Today's outing is from West Morris campground on a side trail to the Uwharrie Trail, then north on the UT to Jumping Off Rock trailhead. The side trail from West Morris has been rerouted to get it off private property. It takes a circuitous route to do this. The old trail followed a timber road and was about half the length.
Once on the UT, we climbed and descended for the next 6 miles, passing only one creek with running water - Panther Branch. As you might expect, a large campsite has developed over the years here. Two of the fire pits have built up ash, overflowing its rock enclosure. There was the standard load of trash here to be packed out. Also, a clay flower pot. What do campers use these for?
Lunch was atop Dark Mountain where the only breeze of the day gently blew along the ridge. Coming off Dark Mountain is a very rocky section with much Mountain Laurel. It also looks like the site of a major native American quarry.
Mountain Laurel was blooming throughout the hike. We also saw a lot of Hawkweed in bloom and one solitary Fire pink.
Looks like a 20 year old field goal
Rural legend
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