Photo Credit Jake Sawyer
On October 7-8, 2023, seven DCUL backpackers completed a delightful low-mileage (LM) 19-mile overnight clockwise circuit along the West Virginia-Virginia border, in the Wilson Cove Wildlife Management Area and Great North Mountain region. The literal and figurative highpoint was the view from White Rocks Cliff while the low point was when the trip leader locked his keys in his car at the trailhead.
DCUL Assistant Organizer (AO) Chandler had originally planned this trip, but asked fellow-AO Mark to take over when Chandler encountered a scheduling conflict. Carpoolers met up at the Vienna Metro station, while others joined up at the Waites Run Road trailhead parking area serving the Tuscarora and Great Eastern Trails. We lucked out with the weather, as rains stopped just before we arrived at the trailhead and stiff winds drove much of the moisture from the air. The trees were just beginning to pop with their Autumn colors and the air was crisply invigorating. All was coming together to-plan until Mark discovered that he had locked his keys in his car and didn’t have a hidden spare. With Mark muttering angrily at himself about needing to smash his car window, the group moved out at a quick pace N-NE on the Tuscarora/Great Eastern Trail, climbing a thousand feet and then descending almost as far before taking a rest at the Gerhard Shelter. As we gathered in the bright sunshine by the well-maintained little shelter to warm ourselves against the swirling wind and ate our lunches, Mark discovered he had a cell signal at the high overlook. He therefore called his wife, who agreed to drive all the way to W. Va. the next day with spare keys. (“For better or for worse …”)
Gerhard Shelter
With the leader now feeling much better about the situation, the group made good time descending the eastern flank of the ridge, then turning S-SE and slogging down the lush green and occasionally-muddy hollows along Paddy and Cove Runs via the Wilson Cove and Old Mailpath Trails. (Note for future trip planning: The trails in this area were generally well-blazed, with signs and even maps at intersections.)
Photo credit Jake Sawyer
We took on drinking water at Cove Run and enjoyed the additional athletic challenge of hauling it over a thousand feet up to our dry camp on the high ridge near White Rocks Cliff. Luckily, our intended campsite was available, so we wedged our shelters among the rocks and tangled timber. The never-ending wind had done us the favor of knocking a great many dead limbs from the trees, so there was plenty of firewood. With camp set, most of the group went to the cliffs to enjoy the view, while Mark built up the fire ring against the wind and got a warming blaze going.
Photo credit James Rice
We made dinner early to warm ourselves, with much nerding-out about different backpacking stoves and foods. About half the group went to bed early to take shelter against the relentless wind. The other half tried to keep warm a little longer by walking in circles around the fire, dodging as the smoke from the damp wood shifted direction randomly. “Hiker midnight” came early as that game got tiresome, and we went to bed hoping none of the trees would crash down on us.
Photo credit Jackie
In true DCUL fashion, on Sunday morning we awoke just before dawn and hit the trail just after first light. Jake went back to the cliffs to witness the sunrise, and then we scampered on down the Tuscarora/Three Ponds trail quickly enough to warm our fingers and toes. We chatted briefly with a group from a different backpacking club who were still making breakfast and made quick time on gentle terrain back to the cars.
Photo Credit Jake Sawyer
We drove the short distance to the Lost River Trading Post in Wardensville, WV for good coffee, chai, snacks etc. The place has a cool arthouse/coffee bar vibe, but more importantly, Mark’s wife was waiting with keys to his car, saving the situation.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend with a great crew — just challenging enough to make us feel like we had gotten a good dose of the great outdoors. Best of all, four DCUL Applicants were promoted to full Member, and are now eligible to sign up for more challenging trips. Woo hoo!
Annotated route on CalTopo: https://caltopo.com/m/6QPRH
DC UL Backpacking 
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