Above, the metal rungs of an old wooden water pipe lie beside the trail. I'm told this pipe transported water for a small hydro-electric plant in Montreat.
From the Graybread Trail parking area, we started up the Graybeard Trail through a very rocky area, steadily climbing alongside Flat Creek. After 3 rock hop crossings, we walked the gentle ascent on the old trestle. The switchbacks are quite long and add substantially to the length of the trail.
Graybeard Falls adds a nice touch to our hike. Snow had accumulated from yesterday. As we hiked higher, it was a couple inches deep. However, with so many people hiking the trails, it made for a slippery mess, especially descending.
Just before reaching Walkers Knob, a red shelter appears. It is the only place in the Montreat Wilderness, camping is permitted. We had met three backpackers earlier on the hike. They had spent the night here. The two in hammocks said it was really cold.
The walk out to Walkers Knob was short. We got a glimpse of the view below before low clouds blew through and obscured the landscape.
Our return rote was via a shortcut trail, eliminating the long switchbacks of the trestle.
The retaining wall above, may have been a water stop for the train. It is located right next to a creek which could easily have provided gravity fed water. We also saw coal ash or cinders. Possibly, while trains were stopped, taking on water, coal ash could have been dumped here.
The snow and ice made my descent slow and deliberate. My rib has been healing but a fall here would have been painful.
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