Hiking a ridge along a waterfall can be quite slippery when it involves climbing a steep embankment and traversing over an inch of light snow covering leaves. I would consider this hike one of our most adventuresome endeavors, thrilling, but at times being very cautious at the waterfall area. 20 hikers bundled up and put on their ice treks in 15 degree temperature to explore the Johnson Hill Trail, cross a creek above a gorgeous frozen waterfall, and wander into a large eastern hemlock forest at the top of the loop trail high above the northern ridge of Reynolds Gull.

Using a dog rope, Mark and others assisted hikers to climb up the embankment next to a waterfall at the county line, as others searched for an alternative route, sometimes crawling and using the assistance of trees. At one point Mark and Char decided to slide down the hill together, knocking each other to the ground. Other hikers drove or walked to Johnson Hill Trail to start their hike on more flat terrain. The highlight of the ice covered waterfall was worth every minute of the slippery uphill hike. Hikers took time to admire and photograph, being careful not to get too close to the edge. Next time a rope will be tied to Wil and Wade for their bravery. This area is known for unexpected accidents and hikers being Mercy flighted out of this remote area.

Turtle Rock on north side of waterfall

Since the main trail was only a mile and 1/2 long, many hikers extended the hike to include bushwacking through the DEC forest to find the south boat launch road to Hemlock Lake and walking on the frozen lake. Seeing an ice fisherman on the lake, hikers felt the ice was safe for exploring, then proceeded on a long walk back up the road to the trail head parking lot. Trying to find a safe spot to photograph the waterfall, tourists found a very large turtle rock on the south side of the upper waterfall. Naturalists eventually picked up the climbers by mistake, managing most of the way to survive the extended hike.

Tailgate social along the Reynolds Gull Creek proved to be a eatting frenzy for 10 cold hikers who beared the cold weather and although difficult, ate with their gloves on.

keeping the grill going in the wind

Hot dogs were grilled, tasty appetizers,salads, chili, lentil soup, and sweet potatoes were consumed eagerly. Thanks to the Binders and Carol for offering their home for an alternative social location and for Georgia for appearing with a warm soup. We’ll take you up on a social location another time.

Georgia’s hot lentil soup

tailgate social