Lake Sherwood/Allegheny Mt Loop |
Description: This is a moderate 10.9 mile circuit featuring views of Lake Sherwood, 10 stream crossings (significant only when the water is high), old mill ruins a 3+ mile ridge walk (views have all grown in) and assorted fungi and plants. The lake portion features a mixture of pine and hardwood trees along the shore and swamp species in the backs of coves. The Meadow Creek Trail weaves in, out and through Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron thickets. In late May and early June, the best time to hike this circuit, portions of the Allegheny ridge displays thickets of red to purple Mountain Rosebay Rhododendron and Flame Azaleas. Wildlife possibilities include Red Winged Blackbirds, grouse, turkey, bear and deer. The major elevation gain is quite modest, 500 feet over 2 miles. There are some minor ups and downs typical of ridge walking.
|
From the intersection of WV Route 92 and County Road 14 turn onto CO 14 and follow it for 11 miles to Lake Sherwood Recreation Area. Turn right and park near the beach bath house to begin the hike. The Lake Sherwood Trail is part of the Great Eastern Trail (GET).______________________________________ |
|
Trail
Notes:
All trails are blazed blue. Lake Sherwood Trail has an additional
yellow dot under the blue blaze. From the bath house skirt the beach
and follow the shore until you pick up the trail at the picnic area.
Continue following the bank, crossing the dam and a concrete
spillway on a bridge. At the junction with the
In
1.22 miles, come to a bridge that crosses Meadow Creek. Do not
cross!!! Instead turn right onto Meadow Creek Trail. Keep an eye out
for an old spill way on the creek. The structure has been stabilized
with steel fencing. Continue up Meadow Creek, crossing it 10 times
before reaching the junction of the Connector Trail 2.75 miles from
the last trail junction.
Turn
right on the Connector Trail. Climb slightly, passing the defunct
Snake Valley Trail ( an old jeep road, on your right). Enter a
wildlife clearing. There are now posts in the clearing directing you
to the continuation of the trail but they have a habit of
disappearing over time. A blue-blazed tree is at approximately 10-11
o�clock from where you entered the clearing. In about 0.4 miles
reach the Allegheny Mountain Trail. Turn right. Periodically you
might get very limited views of
As
of 07/04 the trail sign for the
|
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Name: Mark
Hike:
Lake
Sherwood/Allegheny Mt Loop
______________________________________ Name: WVwanderer Hike: Lake Sherwood / Allegheny Mt Loop
Date: July 15, 2006
Rating: 5 ______________________________________
Name: Libby
Workman Hike:
Lake Sherwood - Allegheny Loop ______________________________________ |