Shenandoah National Park, Day Four, Part Two: Doyle River Falls and Jones Run Falls

This is the final post of a travel series to Shenandoah National Park.  If you'd like to start at the beginning, go HERE.  Day Two is HERE, and Day Three is HERE, and Day Four, Part One is HERE.

Our very last hike in Shenandoah National Park was our hardest hikes, but it was one of the most beautiful hikes of them all.  The weather was absolute perfection:  a sunny, 70 degree day.  We were on the quest to see two more waterfalls:  Doyle River Falls and Jones Run Falls, but we had no idea the entire trail would be filled with lots of waterfalls!

The Doyles River Trailhead is a beautiful trek through the wilderness that takes you along cool, clear mountain streams to two unique waterfalls.  There is one stream crossing where you have to walk on rocks to cross.

If you only go to the Doyles River Falls (we went farther to see Jones Run Falls) the trail is a 3.3 mile round trip hike.  It is rated as Moderate, although I would probably rate it as Difficult because on the return trip, you are hiking straight uphill all the way.  However, we did just hike a long hike in the morning too, so our energy could have been depleted from that. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to hike and has an elevation gain of 1,189 feet.  

There are so many smaller waterfalls along the trail where one could stop and take a dip and get refreshed!

This is Upper Doyles Falls.  It has two levels or drops, and of course my crazy adventurous son had to climb on top of it.  

This waterfall is only 28 feet tall (it looks so much taller than that, doesn't it?), but it so beautiful!

I always enjoy waterfalls where you can get to the base and look up rather than from an observation deck above.

We saw lots of wildflowers on this trail, like this perennial geranium.

This was one of my most favorite photos my husband took of our vacation.  I just love how it captures the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance with the water in the foreground.

There were so many great rock formations on this trail!

This is the Lower Doyles River Falls.  This one is taller, at 63 feet.

The lower falls may be taller, but I was far more impressed with the beauty of the upper falls.

Well at this point, you could turn around and go back the way you came, but my hubby and son really wanted to see Jones Run Falls.  I wasn't sure that was a great idea, as we were pretty spent by now, but this was our last day in the park and we wanted to make the most of it, so we pushed on.  

I couldn't believe all the beautiful, moss covered rocks on this trail.

The Jones Run Trail coming from the Doyles River Fall Trail was BEAUTIFUL.  It was very rugged however, and muddy, and there were a couple of treacherous areas to get through.  As always, I was grateful to have my poles for stability.

I always feel when I'm hiking these type of trails that I'm in a magical fairyland.  Oh, this trail was stunning!  Water flowing, moss covered rocks everywhere...it was breath taking!  And did I mention how peaceful it was?  We hardly ran into anyone on the trail and felt we had the whole forest to ourselves!

Although we were so tired, the extra miles were worth it because Jones Run Falls is beautiful.  It is only 42 feet tall, but it is like a wide semi circle and the water flows gracefully over black rock.

We were so proud we made it!  

If you only wanted to hike the Jones Run Falls Trailhead, it is a 3.2 mile round trip hike, rated as Moderate, with an elevation gain of 1,045 feet.  It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

There is also a loop called the "Browns Gap Hike" where you can see both the Doyle River and Jones Run falls.  That hike is a 6.5 mile circuit hike, rated as Moderately Strenuous, and takes 7 hours of hiking time with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet.  We didn't have seven hours, so we just hiked to the waterfalls and back.  I think we added about two miles to our trip, making the total 5.3 miles or more.

We couldn't believe all the other stunning waterfalls that were on this trail.  I swear, the whole trail is nothing but waterfalls, and only two had names.  My son asked "I wonder why they name some falls and not others?"

If you love water, waterfalls, and magical forests, this is the hike for you!  I think it's also a great hike to get away from the crowds, as not a lot of people were on this trail.

And finally, here is a video of Jones Run Falls so you can get a little glimpse of the moving water that photos just can't capture.

 Well, that concludes my Shenandoah National Park travel series.  I regret to inform you that I don't know when or if I'll be taking another vacation.  We usually take a fall vacation but this year with the uncertainty of the times and the rising gas prices, we are hesitant to plan another road trip.  It makes me sad.  I long for the $2.00 a gallon gas and world peace we had before the current administration took over.  We do hope that we will at least be able to drive to Indiana in late summer and early fall to spend some time with the grandkids, but with the downward spiral our country is taking, who knows if that will be possible.  I pray that at least that little bit of joy will not be taken from me too.

Hoping for Better Times Ahead!  Have A Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

My First Travel Post Since Covid!

Like everyone else in the world, our 2020 vacation plans were cancelled.  Dealing with that fact was so difficult for me because last year we only took one vacation for we had too many projects to do around the house.  We were going to make up for it this year, and take a several vacations to places we had never been before.

But Covid had other plans for us, and we were forced to cancel all our vacations.  Sniff, sniff. 

Once things started to open up again, we decided to take a mini staycation!  My son came up from Illinois and we spent a few days bumming around Wisconsin and seeing some sights we have never seen before.  Because we were restricted in our travel choices, we were forced to explore our home state.  

Now,  before I begin my post about the very first place we went to on our staycation, I want to share our 4th of July experience.  Like most of America, most of the fireworks in Wisconsin were cancelled.  Most ridiculous thing ever.  Seriously?  They cancelled fireworks when it is so easy to stay six feet away from everyone, and you're outdoors.  Unreal.  My husband and I were so peeved about it that we decided to go to the fireworks of a nearby small town since our own small town did not have them.  The fireworks were shot over their lake.  Here is our view before the fireworks began.

Having the fireworks over the lake was a breathtaking site!  I loved how the fireworks were mirrored in the lake below.

We were so happy to be able to see fireworks and celebrate the 4th of July!  

Now, onto the first place we went to on our vacation:  Eagle Point, Wisconsin!  This is a spot that was recommended to us by a co-worker of my husbands.  We have lived in this area almost thirty years and have never heard of this place.  It is quite the hidden gem.  I think the best thing about taking a staycation is discovering new spots in your own area you never knew were there.

This tranquil spot is found after a short hiking distance through the woods along the Old Abe Trail.  It's a very difficult spot to find.  There are no signs advertising it.  It's almost as if they don't want people to know about it so they keep it a secret.  

The Old Abe Trail is 28 mile biking trail that connects the cities of Eau Claire, Cornell, and Chippewa Falls.  We joined the trail from the Chippewa Falls parking lot (directions to this lot in Old Abe Trail link),  this is known as Area 178.  Area 178 is a nine mile loop trail (We did not hike the loop. We took the trail only to the river).   There is a trail map in the parking lot.  I took a picture of it with my phone so we wouldn't get lost.

We didn't have to hike long through a mosquito filled woods till we reached our destination!  The view was spectacular.  I could not believe this place was so close to where I lived and I never knew it existed.

The water with the surrounding rock and multiple little rapids was so beautiful.

The Chippewa Falls Dam and Hydro Generating Station can be seen in the distance.  My husband and son rock scrambled to get a closer look, but I stayed behind to just sunbathe on the rocks.

The water is not recommended for swimming.  In fact there is a danger sign right before you reach the area.  As always, I have to remind my son and hubby to stay on the rocks, and don't go in the water, because they are both quite the thrill seekers (which causes me to have anxiety anytime I go anywhere with them).

I loved all the little water falls this area had.  It was such a hot day, I was so happy to find a safe spot to just sink and cool my feet in the refreshing water.

It was a wonderful first day of Staycation and I will be back with more posts of all the beautiful sites we saw in our own home state of Wisconsin.

So what about you?  How have you been enjoying your summer?  Are you traveling anywhere or just enjoying your own backyard?  I'd love to hear from you!

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

On Spring Break

I'm off to enjoy a week at Myrtle Beach and one day in Charleston, SC.  I'll be back to a regular blogging schedule on May 1st with a review of my Spring Stitch Fix!  And Wednesday,  May 3rd, I'll have my first travel post of my Spring Break Vacation!  I will still be posting daily on Instagram pictures of my trip.  Hope to see you there!

Arches National Park - Delicate Arch Trail

 This is a continuation of a travel series of a road trip I took to Las Vegas in May with my husband.  To start at the beginning read THIS POST.    Here are the rest of this travel series posts in chronological order:

Dinosaur Hill, Fruita Colorado

Scenic 1-70 West Drive

The Flamingo Hotel and The Vegas Strip

Day Two in Las Vegas

The Bellagio Gardens

A Bus Tour to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West Rim

What To Do When Bad Things Happen When Your On Vacation  

Arches National Park - Park Avenue Trail

Arches National Park - Ancient Sand Dunes and Balanced Rock Trail

Arches National Park - Windows Trail and Double Arch

If you read last week's travel post I talked about what Arches National Park is famous for...it's arches and how they are formed.  This week is my final post on Arches National Park and I am ending it with the world famous Delicate Arch!  This is the arch that is pictured on Utah license plates and on their state welcome signs.  It is a 65 foot tall free standing natural arch with a picturesque view of the snow capped mountains and desert terrain.  People come from all over the world to see this arch, and once you see it for yourself, you know why.  It is truly a spiritual experience to be had!

There are two ways to see the arch:  the Lower and Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoints and the Delicate Arch Trail.  The first way, the viewpoints, is for anyone who physically can't hike the Delicate Arch trail, or doesn't want to exert themselves that much.  The Delicate Arch Trail is not for the faint of heart.  Rescue operations occur frequently for visitors who underestimate the trail's difficulty.

 I am thankful to the National Park Service for providing a second option to view this beautiful national landmark so everyone, regardless of their physical ability, can  see it.  Even though other options are provided for viewing, Delicate Arch is still not easy to see from a vehicle.  If you need a level path take the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint.  It is a level 100 yard walk with a view of the arch a mile away.  The Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint is a 0.5 mile walk up stairs but has a less obstructed view.

Now, if your physically up to the challenge, the best view is the Delicate Arch Trail.  It is a difficult three mile round trip trail with a elevation of 480 feet, no shade, and open slid rock with some exposure to heights.  You will struggle not only with the challenge of walking up a steep hill for a mile and a half, but also with the desert heat, sun, and altitude.  I saw at least a half a dozen people or more walk half way up and either turn around and go back or they looked like they were suffering heat stroke.  I'm not kidding.  And the irony is that most of them were younger than me.  It's a test of endurance, that's for sure.  If you can hike the trail in the early morning or evening that is best, because then you will not be dealing with the hot desert sun.  We were stupid enough to hike it in the middle of the day, but we also didn't even know about this trail till we got to the park.

When you first start on the trail you come across this cute little cabin called "Wolfe Ranch Cabin".  It is named after John Wesley Wolfe who settled in this area in 1888.

I took this photo so you could get an idea of how dry this area is.  And yet, isn't it funny how there is still plenty of green growth?  I don't think I've ever seen ground this dry in Wisconsin during my entire lifetime.  It is such a different environment than my home state.

Still, despite all the dryness, there was still water running along this trail.

Now once you get past the cute little cabin and river, the long, uphill hike begins.  At first you think "This isn't so bad", and then after hiking for awhile, you look up and see this:

"Are those people up there on that rock?" I ask my husband.  "Looks like it", he said.  "Is that the trail, or are they just walking on that giant rock?".  He wasn't sure, but we soon found out.  Yes, those are people on that giant rock, see them in the center of the picture?  If not, there's a zoomed in photo below.  And yes, this is the trail.  Hmmm, somehow I didn't think rock climbing was in the trail description.

This is me thinking "Eh, how much further?"

And here I am at the top of the rock.  Can you see the dirt path in the distance?  There is a parking lot in the middle of the photo.  That's where the hiking trail starts.  Where I am is about 1/3 of the way.  I thought once I reached the top of this rock the hike would be over.  I mean, how long is a mile and a half anyway?  But no, I was no where near the end of the trail yet!

The terrain does change slightly once you reach the top of the first giant rock, but not for long!

If it weren't for all the other of hundreds of hikers on this trail, I think I would have gotten lost.  After all, your pretty much just walking on rock most of the time, it's not like a nice worn down path in the woods.  They do have these small stone formations (called cairns) occasionally to make sure you are on the path.

As you start to near the end of the trail, the terrain changes again.  Now you are no longer up on top of a giant rock, but walking alongside the huge rock formations!  The path is right along the lower edge of this formation...see the person walking in the distance?

And here I am ascending the same path as well.

And now is when one's fear of heights is tested.  It may be hard to tell in the pictures, but this is HIGH, with a steep drop off.  Needless to say, I hug the rock wall!  Look at the two people in the distance...they look like they could drop off the edge!  Yikes!

This is the view below from where I am standing.  Gorgeous, but scary!

But when you finally make it to top, it is all worth it, because this is what you see!  Amazing isn't it?  Just look at those gorgeous snow-capped mountains in the distance!

When you get to this point, you are so physically exhausted. I remember my legs feeling like rubber and starting to shake a bit.  I sat down on the rocks and just soaked in the view while I ate some granola and dried berries.  This is a hike where you must bring food and water with you. The park service advises bringing at least one quart of water per person on this hike.   I never felt a need to eat during a hike before, but I did on this one.  I felt my body was just so weak at this point and I was craving the nourishment.   I also noticed most people around me were eating as well.

After I was physically refreshed, I started to explore.  It involved more climbing, for I now had to climb down the rocks and into the "bowl".

Professional photographers often complain that Delicate Arch is always so crowded that it is hard to get a photo without someone in it.  I felt everyone was very polite and waited their turn in line to get a photo of themselves standing under this famous arch.  And I actually prefer pictures of people in the photos to help give an idea of scale.

This is the view of the opposite side from which the arch stands.

Another view of the opposite side of the arch.  Notice the crazy person sitting on the formation?

 And here is a good view of the "bowl" and the desert terrain of the right side of the arch.

My husband under the arch.

And me to the left of the arch with a view of the snow capped mountains.

We probably spent almost an hour at the Delicate Arch.  It was such a spiritual experience to see such beauty and grandeur, and I think the difficult hike to get there, only made me appreciate it so much more.  I was proud of my 53 year old body to be able to make a hike that people half my age couldn't do.  It proved to me that even though exercise doesn't produce the waif thin body I would like to have, it's still certainly worth it for my health.

Now, if I could only get over my fear of heights!!!!  My husband made fun of me for hugging the rock wall.  Of course, he walked right along the outer edge with no fear at all!

 I have to show you how pretty most of this rock is.  Not all of the rock looked like this, but a lot did. Just look at how gorgeous this is!  I would love to have this beautiful rock in my garden.

Going back down the trail was so, so easy.  It seemed to take minutes to get back down.  We did notice that there were a lot more people going up when we were coming down.  I did find out later that the park recommends taking this hike to see the sunrise or the sunset to avoid the desert sun and get the best views.  Parking is difficult to find during sunset hours, so sunrise would be the best time of the day to hike this difficult trail.

And finally, here is a very short 1:13 minute video of the Delicate Arch.  I am standing at the very top of the rock, when your view first opens up to the arch.  I will do a complete circle with the camera.  I want you to notice how quiet it is.  Even though there are hundreds of people all excited to see the arch, it's almost like there is a spiritual reverence here.  Every one just seemed so awestruck by the experience and the views there was no need for conversation, but only contemplation.

And that concludes my posts of Arches National Park.  Next week I will share the very last day of our May road trip...Vail, Colorado!

Have a Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE and Travel Tuesday!

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