Now is a great time to see Coal Creek Falls, especially if you enjoy hiking in a winter wonderland without having to drive to a nearby mountain pass. Sky Country parking lot was closed as it was not plowed but Red Town was open. Be prepared to drive on slush. I brought traction for my shoes in case I needed them but didn’t have to put them on today. That will change with trail use and low temps. There are slippery sections, but currently the trail is very nice to hike or trail run on with quite a bit of squeaky snow cushion.
I think there were new fallen trees due to weight of snow. In some areas there were weighted-down branches making beautiful snow arches to go under. And the snow covered forest was so quiet it made far off traffic more noticeable but also the calls of so many birds to include the loud croak of a raven flying over. Only saw a handful of people and my dog had a blast in the snow. Ended up doing over 3.5 miles by doing a loop that includes Coal Creek Falls Trail, Quarry Trail, Fred’s Railroad Trail, Clay Pit Road, and Cave Hole Trail. The section approaching the falls from the north seemed to get more foot traffic and was becoming muddy. Everything else was still fluffy snow.
Portable toilets, trash receptacles, and dog waste bags were available at trailhead.
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