Cemetery on Old Settlers Trail
It's been a few years since I have made the trek up Maddron Bald Trail to the Albright Grove. I'm excited to visit my old friends in the grove. Champion Fiber Co owned the area and planned to log it. The National Park Service condemned the property and after a suit, the property reverted to them. It is named for Horace Albright the second director of the National Park Service.
We start our hike on the tiny and obscure parking spot and walk up an old road, still paved. A park employee passes us in his vehicle, on the way to work on Old Settlers Trail. We stop at the Baxter cabin to glance around. Behind the cabin is a spring and probably a springhouse existed here also.
Tulip top missing
The hike to the grove has 3 distinct sections. The first being a gated but drivable road up to the junction with Old Settlers Trail. Then an older road which eventually ends in a loop. That was probably where early tourists drove to and turned back. Then an older track continues to a crossing over Indian Camp Creek on a spectacular footlog bridge.
We walked the Albright Loop in a clockwise direction. There are always new trees down on this trail and today was no exception. Some had been recent and had barely even been walked around. We took our time walking, noting what tree species we were seeing. The Big hemlock are all dead or dying. The poplars have taken over as the giants of the grove. They are being challenged next by some big oaks. The giant Silverbells, Maples and Fraser Magnolias are wonderful to see so large. Upper branches are covered in resurrection fern and other small bushes and even trees. many tops have been lost to lightening and wind.
Fraser Sedge
Silverbell burl
Lunch was simply peanut butter and strawberry rhubarb sandwiches but the spot made it a grand occasion.
Fallen Hemlock
I estimate the diameter of this Hemlock to be about 40 inches. It fell right across the trail. You could still smell the sap.
Indian Camp Creek bridge
Tree which grew on a nurse log
Hemlock adelgid
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