Sun, Jan 24 2016 - High Falls, Big Scaly and Standing Indian - New Date (View Original Event Details)
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We weren't sure we would be able to access our trailhead due to the unknown road conditions. It turned out that with Tony's driving skill and AWD truck, we didn't really have an issue. It just took longer than usual given the slower driving speeds. Our original plan was likely too aggressive given the snow conditions we we changed last minute to hike up the Chimney Trail to Case Knife Gap, then a bushwhack up to the AT on the ridge, a short trek to Standing Indian summit and finally we returned back the way we came. This way we didn't have any river crossings. We also only hike 8 miles. Depending on the depth of the snow, it can really slow you down. At our trailhead there was only about 4 inches of snow but it kept on getting deeper as we ascended. On the Chimney Trail we ran into one backpacker who had ridden out the storm for fun at a camp he setup near the Chimney Rock. There are several rhododendron tunnels along this part of the trail. Heavily burdened from the snow, the rhododendron formed less of a tunnel and more of a blockage. Mostly we pushed through or under but we had to go off trail for an entire section to avoid an impassible section. By the time we reached Case Knife Gap, the snow was easily 1 foot. We stopped here for a quick lunch. The old trail that connects Case Knife and the AT on the ridge was not visible at all but we knew we just needed to go up until we hit the AT. On the AT the snow was getting to 16 inches with some spots as deep as 2 feet. While there were tracks on the AT, it appears that our group was the first to the summit and overlook. The view and sense of accomplishment was fantastic! The sky was clear, the wind calm and the snow fresh. Going downhill in the snow was much more fun than going up. Down the steep sections, slipping and falling in the soft snow was a blast. Don't tell anyone but I figured out that I could slide down the mountain a lot faster than hiking it (and lots of fun, too). I did this a couple of times in the switchbacks.
Hiking in the snow was a lot of fun and I definitely recommend trying it. Just know that it feels about twice as difficult as normal hiking depending on the depth of the snow and if you are the leader. Follow in someone else's footsteps if possible unless you like a challenge. Also remember that with the extra work, you will need more water than a typical winter hike. Some of us ran so low on water that we refilled out bladders with snow.
8 miles, 2900 ft elevation
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