Crossing Oneonta Creek to Horsetail Trail #425 - changes

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For those coming down Horsetail Creek trail (#425) it has always been a problem getting across the Oneonta Creek above the 2nd bridge. While there is a nice (new) bridge above Triple Falls and a good old log bridge further up, there is no bridge at the juntion with Horsetail Creek and the cut-off to Franklin Ridge. The crossing here is difficult and dangerous until late into the summer when the flow lessens.

Now, it appears that has somewhat changed. While out there recently, I noticed that there is a scratch trail from the upper bridge along the east side (opposite of the trail continuing) up to the Franklin Ridge Cut-off. I went up this new trail from the bridge (it is accessed just uphill from the bridge) and followed it up to where it cuts into the Horsetail Creek trail about 50 yards up from where it ends at Oneonta Creek. While rough, it is very passable. There are a couple of large cedars to barrell roll over and some wet areas but better than the alternative. If more people use it, this might become a good by-pass to this dangerous crossing. Put it on your radar if you are up that way.

[Eric Peterson]

Awesome!

[jdemott]

Great news! Thanks for posting--I'll look for it next time up there.

[Peder]

Thank you for the update Tom! That is very useful information.

[er0ck]

EP, is this the thread on the new scratch trail you were mentioning to me?

kinda sounds like this is "our" trail?

[jamesthehiker]

Great information! This is good information for the field guide as a safer alternative.

[Eric Peterson]

EP, is this the thread on the new scratch trail you were mentioning to me?

kinda sounds like this is "our" trail?

Hey ET, , I was going to go check to see if it was 'our' special trail

May not be, might be more of a incline kinda thing rather than just following the
crick like we did . . .

[romann]

Good news, I'll check it out coming from that direction, to find the other end. The trail to by-pass Oneonta crossing makes a lot of sense.

[Eric Peterson]

Checked this out today while on a recliner stress test hike for my back doing ROA/Horsetail loop.

Looks like a great little bypass and pretty much follows where er0ck and I cut away
a lot of Devils Club last year.

Some pics -









Thanks to the caped crusader who cut this little trail out!

[airoff]

I used that path Friday based solely on this post.

Yay internet! Thank you so much to those who created this trail. The creek is low right now but this trail is going to mean a great deal come high water time.