|
|
7/23/2015
Comments by Steve Storck
Total Trail Miles: 134
Hiking Miles: 28
Paddling Miles: 27.6
Bicycling Miles: 78.4
Low Elevation: Youghiogheny River Bridge, Confluence, PA - 1330 feet
Highest Elevation: Marsh Mountain Summit, Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD - 3095 feet
Time: 36 hours of trail time over 6 days
Reflecting back on this week I can't help but smile as this was one of the best trips I've had in a long time. Making it even better was the fact that it was in my backyard never more than 30 miles from home and, I was a first to do it in a consecutive fashion (being first at anything is something I have seldom had the pleasure of). When working with groups to debrief an experience we often ask them to describe it in two or three words. My words for this trip are: VARIETY, CHALLENGE and BEAUTY. This really captures the essence of this route and the manner in which it was done. Variety in travel modes and craft, variety of scenery and trail types, and variety of muscle groups tested each day. None of the individual elements of this trip are overly challenging and don't even require a great deal of fitness but there is challenge in putting them all together and seeing them all through in one block of time. Having not ridden a bike in a while was a new challenge to me and if I could ever find a comfortable seat it might be something I pursue in the future. Beauty of the natural world was around me almost constantly during the trip both on landscape and micro scales. The beauty and power of the rivers stick in my mind the most but fog, clouds, trees, wildlife, insects and wildflowers filled the space around me as I traveled. These are the things that brought me to the woods many years ago and are familiar friends. Having completed this 130 mile trek I believe it is something any average fitness person could do with some planning and the right amount of time. I took 6 days but I'm sure some fitness guru will do it in one someday and it could easily be stretched into a leisurely 8-10 days of enjoyment. While it is great to be the first the true success will be felt if others follow this path after me and share their stories of the adventure. Look forward to hearing from you (email me at sstorck@gcnet.net with your story).
Some of My Favorite Photos:
Comments by Steve Storck
Total Trail Miles: 134
Hiking Miles: 28
Paddling Miles: 27.6
Bicycling Miles: 78.4
Low Elevation: Youghiogheny River Bridge, Confluence, PA - 1330 feet
Highest Elevation: Marsh Mountain Summit, Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD - 3095 feet
Time: 36 hours of trail time over 6 days
Reflecting back on this week I can't help but smile as this was one of the best trips I've had in a long time. Making it even better was the fact that it was in my backyard never more than 30 miles from home and, I was a first to do it in a consecutive fashion (being first at anything is something I have seldom had the pleasure of). When working with groups to debrief an experience we often ask them to describe it in two or three words. My words for this trip are: VARIETY, CHALLENGE and BEAUTY. This really captures the essence of this route and the manner in which it was done. Variety in travel modes and craft, variety of scenery and trail types, and variety of muscle groups tested each day. None of the individual elements of this trip are overly challenging and don't even require a great deal of fitness but there is challenge in putting them all together and seeing them all through in one block of time. Having not ridden a bike in a while was a new challenge to me and if I could ever find a comfortable seat it might be something I pursue in the future. Beauty of the natural world was around me almost constantly during the trip both on landscape and micro scales. The beauty and power of the rivers stick in my mind the most but fog, clouds, trees, wildlife, insects and wildflowers filled the space around me as I traveled. These are the things that brought me to the woods many years ago and are familiar friends. Having completed this 130 mile trek I believe it is something any average fitness person could do with some planning and the right amount of time. I took 6 days but I'm sure some fitness guru will do it in one someday and it could easily be stretched into a leisurely 8-10 days of enjoyment. While it is great to be the first the true success will be felt if others follow this path after me and share their stories of the adventure. Look forward to hearing from you (email me at sstorck@gcnet.net with your story).
Some of My Favorite Photos:
Evaluating the Conceptual Plan
As this trip was a "Proof of Concept" effort to validate the route plan for the Eastern Continental Divide Loop (ECDL) I'd like to share some observations that I feel could improve the route for future users:
Secure easement for the trail from Wisp to Fork Run - If there is a commitment to establish and promote the ECDL along this route, securing this easement should be the highest priority IMHO. While there is the option to ride Hoyes Run Road to the Yough this section up over Wisp offers so much more to the trip. It involves Wisp Resort a long standing partner in promoting outdoor recreation in the county, incorporates Marsh Mountain Summit the highest point on the Loop, and adds the mountain biking aspect to the trail through Fork Run Recreation Area. Perhaps knowing that this is the only gap in the 130 mile trail will help the already willing developer move forward with the trail.
Find alternate mountain bike trail route through Deep Creek Lake State Park - If this segment is to be included in the final route a better way down from the top of Meadow Mountain needs to identified. There are other options than the Indian Turnip trail on the current map and the new trails being constructed by IMBA Trail Solutions should fit the bill perfectly.
Identify and secure a land alternative to the Youghiogheny River paddle from Hoyes to Yough Lake - While I feel the paddling on the Upper Yough was a highlight of this trip the infrequency of availability is a big limiter to the overall trail success. There are options to ride on rural paved roads on this stretch but a true trail experience would be better. Low water on the Hoyes to Sang Run section threatened the timing on connecting to Precision Rafting's commercial trip and it also made the paddle from Friendsville to Yough Lake tough on the equipment. Additionally the access trail at Hoyes makes getting to the river with a boat very difficult. A great deal of effort has been put forth between Garrett Trails and Maryland DNR on this issue for a riverside, rim or other location trail alignment, I hope they are able to move forward soon on a plan of action for this connection that protects the resource and promotes recreation.
Secure easement for the trail from Wisp to Fork Run - If there is a commitment to establish and promote the ECDL along this route, securing this easement should be the highest priority IMHO. While there is the option to ride Hoyes Run Road to the Yough this section up over Wisp offers so much more to the trip. It involves Wisp Resort a long standing partner in promoting outdoor recreation in the county, incorporates Marsh Mountain Summit the highest point on the Loop, and adds the mountain biking aspect to the trail through Fork Run Recreation Area. Perhaps knowing that this is the only gap in the 130 mile trail will help the already willing developer move forward with the trail.
Find alternate mountain bike trail route through Deep Creek Lake State Park - If this segment is to be included in the final route a better way down from the top of Meadow Mountain needs to identified. There are other options than the Indian Turnip trail on the current map and the new trails being constructed by IMBA Trail Solutions should fit the bill perfectly.
Identify and secure a land alternative to the Youghiogheny River paddle from Hoyes to Yough Lake - While I feel the paddling on the Upper Yough was a highlight of this trip the infrequency of availability is a big limiter to the overall trail success. There are options to ride on rural paved roads on this stretch but a true trail experience would be better. Low water on the Hoyes to Sang Run section threatened the timing on connecting to Precision Rafting's commercial trip and it also made the paddle from Friendsville to Yough Lake tough on the equipment. Additionally the access trail at Hoyes makes getting to the river with a boat very difficult. A great deal of effort has been put forth between Garrett Trails and Maryland DNR on this issue for a riverside, rim or other location trail alignment, I hope they are able to move forward soon on a plan of action for this connection that protects the resource and promotes recreation.
Future Needs for Would-be Loopers
In order to make completing the full loop feasible and marketable to a mass audience more services need to be developed to support them. It is doubtful that there will ever be enough volume on the trail to support many exclusive outfitter services but having prepared "Do the Loop" packages as part of an existing organizations product mix could be a good income generator. The types of services needed are:
Booking and Reservations - Whether day tripping the Loop or doing it expedition style staying at campgrounds and B&Bs along the way having a central location/call point that have booking agreements with outfitters and lodging businesses along the trail would greatly facilitate Looper success.
Shuttles - As this trail is multi-adventure with varying craft requirements at one or more segments moving bicycles, boats and people in a timely manner along the trail is needed. Shuttle vehicles require trailers and/or racks to accommodate bikes and/or boats and multiple passengers as it is envisioned that most Loopers will travel in small groups. While I was very thankful that my wife was able to provide this service for my trip I'm not sure she would be so obliging for the next groups that travel this route.
Lockable Equipment Storage at Transition Trailheads - During my trip I would pre-position my boat or bike at the next trailhead and generally had to lock them to a tree and carry any accessories with me on the previous leg (paddle, PFD, panniers...). Having lockable pods or racks at significant transfer points would ease the logistics for outfitters as they could drop equipment off at their convenience and not have to time their arrival with the traveler. Self-supported Loopers could also pre-position equipment without the fear of theft or fines from damaging trees.
Maps and Travel Guide - Grants and/or advertising from outfitters, restaurants and lodging establishments who have an interest in the trail should be able to pay for a high quality trip guide and detailed route map. Notes on the nuances of each trail segment need to be included to cover issues like water levels, release schedules, parking, park closing times, permit requirements, campground reservations and craft selection. I did a lot of this research for my trip and am happy to share it with others on a consulting basis.
I think the concept was sound and I think the future is bright for the ECDL both for future Loopers and as an economic contributor to Garrett County businesses and those in the surrounding region. Hope this analysis is useful and helpful as the community looks ahead at how to fully implement the ECDL as a long-term functioning trail.
Back to Trip Index
Booking and Reservations - Whether day tripping the Loop or doing it expedition style staying at campgrounds and B&Bs along the way having a central location/call point that have booking agreements with outfitters and lodging businesses along the trail would greatly facilitate Looper success.
Shuttles - As this trail is multi-adventure with varying craft requirements at one or more segments moving bicycles, boats and people in a timely manner along the trail is needed. Shuttle vehicles require trailers and/or racks to accommodate bikes and/or boats and multiple passengers as it is envisioned that most Loopers will travel in small groups. While I was very thankful that my wife was able to provide this service for my trip I'm not sure she would be so obliging for the next groups that travel this route.
Lockable Equipment Storage at Transition Trailheads - During my trip I would pre-position my boat or bike at the next trailhead and generally had to lock them to a tree and carry any accessories with me on the previous leg (paddle, PFD, panniers...). Having lockable pods or racks at significant transfer points would ease the logistics for outfitters as they could drop equipment off at their convenience and not have to time their arrival with the traveler. Self-supported Loopers could also pre-position equipment without the fear of theft or fines from damaging trees.
Maps and Travel Guide - Grants and/or advertising from outfitters, restaurants and lodging establishments who have an interest in the trail should be able to pay for a high quality trip guide and detailed route map. Notes on the nuances of each trail segment need to be included to cover issues like water levels, release schedules, parking, park closing times, permit requirements, campground reservations and craft selection. I did a lot of this research for my trip and am happy to share it with others on a consulting basis.
I think the concept was sound and I think the future is bright for the ECDL both for future Loopers and as an economic contributor to Garrett County businesses and those in the surrounding region. Hope this analysis is useful and helpful as the community looks ahead at how to fully implement the ECDL as a long-term functioning trail.
Back to Trip Index