Laurel Run / Falls Ridge, GWNF, VA/WV

Photos by Ken Clark [KC] and Michael Juskelis [MJ], 2003/07/05.

Lonnie and Jane Ann, adjusting boots under the rhododendrons. [KC]

Rhododendron blossoms. [KC]

Not much wildlife on this hike, but there's a bee in this rhododendron. [MJ]

Mike: See those white rocks? That's the lunch spot. (Well, that was the plan, but we had lunch farther on due to lack of seating.) [KC]

Still plenty of mountain laurel blooming at the higher elevations. [KC]

Indian Pipes, the flower of a saprophytic plant without chlorophyll. [KC]

Almost done with the long hot climb. Mike: After this flat rock, only 2 tenths of a mile to the ridge trail. [KC]

Lonnie at the white rocks shown from the distance in the picture above. [KC]

At 2:10, time to have some lunch and enjoy the view (which includes Tibbet's Knob and Big Schloss). [KC]

Part of the lunch view, looking back where we just were on the ridge. [KC]

Returning through the meadow and pine plantation. [MJ]

Now on the final stretch, this local dog followed us for the entire hike. [KC]

Back at the trailhead, our native sweep takes a much needed drink. [MJ]

The restored Liberty Furnace mill, which we drove by soon after leaving the trail. [MJ]

Other pictures from Laurel Run / Falls Ridge: