Big South Fork Bikepacking

[wsp_scott]

Still catching up on photos/trip reports. I'm putting this under backpacking since we carried all our stuff for a couple days.​

Middle Fork Equestrian Trailhead​

Big South Fork​

11/15 - 11/17/21 (2 nights)​

CalTopo says about 65 miles and ~5000' of elevation

Will and I had been talking about doing a bikepacking trip and ended up deciding that Big South Fork looked like a good idea.

All cellphone photos since I wasn't sure how to carry my real camera and I didn't think Will would want to wait.



Black House Mountain Road


Over-engineered toilet on the side of the road




Store 14 Cutoff Road


Entering the Daniel Boone on Parkers Mountain Road (I don't know why I took a pic of his butt with the sign)


Parkers Mountain Road


Looking East, I wish the light was better




Another overlook, looking West




Another overlook, looking South




Camp along Rock Creek (just down the road from Great Meadows Campground).


Almost full moon rising and a nice campfire


Next morning, a beautiful day, but still no sun.

One-lane bridge over Rock Creek




Footbridge over Rock Creek














Tree growing in/through a concrete pipe






We stashed the bikes and hiked the short distance to Koger Arch for lunch


















Looking down at Blue Heron






Interesting pair of bugs, I assume they are mating








I liked the informal carving on this tombstone


Roadside arch, not sure of the name






We took a side trail and found a hunter's camp with a huge stack of firewood under a tarp and some benches, great place to spend the night.


Almost full moon


A planet, probably Jupiter


Sunrise through the trees








We took a side trail that was labeled as a wagon road on the map, we figured if a wagon could do it, so could we. Parts were very nice and parts were rocky and steep, no idea how a wagon would manage.




We got to the trailhead and an older couple was unloading their wagon but they said they weren't going down that trail and were going to stick to the gravel roads.

We loaded up, had a celebratory beer in the parking lot and then headed back home. A great trip.

P.S. A while back I asked here for advice on buying a bike with the idea of doing trips like this. So, thanks again for the helpful advice. https://backcountrypost.com/threads/help-me-buy-a-bike.8872/

 

[Wyatt Carson]

That’s a fine adventure and a great way to travel. You found some cozy spots to camp.