Mt Sterling - Mt Sterling Ridge - Swallow Fork - Big Creek

Date: 11/22/14
Distance: 13.6
New Map Miles: 4
Total Map Miles: 640

Today was a gorgeous clear day that started out cold but warmed up into the 50s under clear skies.  Today's hike was a shuttle hike in the Big Creek area of the park.  Todd and Angel were my hiking companions on this day.

We started by leaving a car at big creek and taking the long drive up to Mt Sterling Gap where we started the hike about 9:00.  Mt Sterling is a steep climb for 2.7 miles to the fire tower.  There were a few nice views along the trail and a little snow in the shady spots.

 At the tower, the views were awesome.

Leaving the tower, we headed back down the Mount Sterling trail to the Mt Sterling Ridge Trail.  We stayed on that trail 1.4 miles before turning right on Swallow Fork.  Swallow Fork dropped off the side of the mountain losing 3000'.  

 About 1/2 way down Swallow Fork, the creek became our companion.  There were many beautiful views of the creek along the trail.

 There were several small creek crossings that required some rock hopping, but eventually when the creek got wider there was a log bridge.

 After 4 miles, Swallow fork meet Big Creek.  Big Creek is an old road and is wide and has a very easy slope.  The trail follows the creek all of the way to the Big Creek Campground and the location of our car.

 About 2 miles from the car, Mouse Creek Falls pours into Big Creek.  It was quite scenic.

Great day in the park made all the better by the company of good friends.