What a Year 2020 Has Been

I still have a few more hikes to post from my December hiking trip to Dothan, AL, but the turning of the calendar says it is time for my annual summary and reflection post.  We've all had a rough year, and my hiking has not been immune to the pandemic.  Although I have managed to stay Covid-free, I had to cancel 2 hiking trips totaling 11 "trail days" this year.  Nevertheless, we still managed to get out there quite a bit.  We did 49 new hikes in 2020 totaling 117.9 miles.  The hikes came across 18 states including 2 new states: Kansas and Colorado; 47 of the 50 states are now represented in this trail journal.  I passed 2190 career hiking miles (the length of the Appalachian Trail) during my Colorado hiking trip in July, and this year saw the debut of the YouTube vlog complement to this photo and text trail journal.  All things considered, it was a pretty good year on the trail observing God's creation in its natural state.

Looking ahead to 2021, I have a hiking trip to Florida scheduled for January, but after that the pandemic-inspired academic calendar at my university will keep me off the road for awhile.  I hope to get to Crater Lake, Oregon this summer, another bucket list destination for me.  However, unlike my usual schedule-a-year-in-advance philosophy, all hiking trips in the near future will be dependent on how the pandemic continues to unfold; hopefully we are almost through it.  Also, the ongoing rebranding of my online presence from Math Prof Hiker to Parking Full Time will continue.  Finally, I am working on a disc golf version of this trail journal, and I hope to debut the Parking Full Time Disc Golf Reviews in a couple of months.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my hikes in 2020, and I look forward to bringing you more hikes and content in 2021.

Lord bless and have a great 2021,

David Prager, aka Math Prof Hiker, aka Big Dave the Parker

Kolomoki Mounds State Park: Temple Mound/White Oak Loop (Blog Hike #830)

Trails: Temple Mound and White Oak Trails

Hike Location: Kolomoki Mounds State Park
Geographic Location: north of Blakely, GA (31.46757, -84.94041)
Length: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)
Date Hiked: December 2020
Overview: A loop hike among the tallest mounds at Kolomoki.
Park Information: https://gastateparks.org/KolomokiMounds
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=850431
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: From the courthouse square in Blakely, head north on Main Street, which becomes First Kolomoki Road after it leaves Blakely.  Drive a total of 7 miles from the courthouse square to the signed entrance for Kolomoki Mounds State Park on the right.  Turn right to enter the park, stop at the Visitor Center to pay the entrance fee and pick up a trail map, then drive another mile to the Temple Mound and group picnic shelter parking area on the left.  Park here.

The hike: Constructed roughly 400 years after the time of Christ but nearly 1000 years before the more famous Ocmulgee mounds up in Macon, Kolomoki mounds represent one of the largest and earliest mound complexes in the southeast.  Located just a few miles from the Chattahoochee River in southwest Georgia, the 8 mounds on this site were built by the Swift Creek and Weeden Island cultures, and this site's Temple Mound is the largest temple mound in Georgia.  The mounds are labeled A through H, and they show an attention to astronomy: mounds A, D, and E form an east-west axis that aligns with the path of the sun at the spring equinox, while mounds D and F align with the path of the sun on the summer solstice.

            The Smithsonian Institution did excavations at Kolomoki between 1894 and 1897, and the site was dedicated a National Historical Landmark in 1964.  The park's Visitor Center contains an interesting museum that is built around an excavated mound, and the extra museum admission fee is well worth the historical treasures contained therein.  The park also features a 24-site developed campground, several picnic areas, two lakes, and four hiking trails totaling nearly 6 miles.  The Temple Mound and White Oak Trails explore the site's largest mounds, and they are described here.  The park's other two trails explore the park's natural areas, and they are featured in the next hike.

Trailhead at group picnic shelter

            From the parking lot, pick up the signed Temple Mound Trail as it heads west on a wide mowed grass treadway.  The trail climbs almost imperceptibly and curves around the south side of the Temple Mound to enter the mound complex's main plaza area.  At 0.25 miles, you reach the front of the Temple Mound.

Front of Temple Mound

            The Temple Mound stands 56 feet above the plaza, and a set of concrete stairs takes you to the top of the mound.  The flat area atop the mound measures 325 by 200 feet, and researchers estimate more than 2 million baskets of dirt would have been required to build the mound.  Experts think tribal priests would have lived atop this mound, so take a few minutes to soak in the fantastic fit-for-a-priest view that extends in all directions.

View of plaza from Temple Mound

Top of Temple Mound

            Descend the Temple Mound the way you came up, then continue the Temple Mound Trail by walking across the plaza and checking out Mound D.  Though only 20 feet high, cone-shaped Mound D is one of the largest and oldest burial mounds in the southeast.  Geometrically speaking, Mound D forms the center of the entire mound complex.

Mound D

            The Temple Mound Trail continues past Mound D and leads back to the Visitor Center, but this hike retraces its steps to the Temple Mound and then turns left to begin the White Oak Trail.  Marked with green paint blazes, the White Oak Trail quickly passes Mound C, a small mound of unknown function, and heads north into the woods.  The dense forest here consists of white oak and pines with some magnolias.

Hiking the White Oak Trail

            Near 1 mile into the hike, the trail narrows as it curves right to leave an old road.  The balance of the hike dips through a couple of ravines and crosses the creeks in these ravines on wooden footbridges.  These footbridges had seen their better days on my visit, but they got me across safely.  A slight rise deposits you at the group picnic shelter, and your car sits in the parking lot to the right.

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park (Blog Hike #829)

Trails: Spring Run and Sandy Creek Trails

Hike Location: Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Geographic Location: east of Defuniak Springs, FL (30.72155, -85.92989)
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date Hiked: December 2020
Overview: A pair of short, flat nature trails near fantastic Ponce de Leon Springs.
Park Information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ponce-de-leon-springs-state-park
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=940583
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: In the Florida panhandle, take I-10 to SR 81 (exit 96). Exit and go north on SR 81.  Drive SR 81 north 0.8 miles to US 90 and turn right on US 90.  Drive US 90 east 0.2 miles to Ponce de Leon Springs Road and turn right on Ponce de Leon Springs Rd.  The park entrance is 0.8 miles ahead on the right.  Pay the entrance fee and park in the only parking lot.

The hike: Have you ever wanted to take a dip in the fountain of youth?  While the cool refreshing waters of Ponce de Leon Springs in the Florida panhandle probably do not have magical powers, they may make you feel a little younger.  The springs are named for the famous Spanish explorer who in 1513 led the first official European exploration of Florida.  Consisting of two limestone vents located only feet apart, Ponce de Leon Springs release 14 million gallons of fresh 68 degree water every day, and they provide a major source of aquatic recreation.

            Acquired only in 1970, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park protects 406 acres near its namesake springs.  The park consists of two units, but only the northern unit around the springs offers any amenities for visitors.  On point, the springs area features a shower house, some picnic tables, access to the springs, and two short nature trails.  Hiking both of the nature trails forms the route described here.

Exiting the shower house

            Begin by walking through the shower house's breezeway and walking down the boardwalk and concrete path to the springs.  The blue tinted water dotted with cypress trees gives the large springs a unique look, and the well-constructed water access includes steps, a diving platform, and several sitting areas.  Some picnic tables sit beside the springs, so take some time to admire the aquatic scenery.

Ponce de Leon Springs

Bridge over Spring Run

            After viewing the springs, walk across the wooden bridge over Spring Run, Ponce de Leon Springs' outlet, to find the signed start of the Spring Run Trail.  The Spring Run Trail forms a short loop around the narrow peninsula that separates Spring Run and Sandy Creek, and I chose to turn left to hike the loop clockwise.  The white sandy dirt trail heads downstream with the clear waters of Spring Run on your left.  I had a fun time watching bluegills and other small fish swim around in the stream.

Hiking along Spring Run

            At 0.25 miles, you reach the confluence of Spring Run and Sandy Creek.  Notice the contrast between Spring Run's clear spring water and the tannin-stained waters of Sandy Creek.  The trail curves sharply right here and begins heading upstream along Sandy Creek.  At 0.4 miles, you return to the springs area to complete the Spring Run Trail.

Start of Sandy Creek Trail

            Cross the footbridge back over Spring Run and then turn right to find the signed start of the Sandy Creek Trail.  The Sandy Creek Trail heads down the east bank of Spring Run, and careful looking across the creek may give you glimpses of the Spring Run Trail you just hiked.  Upon reaching the confluence of Spring Run and Sandy Creek for a second time, the trail curves left to head downstream along Sandy Creek for a short distance.

Sandy Creek

            At 0.6 miles into the hike, the trail curves left again to leave the bank of Sandy Creek and head into the woods.  Oak and magnolia trees dominate this forest, and a decent amount of palmetto appears in the understory.  Just shy of 1 mile, the Sandy Creek Trail returns you to the picnic area beside the springs.  A short walk past Ponce de Leon Springs and through the shower house breezeway returns you to the parking lot to complete the hike.

Falling Waters State Park (Blog Hike #828)

Trail: Wiregrass Trail

Hike Location: Falling Waters State Park
Geographic Location: south of Chipley, FL (30.72527, -85.52884)
Length: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)
Date Hiked: December 2020
Overview: A semi-loop featuring the tallest waterfall in Florida.
Park Information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/falling-waters-state-park
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=940584
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: In the Florida panhandle, take I-10 to SR 77 (exit 120).  Exit and go south on SR 77.  Drive SR 77 south 0.8 miles to State Park Road and turn left on State Park Rd.  State Park Rd. deadends at the park in 2.2 miles.  Pay the park entrance fee and drive the main park road to the waterfall parking area, where the road's pavement ends.

The hike: When most people think of tall waterfalls, the towering cascades of the southern Appalachians or the seasonal gushers of Yosemite come to mind long before anything in Florida.  Yet Florida has its own version of towering cascades, one of which is found at Falling Waters State Park.  This waterfall comes with a twist: rather than spilling off of a cliff high above you, Branch Creek starts at your feet and plunges 73 feet into a limestone sinkhole with no visible water outlet.  I enjoyed the unique scenery this park has to offer, and everyone should come here at least once to check out Florida's version of waterfall watching.

            Located on some of the highest land in Florida, tiny 171-acre Falling Waters State Park protects not only the waterfall but also a pond and its surrounding fantastic longleaf pine forest.  Before the land became a park, industrial activities including a grist mill, a whiskey distillery, and an oil well occupied this site.  The park was established in 1962, and today it features a 24-site developed campground, some picnic shelters, and a small system of hiking trails.  The route described here uses most of the park's trails and passes every major point of interest in the park, thus offering a grand tour of all Falling Waters State Park has to offer.

Trailhead at waterfall parking area

            From the waterfall parking area, first notice the Joyce Carter Memorial Butterfly Garden, an area that features plants that attract butterflies in season.  Two concrete paths lead from the parking area to the waterfall: a direct route on the left and a winding route graded for wheelchairs on the right.  Taking the straighter route leads to a boardwalk and a 4-way trail intersection in only a couple hundred feet.  The option going right leads to a wheelchair-accessible overlook high above the waterfall, and the option going left leads to an overlook of a pair of dry sinkholes.  After exploring these two overlooks, continue straight to descend to the main waterfall overlook.

Dry sinkholes, as viewed from overlook

            The main waterfall overlook platform sits on the south wall of the sinkhole, and the moderate-volume waterfall starts above you and ends way below you.  The circle-shaped sinkhole has the feel of a large well, and my fear of heights got the better of me as I peered over the overlook railing toward the bottom of the sinkhole.  I had never seen a waterfall like this one before, so take some time to enjoy the interesting scenery.

Top of waterfall

Bottom of waterfall

            After taking in the waterfall, climb back up the steps and head down the boardwalk signed as leading to the lake.  This boardwalk was under construction on my visit, although I have hiked on far sketchier boardwalks than the one they were repairing.  Just before a short-cut boardwalk exits right to head back to the waterfall parking area, you pass the site of the old oil well.  Drilled in 1919, oil was never found in commercially exploitable quantities in this area, and the well was capped in 1921.

Small park lake

            At 0.3 miles, you reach the park's small lake, where several small streams converge.  The trail heads around the east side of the lake, passing a swimming area and a lakeside picnic shelter.  Ignore two side trails that exit right to a secondary parking area, and begin following the trail that leads to Pine Ridge Campground.

Longleaf pine forest

            The dirt/grass trail heads around the north end of the lake through more longleaf pine forest dotted with magnolias before beginning the gradual climb to the campground.  The park's west boundary comes close on the left before you arrive at Pine Ridge Campground at 0.7 miles.  The trail ends at the campground, and there are no other trails that go to the campground.  Thus, your options are to walk back to the waterfall parking area on paved park roads or retrace your steps past the park's lake.  For a little variety, if you do not care to see the waterfall a second time, you can use the short-cut boardwalk, which links to the wheelchair-accessible waterfall trail, as a slightly shorter route back to the waterfall parking area.

Idle Hour Park and Natural Area in Phenix City, AL (Blog Hike #827)

Trails: (unnamed)
Hike Location: Idle Hour Park and Natural Area
Geographic Location: north side of Phenix City, AL (32.49974, -85.00864)
Length: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date Hiked: December 2020
Overview: A pair of asphalt loops, one flat around Moon Lake and one rolling through woods.
Park Information: https://phenixcityal.us/portfolio-items/idle-hour-park/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=850319
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: On the north side of Phenix City, take US 80 to Riverchase Drive, the last exit west of the Chattahoochee River.  Exit, drive south on Riverchase Dr. for 0.3 miles, then turn right on Airport Drive.  The parking lot for Idle Hour Park is 0.4 miles ahead on the left.

The hike: Owned and maintained by Phenix City, Idle Hour Park occupies a shallow valley tucked between commercial and residential areas on the north side of the city.  The park is centered around triangle-shaped Moon Lake, but it also features a community center, a soccer stadium, and a sports complex with numerous softball fields, baseball fields, and tennis courts.  Some picnic areas and a playground round out the park's amenities.

            Like many city parks, Idle Hour Park has no extensive hiking opportunities, but it does offer two asphalt walking loops totaling 1.8 miles.  The two loops offer very different journeys: the Moon Lake loop is a flat circumnavigation of its namesake lake, while the natural areas loop follows a rolling course through a woodland environment.  Combining these two loops forms the hike described here.

Steps at start of Moon Lake loop

            From the restroom building at the west end of the parking lot, walk down a set of concrete steps to reach a nice viewing area with benches beside Moon Lake.  Nice views emerge up, down, and across the lake, and I was joined here by numerous types of ducks, Canada geese, cormorants, and turkey vultures.  Moon Lake is an above average but easily accessible birding destination, so take a few minutes to see what you can see.

Canada geese

Moon Lake

More lakeside birds

            Begin a counterclockwise journey around Moon Lake by heading west on the wide, flat asphalt path with the lake on your left.  At the west end of the lake, the trail curves left as the community center comes into view to the west.  Soon you pass a couple of memorials and picnic areas as you head down the south side of the lake.

Entrance to natural area

            At 0.55 miles, you reach the signed entrance to the natural area.  Turn right to leave the lake area and enter the natural area.  The trail surface remains asphalt, but the asphalt in the natural area has been broken up by roots in numerous places.  Thus, while the loop around Moon Lake is smooth and flat enough for a wheelchair or stroller, the loop through the natural area is too steep and rough.

            Almost immediately the natural area trail splits to form its loop.  For no particular reason, I turned left and used the trail going right as my return route, thus hiking the natural area loop clockwise.  The trail descends gradually through pine forest that also features a few magnolia trees.  Signs measure your progress on the natural area trail in quarter mile increments.  Some planes from the Columbus, GA airport a few miles away fly low overhead, but overall the hiking is quite pleasant.

Hiking in the natural area

            Just past 1 mile into the hike, you reach the lowest point on this hike where the trail curves right to begin heading up a ravine.  Numerous benches provide opportunity to sit and rest if needed.  At 1.25 miles, you need to turn right to head back to Idle Hour Park where the School Trail exits left and leads to Sherwood Elementary School in 600 feet.

            Vehicle traffic on Idle Hour Road uphill to the left can be heard just before you close the natural area loop.  Turn left to get back to the Moon Lake area, then turn right to continue your journey around Moon Lake.  The trail crosses the dam that forms Moon Lake as another picnic shelter comes into view.  The parking lot that contains your car sits beside this shelter, thus signaling the end of the hike.

Rocky River Nature Park (Blog Hike #826)

Trails: Main, Bluff, River, and Cox Creek Trails
Hike Location: Rocky River Nature Park
Geographic Location: east side of Anderson, SC (34.51191,-82.62357)
Length: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Dates Hiked: (many)
Overview: A short lollipop loop through blufftop and wetland environments.
Park Information: https://www.rockyriverconservancy.org/
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=848534
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: From the intersection of US 29 and Old Williamston Road on the east side of Anderson, drive Old Williamston Rd. north 0.5 miles to the signed parking area on the right.  Park in the small gravel lot.

The hike: Owned and maintained by the Rocky River Conservancy, a private not-for-profit organization, Rocky River Nature Park protects 132 acres of bluffs and wetlands on the east side of Anderson.  The park is less than 10 years old, and scars from the land's previous industrial use will be seen in numerous places throughout the park.  Nevertheless, the wetlands along the Rocky River comprise the largest wetlands located within city limits in upstate South Carolina, and future plans call for expanding the park to as many as 400 acres.

            The park has a rough-around-the-edges feel typical of a new park, but major efforts have been made to make the park more user-friendly.  In terms of amenities, the park features only a small shelter, an outdoor classroom/amphitheater, and about 2 miles of trails.  I came here on a cool morning the day after Thanksgiving and had a very pleasant hike.  I plan to come here more often in the future: I live less than 3 miles from this park.  The route described in this post explores both the blufftop and wetland habitats, and thus it forms a good sample of what the park has to offer.

Starting the Main Trail

            Before you leave the trailhead, take a picture of the trail map at the information kiosk.  The trails at Rocky River Nature Park are unmarked and only occasionally signed, so the trail map might come in handy while you hike.  Start on the wide two-track Main Trail, and stay left to climb a small rise when the trail splits.  This trail split actually forms the loop portion of this hike, so we will return on the trail going downhill to the right.

            At 0.2 miles, you reach a newly-constructed shelter and a bench.  Angle left at the shelter to leave the Main Trail and begin the Bluff Trail, which soon passes what remains of an old brick structure.  Pine trees dominate this area, the highest ground in the park.

Old brick structure

            At the next intersection, turn left to loop around a small ravine and descend to the wetlands.  Turn right upon reaching the wetlands to begin walking a narrow corridor between the wetland on your left and the steep bluff on your right.  Despite its urban location, Rocky River Nature Park is an above average destination for birding and wildlife observation.  My approach sent several turtles plopping into the water, and I also saw a heron, some hawks, and some deer in this area.

Gazing across the wetland

            At 0.5 miles, you reach a major trail intersection.  We will eventually continue straight to begin the Cox Creek Trail, but first turn left to hike across a causeway that leads deeper into the wetland.  The causeway ends at the west bank of the Rocky River.  Turning right at the river leads to a short boardwalk over the wetland, which is the highlight of the trail system.  The grassy wet meadow is dotted with trees, and nice views can be had in multiple directions.  Take a few minutes here to see what birds and wildlife you can observe.

Current end of boardwalk

View from boardwalk

            Future plans call for the boardwalk to be extended further across the wetland, but for now you have to retrace your steps to the major intersection and turn left to begin the Cox Creek Trail.  The Cox Creek Trail follows a sewer line before curving right to head up its namesake creek.  The area along Cox Creek is the wettest of this hike, and an alternate route would be to return on the Main Trail if the wetness is too great.  Staying with the Cox Creek Trail closes the loop in just under 1.4 miles, where a soft left returns you to the trailhead to complete the hike.