Nothing like driving for an hour to a closed trail (Sky Valley Vista). I always keep a plan B, and often C and D just for this reason. This one comes out of Footsore 2 under Haystack Mountain.
If you like long logging road walks through moss covered second growth forest, sword fern, and high beer can counts this is your dream come true. It's certainly worth the half mile walk to the overlook of McCoy Creek Falls. For the intrepid waterfall seeker, you could probably find your way to the base of the falls, but I didn't have the time.
If you have a little more gas and the desire, it's another two miles to Mud Lake. You can't get to the edge of the lake because it's very marshy. The other problem is there's suddenly an abundance of No Trespassing signs and I soon found out why. I walked just past the lake to the edge of a clear cut to see the view of Haystack and they've sprayed the cut with herbicide. I could smell it, and taste it on my tongue, so I quickly retreated and returned to my car.
All in all I was glad to get out for a little half day adventure. Don't think I'd recommend it but hey, if you've got nothing else to do... The grade of climb over the length of the road is so minimal you don't notice it. I once again carried out a mylar balloon. 5.2 miles with 400 ft. of gain.
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