Cable Line Trail, Tiger Mountain Trail, Lingering Trail & High Point Trail — Friday, Dec. 26, 2025

Always like to get outside on my birthday in some capacity so decided to do a short early am ramble in the High Point area.  Parked at the base of the Cable route close to 8:30 am.  Started up the Cable route which was very muddy and the cable is very exposed now in many areas of this 0.4 mile section.  Near this area, we found the intersection of Tiger Mountain Trail and made a left to take it.  This trail is in great shape except for a few small (less than 1 foot diameter) trees down in the first 0.5 mile which you can step over easily.  This trail is still narrow and beautiful.  We ascended on it at a nice pace with intermittent drizzle but we warmed up on this trail.  We eventually connected with Murat's bridge and paused here to admire the beauty of the bridge itself, surrounding ferns, stream beneath, and grey drizzly sky above.  It's a very peaceful place to stop, admire, and reflect.

We continued on the TMT until the intersection of Lingering Trail.  The rain was picking up here and we decided to stay on this trail until Preston (High Point trail).  I stopped again after I had a phone signal to receive a call from a large group of family members wishing me a happy birthday.  Found a nice tree canopy to perch under for some necessary and fun conversation.

Lingering trail is in great shape.  High point trail had some areas of washout where it crosses what looks like a new wide muddy and rutty forest road.  After crossing this road and continuing down to the road, we were amazed by the widening of the creek (see picture) with now receded water.  Got back to the car and were pretty wet but satisfied with this short journey.