Last week I met some of my hiking buddies at Inspiration Point by the Blue Ridge Truck Trail. We then caravanned to the trailhead by Lupiine Campground. The gate was open and we descended the 8.5 miles on FR3N39.
For the most part the road wasn't too bad with a few rough spots. A high clearance truck/SUV is a must. Along the road there were quite a few downed trees that looked like they were recently cut to make it passable. There was also a small stream of water that was flowing across the road.
To add, just before the trailhead is a really bad section that we had to carefully and skillfully maneuver across making sure not to get stuck. Luckily all three cars made it.
When we arrived at the trailhead there wasn't another car in sight.
6 years late.r, this time around hiking to both peaks in one day was a bit exhausting.
Wild View peak was easy to get to but still overgrown. I also forgot about the false bump before the real summit. However, the summit views were still breathtaking.
After bagging Wild View we took the ridge route over to Pine which was new to me. The views were spectacular and the clouds were amazing.. The ridge route was so beautiful and worth the effort to climb up to PIne Mtn Ridge.
We took our lunch break and rested as we admired the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
To add, I was very excited to find my old entries at both peaks and put the Eispirate.com stickers at both summits.
Overall, a great day hiking in a remote area. However, i highly recommend a high clearance automobile and be prepared for anything. Getting stuck on that road without a way to reach for help could be disasterous.
Stats:
8.5 miles with 1800' gain.
