Adventures with Uncle Bob

WHITE PINES TRAIL in Shawnee National Forest.

Directions: Go south from Alto Pass on RT 127 and turn at the sign for "Trail of Tears State Forest”. Follow this road approx 6 miles to a sign for Pine Hills. Turn onto this road and follow it to Pine Hills Campground. Look for campsite #10. The Forest Service worked on the trail during the summer of 2005. They re-routed the first mile to alleviate the steep climb. Park at this campsite and cross a dry creek bed.

Follow an old trail to the trailhead signboard. The trail starts behind the sign and we are on trail #211. At first the trail is faint but soon gets wider. The trail hugs the sides of continuous ravines and gullies. Using switchbacks, you will ascend a not steep hill for about a mile.

The Forest Service did an excellent job of smoothing and diverting water from further eroding the trail.

You will eventually come to a signed junction. If you go straight, you will reach Hutchins Creek in 2 miles. If you turn left at the sign you go to White Pines. The left route along a ridge has frequent views into deep ravines and surrounding ridges. While this section of the trail has much overgrowth, frequent signage and the topography makes the trail obvious.

You will eventually discover an unmarked junction where you should go left. The trail continually ascends and descends. After three miles you will finally reach the forest road which traverses the top of Pine Hills. Note the big White Pines Trailhead signboard and enough parking for several cars. If you go left approximately 2.5 miles, the road downhill will lead you back to the campground.

For an easier go of it, consider taking the trail in the reverse order of what I described as most of the trail goes downhill from that direction. A map of the trail is available at forest ranger stations.

For additional information on these or other outing locations, call Bob Tyson at 684-5643, or, mailto:robkay43@webtv.net ■

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