chameleon:

That is indeed the sign!  Any idea what it once said?  Anyway, I've most recently travelled this path a couple of months ago, and it was in good shape up until about the spot where it switches back to begin the climb to Rock of Ages Ridge.  However, you can make it out and follow it all the way with little difficulty once you get onto the first main switch back up the ridge.  However, the upper part seems to have evolved into a straight scramble up the slope at some points.  I'm not sure loppers are as needed as perhaps a garden hoe or pulaski to make the vegetated portion where it begins to switch back more pronounced.

It's a much deteriorated sign as the pic reveals but I think it said "ridge trail" - you can see the "trail" part but I'm guessing on the "ridge" part. Have you spotted the two shelters/cabins up there? Quite the interesting place!

Don

Perhaps we should leave the 'start' to this trail from the Ponytail falls trail for "private messages."  It would be a shame to completely break down the trail's secrets!

-Zach

chameleon:

Perhaps we should leave the 'start' to this trail from the Ponytail falls trail for "private messages."  It would be a shame to completely break down the trail's secrets!

-Zach

Zach,

Good idea - Tom or Jeff , can you fix this? I may have revealed too much here. My bad!

Not all bad Don. You helped me learn a new trail, I love scrambles and bushwacking!!

I've done the Rock of Ages loop to the Horsetail Trail connector and down Oneonta Creek, but that red line is a new one to me.  How old is that trail?

Navigator:

I've done the Rock of Ages loop to the Horsetail Trail connector and down Oneonta Creek, but that red line is a new one to me.  How old is that trail?

This trail is unmarked on both ends and can't be spotted from the RofA side at all.You have to know where it is to find it and follow it from the top side or you risk ending up in a vine maple tangle or on the wrong ridgeline and cliffed-out. It's easy to spot from the bottom but is steep and rocky and most hikers probably don't notice it. There are a lot of "lost" trails out there but this one is pretty nice.

Russ Jolley is in his mid 80's so he could have done this quite a while ago. I don't know any details.

dn

Fredo,

Well said! In reality, I see more escaped party balloon remnants in the deep woods than trash from careless hikers. This trail is likely safe from the masses anyway: The top is about 2,200' elevation where it joins the R of A trail and few if any of the "Sunday crowd" get anywhere near that far. The lower junction looks more like a typical animal trail and is very steep at the start.

OK, since the cat's out of the bag anyway, how about a mission to get up there and clear a few downed trees and a lot of branches off this thing?

Don

Fredo,

   I completely agree when referring to such routes as Opal creek (off Eagle) and such - where the beginning of these trails requires a bit more commitment to get to...but this trail in question is different.  It is the type to get trashed by mid-night highschool joy rides and such.  While there is no question that Don is right about there being more balloon remnants than trash from hikers, that would change on this trail - unless it is maintained on an annual basis. (Even on my recent trips up this trail, I've found recent trash - @ 2 weeks old). Most people don't realize how much clean-up work volunteer crews and forest service crews do to keep our trails clean and preserved. 

   This trail is highly accessible - and though steep at the start, very easy.  (it involves a root ladder)  I just suggest caution in promoting un-maintained trails that will be prone to extremely high numbers of hikers - as this one is.) Unless you are willing to go in on a regular basis to maintain it.

   My rationale is:

   1.  Ponytail falls sees extreme numbers all year long.

   2.  This trail is just the sort to attract beer-toting, bottle leaving evening outings from those who while not conservation-minded, would like to think they are off the beaten path.

   3.  If this trail does see substantial new traffic, it WILL be trashed.  The Forest Service will not be yearly maintaining this route.

   4.  If you do want to encourage more use on this potentially high-volume trail, I would suggest working with the Forest Service to work out a maintenance plan.

   I respect all opinions on this thread, and am happy we're able to address all of our conservation concerns! 

-Zach