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Cobbling Together an Adventure
Looking towards Whiteface Mountain and Wilmington Notch
The view is easily worth the effort expended on the short hike and scramble to reach the top of Cobble Hill, especially when considering the trail’s proximity to town. The Adirondacks can be like that. My wife and I set out for a small adventure last week as our vacation was winding down. A big peak did not seem in the offing, but we found another small hike to a great view, this time near the tourist town of Lake Placid.
The beginning of the hike meanders through flat deciduous forest, but soon starts climbing. There is even a signed warning that the way is steep. We continued. At one point the route crosses rock steep enough that someone has placed a rope for a handline. I was slightly surprised to see one guy pass us wearing only Crocs on his feet. Said path continues across patches of open rock and ledges. We had to use our hands in a few spots, but the grade tapers off before the summit. Like our last hike at Flume Knob, Cobble Hill offers broad views in a few directions. There are great views to the south and east, but I was slightly disappointed that we didn’t catch glimpses of Mirror Lake and Lake Placid.
An alternate route takes a longer, mellower route down, one that actually has switchbacks. The way is peaceful and the grade is easier. We passed through some gorgeous birch forest and skirted the edge of the lovely Echo Lake. Other than that, the descent was uneventful, but this is a worthy hike if you have limited time.
I did no other significant hikes while I was back east, but it was great to be there, visiting family and enjoying an entirely different environment. The Adirondacks are a long way from Oregon, but visiting them is always a pleasure.
Paw Paw and a different Cumberland Gap
I’d never heard of Cumberland, Maryland. Like many, at first I confused it with the famous Cumberland Gap to the south, where in 1775, Daniel Boone helped build a road for settlers to what was considered the western frontier of Kentucky and Tennessee. In 2013, this Cumberland is poised as a potential great vacation spot.
Cumberland is a city of spires
It’s situated amid historic buildings, with good restaurants, and lovely scenery.
Washington’s Headquarters from French and Indian War era
When my family decided to meet in Cumberland for a mini family reunion, a few spots kept coming up in our research, including Rocky Gap State Park, George Washington’s headquarters (a tiny cabin from his early days), the Western Maryland Railroad, the Allegany Museum, and the C&O Canal, including the Paw Paw Tunnel. We target the latter as a spot for a family hike.
Jackie Chan at the mouth of the tunnel
The Paw Paw Tunnel is a part of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal system, which runs 184.5 miles to Washington D.C. Paw Paw is a 3118 foot long tunnel blasted through the mountain. Construction on it began in 1836, and it was one of the great engineering feats of its day. Since it is essentially flat, the trail is popular with cyclists as well as hikers. Don’t expect solitude, but expect some unique sights.The route toward the Paw Paw Tunnel Trail heads south out of Cumberland along the Potomac River, then heads east. The winding drive along Route 51 is pleasant, but the destination was easy to miss, as signage was not great. A Boy Scout troop was camped in a field beside the trailhead, but there were few people on the trail initially.
Nearing the tunnel on a gorgeous day
It was muggy at the trailhead and there were some concerns about how far the hike would be for my mother, who is a few years past her mountaineering prime. A sign at the top of the initial hill indicated the tunnel was 0.6miles away. Research told me that the tunnel itself would double the distance. Piece of cake. If it were closer to Washington, like the area of my previous two posts, it would be a perfect candidate for Hiking Along, a site that helps kids. They focus on hikes and outdoor education in the D.C. area.
The near end of the tunnel: note the trail splitting off to the right.
A couple caveats: Beware of puddles and slightly bumpy terrain in a very dark environment. Some people managed without, but a flashlight is highly recommended.
Picture yourself on a barge in the canal to the left of the railing
One nice middle aged couple we met did not have a light, and they were about to turn around a few hundred feet in when they encountered puddles. We loaned them a light so they continued. On entering the tunnel, it is hard to believe that the light at the other end of the straight tunnel is 3000 feet way. Ten minutes into the dark traverse, you’ll start believing.
Jackie Chan and his mama
We’d heard there were bats in the tunnel, but encountered none. I was slightly disappointed, but I think everyone else was happy.
The far end of the tunnel
Cool turtle just past the far end of the tunnel
At the far end, there are rocky slabs that create a small canyon that would not be out of place in the foothills of the Rockies. We relaxed there for fifteen minutes or so, taking photos before returning, passing much more traffic on the way back.
This would be awesome on a bike!
My mom loved this hike, I got to appreciate some history while walking, and I even saw youngsters enjoying it on foot as well as on two wheels. This is a great family hike, and the path has many more miles to recommend it, even starting in downtown Cumberland. We might have to return!
Denise, Jackie Chan, and I ready for the return hike– and lunch at the Crabby Pig. 🙂
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