Solo Backpacking, Hiking & Camping with my Dog on the Halfmoon Mountain Loop in West Virginia. GPS Data at www.sintax77.com
For this 2 day, 1 night spring backpacking trip, I’ll be hiking a 10.5 mile loop in the George Washington National Forest.
For an easier read & more info, check out my full blog post:
www.sintax77.com/hiking-halfmo...
No permit is required to camp in the GWNF, but there are rules and regulations regarding backcountry camping.
www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/...
Full GPS track data, including campsites, water sources, etc, for this trip can be downloaded in my blog post above.
Trailhead Used:
Bucktail Trailhead Parking Lot, N39° 00.834′ W78° 39.841′
7629 Trout Run Road, Wardensville, WV 26851
The Bucktrail Trailhead parking area has plenty of room for a dozen or so vehicles and even some spots for horse trailers.
Trails Used Day 1:
Bucktail Trail
At the intersection with the Bucktail Cutoff Trail, stay left (north) to stay on the Bucktail Trail. This begins the clockwise loop.
Arrive at the footbridge, but don’t cross it. Head right (southeast) along the water to remain on the Bucktail Trail.
There are multiple water crossings in the next mile.
At the intersection, turn right (southwest) after the fire road gate, and head onto the pink blazed German Wilson Trail.
Within a tenth of a mile, there will be the last heavy flowing water crossing. This is the last reliable chance to stock up on water for camp.
Just after the water crossing, make a hard left (south) to continue on the German Wilson Trail. Make sure not to stay on the fire road, which continues to bend to the right .
At the intersection with the white blazed Halfmoon Lookout Trail, head right (west), towards the summit of Halfmoon Mountain.
Just before the summit, there is a spur trail that splits off to the left (south), towards a large camping area.
It's also possible to camp up on the actual lookout area, but it is much smaller and more prone to wind.
Setup camp
Day 1 Mileage: 6.2 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,878'
Trails Used, Day 2:
Backtrack out on the Halfmoon Lookout Trail
At the intersection with the German Wilson Trail, continue straight (south) to stay on the white blazed Halfmoon Lookout Trail.
At the intersection with the yellow blazed Halfmoon Trail, head right (north) towards Trout Run road.
At the intersection and large camping area with water, head right (west) on the pink blazed Bucktail Cutoff Trail.
At the intersection with the Bucktail trail, head left (west).
Return to Bucktail Trailhead Parking Lot.
Day 2 Mileage: 4.8 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 394'
Grand Total Mileage: 11 Miles
Grand Total Gross Elevation Gain: 2,272'
For printable maps, check out Hiking Upward’s post:
www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/Hal...
Water treatment info:
www.who.int/water_sanitation_...
Notable Backpacking Gear:
EMS Longtrail 70 backpack go.magik.ly/ml/kait/
Mesh water bottle pockets www.etsy.com/shop/JustinsUL
Outdoor Vitals Dominion 1p Tent bit.ly/2AbgmPP
Hammock Gear Burrow 20 Top Quilt www.hammockgear.com/premium-b...
Budget canister stove amzn.to/2CoxjG5
Zippo Lighter amzn.to/2FBpikz
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit amzn.to/2WKGGbJ
Sea to Summit Long Handled Spork amzn.to/2uyl5GJ
Sawyer Micro Water Filter amzn.to/2UwepZ6
Sawyer 1 Gallon Water Bladder amzn.to/2TSjSVO
Sawyer Inline Adapters amzn.to/2FRwBTB
1/4″ Water Tubing amzn.to/2TRkoTW
Sawyer 64 oz Water Bladder amzn.to/2FOeMF8
Garmont Momentum Snow GTX Winter Boots go.magik.ly/ml/kajk/
EMS Thunderhead Jacket go.magik.ly/ml/jtlo/
Outdoor Vitals Adventure Jacket, Loftek version bit.ly/2AbgmPP
Byer of Maine Tri-Light Camp Stool amzn.to/2GamV9m
Olight Wave LED Headlamp amzn.to/2D443Vq
Garmin Oregon 650 GPS unit amzn.to/2WFzsps
Casio ProTrek PRW-2500 amzn.to/2FPpAmd
Denali’s Dog Backpacking Gear:
One Tigris Dog Pack amzn.to/2tlodYN
Outdoor Master Leash amzn.to/2WMPspS
Custom Dog Leash made by viewer Em
Fleece Dog Jacket amzn.to/2lPt8Lb
Sea to Summit X Bowl amzn.to/2Ie1uoi
Dog-Gone Dish - Collapsible Travel Pet Dish
Kevlar Tree Straps from Dutchware Gear dutchwaregear.com/product/1-2...
Music (via Artlist):
'Kingdom Come' by Theevs
Disclosure: A commission may be earned on some of the links on this post.
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3 апр 2019
