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Chestnut Branch by Connie Houk March 5, 2005

Alden and Liz were at my house at 8:00 sharp. We had debated on going today because of the forecast of 70% rain and 10 to 20 mile winds. Liz needed Chestnut Branch trail for her 900 miler, so with it only being 2 miles up to the AT, and a total of 4 miles we decided to get it in. If we have time and the weather is nice, we will go to Cataloochee and hike the Cataloochee Divide Trail. We will see. We loaded the packs in my car and were off to Waterville, NC. We haven’t got to hike much this year so we really enjoyed the ride over talking and catching up on lost time. Going out the Foothills Parkway we noticed a lot of recent downed trees from wind and storm damage. We pulled into the parking lot next to the ranger station where three or four vehicles were already parked, but with no one in sight. We were glad because we had to take a bathroom break from the coffee we had drunk on the way. Nine o’clock and we were on the trail. I guess it had rained during the night because the trail was wet and damp. There were only a skip of snow here and there and that was closer to the top. This is a nice trail that goes along Chestnut Branch. We stopped to take pictures of the bright green moss growing on the trees and rocks in the creek. There are a lot of old home sites in this area that have long-ago grown back to the natural state since the park was established. The last half-mile climbs steeply until it reaches the Appalachian Trail . With 1600 feet elevation climb in two miles it compares with the Chimney Tops Trail. We reach the trailhead; have a snack, bathroom break, and head back down the trail. It is too early for lunch. About a mile down the trail we met three trail maintainers, one with a chain saw. They would be the only hikers we passed today. There will be a lot of work to do on the trails before the spring wildflower hikers come out. We saw no wildlife or signs of any. The birds weren’t even singing today. We are back at the car before 12:00. We decide not to go on to Cataloochee since we would be getting off of the trail late and so far we had been lucky with no rain or bad winds. We ride up to the Big Creek Picnic area and have our lunch. We saw only one hiker while we were there. Liz’s birthday is Monday (Liz, I won’t tell everyone how old you are), so Alden and I had planned a little surprise for her. Alden had brought a piece of carrot cake and after lighting the candle, we sang happy birthday. No cake for Alden and I, we are dieting………again. After Liz opened her present, we went down to Mountain Moma’s for coffee. Alden and Liz asked the worker if she would take a picture of us. We seldom get pictures of us three together. Even though it was a short trail, today turned out to be a great day for hike! Great weather, great company, great coffee, great friends, and a great day for a birthday party!

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