp Michaux.
The Original Farm
About 250 acres, including Camp Michaux, were originally a farm belonging to the Gardner family. The deed to this property was destroyed when the Confederate Army marched through the North. From natives we learn that the tract was known as the Bunker Hill Farm.
The thick stone wall still standing north of Trail Lodge was a part of the barn on the Gardner farm. The buildings must have been very well constructed judging from this wall, because it is about three feet thick.
The last year this farm was cultivated was 1919. At that time they were harvesting a thousand bushels of wheat from it.
The Baker family owned the first steam traction engine in the South Mountains. They used it in their sawmill.
The Hunting Lodge
Prior to 1850 some businessmen from Carlisle, Mount Holly, and Mount Tabor built a hunting lodge on the farm.
Wooden pegs instead of nails were used in the construction of the lodge. Even the lath were fastened with wooden pegs.
About 25 or 30 years ago Mr. Monk Wagner, a native of these mountains and a great friend of Michaux was a member of this club. The organization was disbanded about 15 years ago. At the time of disbanding this building was known as The Beam Hunting Lodge.
S-51 -The CCC Camp
In 1931 the Civilian Conservation Corps took possession and cleared the land which had grown over with weeds and briars. At first the corps lived in tents. While tents were the only shelter lightning struck the camp, killing one boy and injuring another. Money found’ in the slain boy’s pocket is still kept in the District Forester’s Office. It is fused into one solid mass. While the CCC boys were occupying the camp they built four log cabins, Honeymoon, Hutch, Tool Shed and Gasoline Storage (these names were given to them later.) A part of the Mess Hall, Headquarters, and the lower Recreation Hall were also constructed at this time. We believe that Calvin Barracks was originally a truck garage. The barracks above the chapel were erected by CCC, also the Pumping House. Two dams with log breasts were added.
There is a legend abroad that the boys would compete in a snake contest for their spending money. They would form a long line at the foot of the mountain and search for snakes as they proceeded to climb to the top. Black snakes, copperheads and rattlers fell before this onslaught. A stone fence came down the mountain from the West and went through the Camp site. It is said that thousands of snakes were killed when this fence was removed.
Camp Pine Grove - A Prisoner of War Camp
The PW Camp was located at Michaux because it was close to the Carlisle Barracks and at the same time only a two-hour drive to Washington, D.C. Perhaps more important was the fact that the site is isolated and could be kept a secret.
It was under supervision of the Intelligence Department of the Army. The camp had a private telephone line from here to Washington, D.C. It was originally intended to house German Naval Officers, but it was enlarged to include prisoners from Rommul’s African Corps. Later Japanese Officers were also imprisoned here.
The camp was occupied by 1500 prisoners and 150 American personnel. The inventor of the German Buzz Bomb was held here.
At one time during the war a German Naval Officer was quartered in Trail Lodge. He was a very stubborn prisoner and for two weeks would not divulge any secrets. Someone found out that this prisoner was very fond of American Whiskey. So they brought him down to Michaux Lodge and put him in with another prisoner. The Americans gave them two bottles of whiskey. They became very drunk and the conversation which ensued was recorded by means of a Dictaphone hidden in the ceiling. A few days later a submarine base in Germany was bombed for the first time.
The Michaux Prisoner of War Camp is mentioned by President Eisenhower in his book "Crusade in Europe."
Camp Michaux - A Religious Education Camp
Camp Michaux came about through the vision and untiring efforts of a few ministers and laymen who were faced with the great need for Christian Youth Training. These men took over the Prisoner of War Camp and equipped the ground in a suitable manner for the adequate training of youth.
Camp Michaux was started July 1st, 1947, through the cooperation and work of many young people who enthusiastically accepted Michaux as their camp and conference grounds, and through the interest, approval, and giving of Christian people in the churches and through the foresight of the denominational bodies concerned. Camp Michaux is today a living reality through the organization of a Board of Directors. This camp is set up for continued and permanent operation. The Board has acquired a ten-year lease from the state. It has employed an all year around caretaker. An efficient management system has been set up and operates on a budget of approximately $40,000 annually.
The present tract contains 65 acres of beautifully landscaped forest land. Evergreen trees border the paths connecting the buildings which consist of staff lodges, campers lodges, sleeping quarters for 500 campers, recreation halls, chapel, headquarters and office, infirmary, camp store, craft shop, toilets and bath houses (with hot and cold running water). All buildings are equipped with electric lights and heating facilities.
Out of doors are found Vesper Hill, a beautiful swimming pool, a fish pond, athletic field, hiking trails, campfire sites, picnic grounds, volley ball, and badminton courts.
The whole property in conservatively valued at a half million dollars. During the past five years 150,000 dollars has been invested in Camp Michaux to make it an effective place for a church camping program.
The New Swimming Pool
For the health and safety of campers a new concrete swimming pool was constructed at a cost of $50,000. It has been designed by competent engineers and is under Red Cross Life Saving supervision. It affords a splendid opportunity for non-swimmers to learn to swim and provides splendid recreation for those who already know how to swim. The water is tested weekly to assure sanitary conditions.
Land Marks About the Camp
As a prospective camper turns from route #233 and enters a road leading to Camp Michaux he passes over High Mountain. When he arrives at camp he faces Jerry’s Flat which lies to the North. Vesper Hill is situated at its foot. To the west is Big Rocky Ridge. This ridge is so named because of the huge rocks that lie poised on its crest, ready to be catapulted to the valley beneath. Opposite the valley, to the south of camp, is Little Rocky Ridge. The Appalachian Trail crosses this mountain about one mile south of camp.
The Appalachian Trail passes through the camp along the foot of Big Rocky Ridge Mountain and Jerry’s Flat. The Sunset Trail passes to the south of camp along the foot of Little Rocky Ridge. They meet about a mile northeast of camp and again about a mile to the southwest. Between these two points lies the entire length of the rugged Sunset Trail, but the Appalachian Trail stretches from Maine to Georgia.
The only road through camp is a County Road. This road is improved from route #233 to Camp Michaux. From there it continues up to Jerry’s Flat, where it is known as the Ridge Road. The Ridge Road eventually connects with the Centerville Road.
The stream that runs through Camp Michaux is called Tom’s Run. It has its origin in springs that are located near the Appalachian Shelters about a mile south of camp.
In 1905 slate and bricks were manufactured in the village of Pine Grove Furnace. The old slate and brick mines can still be seen. The industry was managed by Col. J. C. Fuller. In the boom days of 1912 to 1914 about 500 people were employed. Some of the trades represented were charcoal burners, wagoneers, blacksmiths, woodsmen, carpenters and storekeepers.
Fuller Lake
Fuller Lake was once the ore hole from which the iron ore was mined for the Pine Grove Furnace. Long ago it filled up with water. It is now an ideal spot for vacationers. It is reputed to be more than 90 feet deep. The, mining of iron ore had to be stopped because the water came into the quarry so rapidly that the old type pumps could not pump fast enough. Some of the machinery is still down at the bottom of the lake.
Laurel Lake
Laurel Lake is a companion to Fuller. It also serves many vacationers. Some think Fuller Lake is warmer than Laurel Lake for swimming, but Laurel is not nearly as dangerous. Laurel Lake slopes gradually into deep water but Fuller Lake drops off suddenly close to the edge.
The Tenant House
About a mile, northeast of the camp, along the Appalachian Trail is an old house. It is now used as a lodge for the hikers on the Trail. Originally it was the tenant house belonging to the Gardner Farm, Tenant houses were used in those days by the hired man’s family. The house and the immediate surroundings are overgrown with a heavy stand of pine trees. Somewhere among these trees are three unmarked graves, bearing the remains of three small children who died of small pox.
Near the tenant house are the remains of a stave mill, only the foundation is in evidence. The staves manufactured here were used to make barrels for salt pork.
The Indian Breast Works
There are two legends in existence concerning the Indian Breast Works. The first of these connects them with the Indians and the second claims that they were used by the settlers living there during the Civil War.
Story # 1—The Indian Story. This story assumes that there was a road where the Appalachian Trail now is. It was used by the early settlers who traveled from Pennsylvania to the South. When these settlers would reach this particular point in their journey the Indians would shoot their arrows from a stone barricade, on big Rocky Ridge. This story is not very plausible because Indians seldom used handmade fortifications. There were plenty natural fortifications about 100 yards up the mountain where many huge boulders lie poised as though ready to be dashed down the mountain side at a moments notice.
Story #2—The Civil War Story. It is more plausible to believe that soldiers of the Confederacy used this valley to proceed from the South towards Chambersburg. It seems more logical that this stone fence (that is all the Indian Breast Works were) was hastily thrown together by people who wished to snipe at an enemy, than by Indians who out of sheer maliciousness wished to kill a few white men.
It wouldn’t surprise me at all if some future historian would discover a bit of evidence that the stone fence was only a stone fence. About 25 feet of it remains. The remainder was destroyed by the CCC boys.
The Charcoal Pits
The Charcoal Pits had their beginning about the same time the furnace was built at Pine Grove Furnace, prior to 1770. The ingredients used in manufacturing iron were charcoal, limestone, and iron ore. Sometimes these ingredients were adulterated with other metallic substances and caused brightly colored slag to come from the furnace. This odd slag can still be found in the refuse from the furnace that was strewn over the Appalachian Trail.
The charcoal was brought out of the mountains and transported to the furnace in bottom drop wagons drawn by six or eight mules.
The remains of the pits can still be seen. They’re circular in form, absolutely level, and about 15 to 20 feet in diameter. There are quite a few of them on the Sunset Trail. Some are found on the Appalachian rj7rail About two miles west of the camp on the Appalachian Trail remains of fireplaces that the charcoal burners used for cooking purposes are still in evidence.
The Frog Pond
Near the Ridge Road about two miles west of camp in Jerry’s Flat is a sluggish pond. The water in it is an accumulation of rainwater. There is no evidence of a spring feeding the pond. Apple trees appear in the vicinity making it possible that an early settler lived near by. Recently a bulldozer dug the pond deeper. The pond is not nearly as picturesque as it once was.
The Ant Hills
Along Ridge Road are huge Ant Hills. Some of them attain a height of 2 or 3 feet. Several groups of Michaux campers have closely studied these ant hills. One of the groups thrust a pane of glass from the top to the bottom through the middle of the hill. Then they carefully scraped the ant hill from one side of the pane. In this way the activity of the ants could be seen. It was quite evident that these ants had a highly organized social existence. They fed aphids for their milk, they had a nursery with trained nurses for the infants, they had storehouses for food, they had a standing army, and many other features of a similar nature. The nature of this organization disturbed some of the campers because it appeared too much like socialism.
Dead Woman’s Hollow Road
This road got its name from the fact that a woman whose identity is no longer known was bitten by a snake and died there. After she was found the natives referred to this road as the Dead Woman’s Hollow Road. It is located about 2 miles south of Camp Michaux.
Hammond’s Rocks
These rocks are an outcropping of huge boulders about 40 feet high. They are located about 7 miles northeast of the camp on Buck Ridge. They afford a good place from which the surrounding mountains can be surveyed. The scenery is very beautiful.
The location of these rocks is approximately 5 miles west of the camp and is sometimes known as Prospect Place. The site was cleared by the CCC. The rocks are comparatively small and are called flint stone. They cover the entire side of a mountain for about 200 yards. They are supposed to be infested with snakes.
Sunset Trail
This trail is sometimes known as the "Blue Trail." The name was given to it because of the blue markings that are painted on the trees indicating the direction of the trail. It is one of the most picturesque of all the trails in Michaux Forest. It is very rugged and demands a good deal of stamina on the part of the traverser. Some of the rocks that must be climbed are as tall as ,a two-story house. (Snakes are not uncommon. The author helped to eradicate a nest of copperheads. The nest contained six mother snakes with 60 little baby snakes. And that is no "snake" story!) It extends from the Appalachian Trail near Pine Grove Furnace south to a place where it again joins the Appalachian Trail about one mile south of the camp.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail which begins at Mt. Katodin, Maine and ends at Mt. Ogelthorpe, Georgia, passes through Camp Michaux. The old tenant house belonging to the Gardner Farm is one of the stations along the route. The key to this house can be obtained from the forest ranger in Caledonia. About 2 miles south of the camp are two lean-tos, which furnish shelter for travelers on the trail.
The half way mark from Maine to Georgia is located near Mt. Holly Springs. 1225 miles stretch either way from this point.
This is the story as it was given to me: A married man living in Pittsburgh ran away with a married woman from the same place. The woman had three children. They finally arrived in the Michaux Mountains. The man was looking for work but could not find any. Becoming desperate and unable to bear the hungry complaints of the children, he killed them and left them in the mountain. A marker identifies the spot where the children were found. The man and woman were later apprehended and brought to justice.
Lewis’ Cave
"On the banks of the Conodoguinet Creek, about 1½ miles from Carlisle is a cave, the haunt of David Lewis." David Lewis was a very romantic figure that lived in the vicinity of Carlisle during the early Colonial period. He is supposed to have stolen from the wealthy and given to the poor. The more realistic story, but still romantic, is that the "poor" was a comely widow that lived in these parts
In a book about David Lewis appears the description of the above-mentioned cave. It had an antechamber 90 yards long and a man could stand erect in it. Three passages branched from it. One of these led to the "Devil’s Dining Room." Before Lewis took possession of it the Indians were supposed to have used it for a storehouse. It is also possible that parts of it were used for a tomb.
Those who have had the rare pleasure of reading the autobiography of David Lewis find that he was not as romantic a figure as he was reputed to be. He met a very tragic end. He was caught by the authorities and died in prison.
Andre’ Michaux
In order that you may become more familiar with the man whose name this forest bears I have asked the Reverend Doctor Addison H. Groff of Baltimore, Maryland to do some research along this line. He has submitted the following: Through the mountain around our camp there passed more than a century and a half ago the romantic figure of Andre’ Michaux. This beautiful state forest is named after him. Our books on botany bear his name on every page. We are indebted to him for his discovery and naming of a host of flowers, shrubs, and trees never before seen by white man. On closer acquaintance we admire his genius and untiring labors not the less, but we love him the more for the man he was, a man with a heavy burden on his heart, and the light of a soul-quest on his face. Those who have dreams will love this lone and gentle man who loved these forest deeps and revealed their pleasures to a wonderful world.
We said "alone," but Andre’ Michaux did not pass through these silent and virgin woods alone. With him was a boy, a lad of 15, his son Francois, who continued his father’s labors when that unfortunate man was sent by cruel fate, not back to the American Wilderness he loved, but toward the Spice Islands, w hen a sudden fever brought death to the gallant searcher, at the age of 55, on the Isle of Madagascar. The year was 1802, the month November.
Andre’s young wife had died in giving birth to her son, and Andre’ sold his estate and rushed toward the East, as if to quiet the pain in his heart. In Persia he was captured by bandits rescued as if by a miracle, and brought back to Europe rare fruit and ornamental trees for the King of France, trees which he later presented to our own George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, among them the Tallow Tree and Chinaberry Tree which now graces our Southern Gardens.
Andre’s King then sent him to America to gather plants for the Royal Gardens. He was 38 years old when his ship landed in New York accompanied by the young Francois. In near by New Jersey he set up his garden and. into the wilds he plunged to gather seeds, leaves, roots, cuttings, and plants for a King who forgot to pay him, and whose gracious Queen was ungraciously to give away his American treasures of flora and fauna to her father the Emperor of Austria. When the traveler returned to Paris after losing almost all his books and diaries, his specimens, and almost his life, when his boat was wrecked off the coast of Holland, he found his King and Queen dead by the hungry Guillotine, and his country in the hands of those who had no interest in things scientific or beautiful.
Eleven years Michaux was to extend his American travels. The courteous French gentleman was to face the wilderness with little armor other than his gentleness, his hunger for knowledge and his love of growing things. "He loved flowers as Audobon loved birds", says one admirer, He explored the mountains of Carolina, he made hazardous journeys through the swamps and marshes of Florida. Back among the mountains after a voyage to the Bahamas, Michaux discovered Ginseng and taught its commercial value to the mountaineers.
In 1794 the relentless searcher made an expedition to Canada and the Arctic Regions about Hudson Bay and on his return he discussed with Thomas Jefferson the prospects of an exploration of the great West by way of the Missouri River. The Lewis and Clark expedition in the next century followed the Frenchman’s plan and suggestions.
In 1796 Michaux sailed home to France. For seven years he had received no pay from the home government and his own resources were exhausted. After the almost fatal wreck off the coast of Holland Michaux reached Paris to place his precious books of dried plants in the famous museum. His collection of living plants and seeds and most of his notes had been lost at sea. And so to the Pacific and death at Madagascar. while his son Francois returned to the American mountains they had first explored together. The father’s dreams were realized in his son. Francois lived to an advanced age. always happy to receive American visitors and hear of how the wilderness he had loved was now the dwelling place of settlers. And of how great cities now stood at the crossing of the roads which once were trails for the deer and the Indian and a few intrepid men like the Michaux father and son.
If in our walks along the Michaux trails we come upon the stemless Yellow Violet (Viola Rotundifolia Michxj, or the Silvery Gladefern (Asplenium Thelypteroides Micbx.), we shall remember Andre Michaux who loved the woods we love and who first named hundreds of our plants for all who were to come after him. It may well be that those who bring their burdens to these mountains may, like him, find all they are seeking and more.
The End
Printed by
THE CARROLL RECORD COMPANY, INC.
Taneytown, Md.
APRIL 1955
Word Processed by
Lee Schaeffer
Pittsburgh, PA
MAY 2002
REBELYELL
10-17-2010, 21:47
front side is on the other side of the back side
When the trail was relocated to the ridgeline between Gulf Hagas Mountain and White Cap in the 100-mile-wilderness, it by passed the old AT including what was one of the trail's most beautiful shelters. 30 years later that shelter still remains and in pretty good repair when I last visited a few years ago. Stop by if you can find it.
Do you have a photo of it?
Do you have a photo of it?
I don't know. I probably snapped a photo of the shelter at some point. When I camped there with my kids 30 years ago, or when I last visited to see if it was still standing. Probably both. Both my sons caught their first trout from the stream that flows past the shelter. But there are no photos that I can easily find. They are buried among thousands of uncatalogued photos.
The old AT is so overgrown that it is almost impossible to find. A secondary path in from the road that parallels White Brook has been flooded, probably by beavers. It was late on my last visit, and I'd spent a long day working on my trail section, so I didn't explore very carefully.
But it's a standard Adirondack style lean-to, like all of Maine's AT shelters.
I've given enough hints above. But here's one more. Think a mile or so above the High Bridge over White Brook.
Weary
[QUOTE=weary;
I've given enough hints above. But here's one more. Think a mile or so above the High Bridge over White Brook.
Weary[/QUOTE]
From a old map:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=9308&stc=1&d=1287419719
From a old map:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=9385&stc=1&d=1288925085
LIhikers
11-04-2010, 23:27
There's a secret shelter in Vermont.
Sorry it's not a secret...Everyone who thru-hikes knows about it.:sun
And so do a lot of section hikers. :)
Buhzerker
11-24-2010, 05:25
My theory is that it is in the Unaka Mtn Wilderness. Why else would the CCC build the campground at Rock Creek. They were looking for the Lost Unaka city of Silver. Where is Nicholas Cage or Harrison Ford when you need them.
Its got to be above Rock Creek Falls. May be even over toward Dicks Creek since there are so many roads in that area.
Dick's Creek for the Win, as you can easily head up a trail and be @ the top of the Unaka in a bit. It also isn't that far to Rock Creek area either. I grew up in the area and am very famaliar w/ it. From what I was told as a Child, My Family used to own the biggest part of the Mountain before the Govt. purchased it. I was always told that the Family sold the property, but not the Mineral rights. There is also Red Fork Falls, It's a bit off the trail but very nice. Lots of minerals in the rocks around that area as well. I know where a few cool caves are in the area as well. When I am not Working out of State or rockin n rollin, I dig getting out in the Woods ;) Cheers Up
Just a Hiker
11-24-2010, 07:48
Next time you're in Franklin, N.C., Ron Haven will gladly show you Eric Rudolph's secret hideout.......:D
GeneralLee10
11-24-2010, 08:23
I know of the hidden shelter (more of a cabin) in NY. It was locked this year; but the owner just so happen to be doing some tree work near by. Shower, best well water in NY, oh, did I say it had heat too. We were told he no longer let's hikers stay there(inside); just happen he let the three of us inside. Said he thru hiked in the 80's if I'm correct. I know some of you older AT hikers know of this location. He covered up the blue blaze trail. You must know what road to walk down. If you happen to find this location you should be able to camp only now. You just mite get to see a donkey too!