My brother and I made it out in the middle of last week for a nice overnight hiking trip in the Roaring Plains. The weather was tremendous, as were all of the views.

The trails we traveled on: http://midatlantichikes.com/mnf-rp2.jpg

We parked at the South Prong trailhead and took the trail all of the way to Forest Road 70 where we hung a left and walked to the gas pipeline. From there we went left until we got to the top of the pipeline and started down. After enjoying some pretty sweet views we went "off the trailmap" and hiked for just a little while out Canyon Rim trail. We set up camp there and enjoyed the REMARKABLE views right behind our tent. All told, probably no more than 7 miles of hiking.

After a somewhat chilly night we woke to temperatures right at 40 degrees @ 6:00 AM. After breakfast we did some exploring without our packs then ventured back to the car, as we needed to be back kind of early. Our trip back was much shorter because we took a shortcut that followed the ridgeline from the top of the Pipeline, back to the South Prong trail. This trail is the infamous Hidden Passage trail. Roughly 4-5 miles at best.

Here are a few pictures from the trip. I'd love to get back up there within the next week or so, if the weather allows. I'm back to the grindstone at the beginning of August, so I'm trying to have some fun with the little time I have left.


The obligatory trailhead shot


Near the top of the pipeline, looking back towards the other side


Ripe already (in just a FEW places)


From the top of the pipeline


View from camp (this photo doesn't do it just AT ALL)


6:00 AM on July 1st 2010. It was COLD!!


The amenities


The trail at some points (somewhat of a bushwhack)


The top of Hidden Passage trail


I love this state.

Watts up with the Flip flops??..I can see where that View behind your camp would be so much more intense than the pic..Yeh..I love the State too!...keep on gettin on David & good luck with everything Bud!

Chacos, not flip flops!

What did you see that looked like good skiing? And how is the winter access?

Denis, all of the trails up there would be wonderful for touring. As for some downhill, the pipeline would be great if it were steeper. I'd venture to say that there are plenty of lines in the woods, it's just all about where you end up at the bottom. Could make for a nice trek back to civilization.

As for winter access to the plains, if you could drive to Forest Road 70 I'd say that would give you the easiest ski in access to the pipeline. From Forest Road 19 the pipeline is ~3.5 miles. If there is too much snow then you'd probably have to park at the Ranger's Station and ski up the FR 19, which would be close to 6 miles uphill to the pipeline.

One or 2 of Chip's boys and Curtis made it to the Plains this past winter. There was a picture or 2 posted on the WG website. It also said a video would be soon to come. I emailed Chip about it to see when they were going to put it up. In his reply he said "soon". I never did see it. Maybe Chaga could shed some light on it??

Oh yeah, I just remembered. I guess you could ski the 5.1 mile/2,200 ft of Flatrock Run Trail up to the top of the plains. You'd be pretty close and ready for an assault of MPC as well...

Really enjoyed your trip report and photos, David!

I've explored only the edges of the Roaring Plains; your account makes me want to plunge in. Great title for your last pic BTW. Thanks.

Woody

Mmmmm 1500' northern exposure and plenty of flat space atop it to build a mega resort complex.

yumm

yummmm

good post, thanks for post, +1))))

they're back (:^O)>>>

Just in time too. I need some tips for some persuasive essays I have coming up.