Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
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- Posts: 42
- Joined: April 18th, 2017, 3:18 pm
Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
Coming from North Carolina in August and would like to hike it towards Harrys Ridge. I know they have a bypass now, but I would like to do the elbow if open. Is the WTA helping to keep it passable? I heard last year they may get involved. Also, it doesnt look like there is as much snow at MSH as there was last year.
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
It seems the USFS wants it closed on the west side. Last I heard, WTA's offer to help wasn't accepted. There is (legit) access to that point from the east side, though. The west side trail was still passable going into this winter, but that's when it seems to fail most.
Route clear of snow from JRO to Harry's Ridge as of yesterday (5/7/18)...
Click through the photo for an album looking down from this general area.
Route clear of snow from JRO to Harry's Ridge as of yesterday (5/7/18)...
Click through the photo for an album looking down from this general area.
Karl
Back on the trail, again...
Back on the trail, again...
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
Unless the FS repairs it, no, it's not currently passable. There are multiple rock slides which wiped it out in a few locations. This winter took its toll on that section of trail. I hiked from hummocks to Harry's on Saturday and used the bypass.
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
Karl
Back on the trail, again...
Back on the trail, again...
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Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
Can the WTA go out and work on the trail on their own? Or, do they need approval from the USFS or MSHI?
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
Would have to imagine that'd break the spirit of their cooperative agreement. Plus, that section has at times required some blasting, and that was always USFS not WTA doing that.tbritt2112 wrote: ↑May 12th, 2018, 5:49 pmCan the WTA go out and work on the trail on their own? Or, do they need approval from the USFS or MSHI?
Karl
Back on the trail, again...
Back on the trail, again...
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- Posts: 42
- Joined: April 18th, 2017, 3:18 pm
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
I just called JRO and the lady told me that DE is no longer being kept in hiking condition. Said it's too dangerous and it's closed to the public. They said same thing last year, but we were able to hike it. We had to walk around the rocks they had piled there. I know without upkeep it will not be passable. Anyone seen it recently?
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- Posts: 42
- Joined: April 18th, 2017, 3:18 pm
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
Has anyone seen Devils Elbow recently? If so, is it passable?
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
It is easy hiking from the east, the long way around from JRO using the new bypass trail. The western section seemed pretty clearly marked as closed, though I didn't take photos of the signs or memorize the wording. There was an obvious slide area that I wouldn't have tried to cross even without signage.
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- Posts: 42
- Joined: April 18th, 2017, 3:18 pm
Re: Devils Elbow Open This Summer?
Thanks for the info. So, what the lady at JRO told me is correct. No more upkeep on the west side of DE. Closed for good. Glad I got to hike it last year. Guess I will hike the east side this year.