Coal Creek Falls: Flowing impressively; trail there from Sky Country a little muddy; no tree obstacles; see picture.
Hike GPS data for Google Earth viewing
Per Garmin, 4.03 miles/469 vertical feet.
Parking: Mostly full Sky Country lot at about 11 AM this MLK Monday. Port-a-potty on lot.
Trail: Muddy in spots, but manageable; otherwise good traction.
Tree Obstacles: One tree on Coyote Creek and another on Quarry (above Coal Creek Falls intersection) are over-or-under tree falls. The one on Quarry was enough for the grizzled old guy hiking in front of us to want to watch us go over it first.
Wildlife: Some really pretty bird songs.
Caution: Blind corners and drivers disregarding traffic directionality create Sky Country parking lot hazards. Every stretch of the figure-8-shaped lot is a one-way (see the attached picture). Directionality is indicated with traffic signs and pavement arrows. However, people frequently drive against the one-ways. We’ve all disregarded parking lot traffic signs, but the lot has blind corners that are only safe when directionality is followed. I have seen people charging excitedly into the parking lot and around blind corners with the confidence they have the right-of-way to the whole lane. I have also seen people in a hurry to get home drive furiously around the same blind corners the wrong way. At some point, people will collide. So, do not be one of those people; recognize that, once you are in the parking lot, Mad Max rules apply and drive cautiously around every corner assuming someone could be hurtling against the one-way toward you.
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