I am convinced that the artist for the game of MYST got their inspiration from this idyllic place.
A gentle flat 8 mile walk. Stanley Park. What a place with harbor views in all directions! Maybe a repeat visit will permit an exploration of the interior.
Effort: Max. A strong will to be a finisher is necessary as your physical self will complain mightily along the 2,800′ vertical rise. There are resting points along the way and civilization awaits at the Observatory Restaurant where everybody else took the effortless aerial tram ride. (We used it for our return)
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If you’ve never been on a granite dome before this one would be considered fairly good. But I’ve been on the mother of all Stone Mountains, in Georgia, so this one was anticlimactic. Nevertheless the Stone Mountain Loop Trail with a side excursion to Middle and Lower Falls was a nice afternoon hike. The path is level and well groomed. There is some strenuous rise to the mountain summit and from the Stone Mountain Falls (200 foot cascade), depending on which direction you set out. Attempting to scale the smooth face at the base of the main falls was met with difficulty. Fine sand on hiking boot tread made for poor traction. At the lower side of the park is an old homestead restoration — the 19th century Hutchinson House. It was interesting to me as it had many traditional similarities to the farm of my ancestors. It must have been a hard life but such a beautiful yard setting.
2.5 mile loop see the pictures
a 5 mile loop see the pictures!
Nice to have a loop trail for continuous new scenery. The reward view from the observation tower (former fire lookout) on the summit ridge line follows a 600 step rise. The 4 mile Moore’s Wall Loop Trail begins behind the Bath House on the Hanging Rock State Park Lake.
Tips:
Worth a side trip excursion in the Hanging Rock State Park, are various short hikes to access some scenic areas. We sampled the Lower Cascades Falls, a place popular during prime time season as the plunge pool water is refreshing. Its base has easy accessibility.Following an unmarked path around the rock it is possible to reach the top of the falls thereby avoiding the vertical face climb. The course is strenuous, a bit rough, and the navigation can be disorienting. A GPS track is not available for this particular portion as my device remained behind with the shoes and socks for dry keeping. This unmarked path natural area is delicate peat and flora (hand hold grasp) subject to damage. A scramble to the top is not for the faint of heart. Wet rock and moss is slippery, i.e. don’t get hurt. For thrills, it is possible for an amateur (like me) do descend the vertical fall if careful but was a tad dicey.
The Tarn Trail, the Ladder Trail and the east face slope and a cold wet fall day. Light but constant rain fail made for some beautiful water falls but slippery rocks.
I’ve done this hike twice and it has been memorable each time. Well maintained but not touristy. some photos that I’ve made public.
We have entered a less traveled remote area of Lake George in the Adirondacks. We were somewhat intimidated; there were authentically costumed role players armed with hatchets, muskets and gear. Halloween was weeks away. We had to ask…
There are no trail-head identifiers or trail markings. This is by design: The Shelving Rock Falls, when arriving at the top, have a somewhat treacherous descent to their base. i.e. slippery rocks and pine straw footings. The park land authorities must be concerned that advertising directions, let alone promoting the location might invite liability as sightseers in numbers attempt them. A helpful ‘point us in the right direction’ get started from exiting hikers was necessary. So with local knowledge (and a satellite photo 😉 we ventured on for a nice little lake side hike [ GPX ].
