Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club

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Adventures with Uncle Bob

BALD KNOB WILDERNESS AREA

Most people are acquainted with the cross on Bald Knob Mountain and its 360 degree view of the surrounding ridges. To visit Bald Knob, drive to Alto Pass and follow the signs to the top using the blacktop road.

1)  About halfway to the top, look for a trailhead sign and small parking area on your right. Both the Godwin Trail and Ranbarger Hollow Trail start here and split a quarter mile downhill. The Godwin Trail traverses ridgetops and valleys for six miles into Hutchins Creek and Clear Springs Wilderness area reaching its western terminus at Pine Hills scenic drive where there is a small parking lot. Note the hike here on April 19th. The Ranbarger Hollow Trail runs 3 miles one way, much of it is along an abandoned forest service road. A significant feature is its views of deep ravines on both sides of the trail along the hike.  Some places are deeply eroded with the trail four feet deeper than its banks; the soil there is mushy from equestrian use.  Along the route is a junction that is signed for a spur to Bald Knob Cross trail (not an official Forest Service trail).

2) Up at the cross look for Bald Knob Cross Trail. During leaf-off there are lovely views of the surrounding ridgetops.  Spring brings an array of wild azaleas and an abundance of mushrooms. Go right (west) along the tree line about 100 feet and you will find the wilderness trail sign. This is a 3 mile loop trail. After a short distance, you arrive at a junction. I suggest you take the left route. Going right is a very difficult, steep and rugged descent. At its base no trail signs are evident.

3) For another access point to the above trail, take RT 127 south from Alto Pass to Rhine Road. Turn right and travel 2.9 miles to the marked trailhead sign and parking lot. While on this road, note  the interesting cliff walls, views of steep hills, and a creek cascading over a staircase of rock.  For those living south of Alto Pass, turn off Route 127 at Brown Section Road and follow to the junction with Rhine and make a left.  The Forest Service has been advised of improvements needed on this trail.  Your additional comments to them would be welcome.

For more trail info, contact Bob Tyson at 684-5643. °