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I arrived at the trailhead around 8:50 am. There was a local hunter that had just arrived, and he was packing up to spend 14 days in camp (lucky guy). We started a conversation that led to the three dogs I had in tow. He had asked if they were Australian Cattle Dogs, and I affirmed and advised him they were rescues. He, too, has some dogs he rescued as well, a couple of border collies. Border Collies are all business.

I was soon up the trail, climbing right after the small footbridge. The trail…

I had previously hiked Nun-da-ga-o Ridge and Weston Mountains in a counterclockwise direction a few years ago. During that trip, I had hoped to hike the Crows as well, but I was running late with time. So a trip back was in order, and I had a beautiful day to hike as well. On my previous trip, I had brought my dog Dingo, so he accompanied me today too.

We arrived at the trailhead at the end of O'Toole Rd at Crow Clearing at 08:50 and were soon on the trail.

Overall this is a short hike out and…

This would be my first hike this season with my winter pack; I was curious how I would do. I left the car at 9 am and signed in. Based on those who signed in before me, nobody was heading to Snow mountain. Rooster Comb and the Great Range were their destinations; what a pleasant surprise! The trail follows along what used to be a small body of water near the high school. Presently it is almost dried up. Not sure if it has been drained for a reason or if it has been that dry. Just beyond the…

Pipestem Tower, located in Pipestem State Park, West Virginia was renamed “Bolar Lookout Tower” as a dedication in honor of the sixth superintendent of the park, Steve Bolar

Steve was a leader in the state parks system with a genuine understanding of park operations and public service. He was a mentor to many park employees during his career.

Bolar lost his battle with a terminal illness in July 2009.

The observation tower sits at 3,000 feet in elevation and commands a scenic view of the Pipestem…

This trailhead is elusive as it is not marked with a sign, nor is there a register to sign in at. Living so close to this trail, I had taken the time earlier in the year to scout precisely where the trailhead was. I prefer to know where I am going on the day of a hike than have to take the time to look around for it (wasting time) that morning.

I did find some information on the hike online at lakechamplainregion.com. This was helpful and was a good starting point for locating the parking area,…

Took a nice little walk about in this area with Snickers and Bushwacker. I had never been to the site, even though it is almost in my backyard. I knew of the region through work, just based on the resources I had sent into it for fires and lost hikers, but I never hiked myself.

I was surprised at the size of the structures that are built there. The "Million Dollar Dam" and the Skeleton Dam are massive projects made about 100 years ago. There is a lot of history in the Miner Project, and I look…