Cottonwood meadow, Mt Mitchell

BrianEdwards said Cottonwood meadow, Mt Mitchell

You are not too far away.

Cache meadow?

BrianEdwards said Cache meadow?

Getting closer

I have only been there once fixing the faint trail. If it is what I think it is. Upper Rock Lake?   D 2

Donovan said I have only been there once fixing the faint trail. If it is what I think it is. Upper Rock Lake?

Getting closer - I am very sure you have been to this area.

Is it possible the water body view is taken from a side other than that which the short stub trail delivers a hiker to? D 2

Donovan said Is it possible the water body view is taken from a side other than that which the short stub trail delivers a hiker to? D 2

At first, I did not believe so, but in thinking about it, I'm not sure now.  I was thinking this was taken right where the stub trail met the meadow, but now I'm wondering if I took this one from around the side.  A clue - the point at which this trail hits the meadow is REALLY brushy - REALLY.  A jungle almost.

OK, no activity in almost 4 days now - I'll give one more clue and it no one guesses I'll just fess up. This meadow is one of a series of meadows in the area.  And there is an old lookout location nearby with its own interesting "artifacts".

No one appears to be interested, so I'll just tell everyone.  This was taken from the short spur trail off off Old Baldy down to Squaw Lakes.  The trail starts off pretty good, but by the time it gets to the meadows it is pretty faint and the part that opens into the first meadow is REALLY, REALLY brushy.  Cool place to explore in the fall, though.  Wouldn't want to do it early in the year - WAY too wet. Someone else can post a photo if they want.

I took this one June 7th 2007 - this is a familiar trail for all I am willing to bet - and that there is no snow there now!

I'll start, Rho Ridge?

And you end it too - though at around 15 miles Rho Ridge covers a lot of ground. Your turn. This is on the way to Hawk Mountain, past the improved water source. Speaking of which, what is the history on the water source?  I don't think its the FS keeping it in good repair.

Sometimes I get lucky! ;^) I'll look for a photo

Bryon Boyce said Speaking of which, what is the history on the water source?  I don't think its the FS keeping it in good repair.

I made a new lid for it about ten years ago. They will not take care of it. I'll let you fix it this time. D 2

Donovan said

Bryon Boyce said Speaking of which, what is the history on the water source?  I don't think its the FS keeping it in good repair.

I made a new lid for it about ten years ago.

So where is this mystery water source located? I've not seen it. Anyone have a photo?

You must be talking about Round Spring, the water source for Hawk Mtn. lookout located a few 100 feet before you reach Round Meadow and the trail to the old lookout site and cabin. The spring sign, what was left of it was in the cabin back in 2008 when it was painted the last time.

Ye olde Hamms cooler looks pretty good in that picture.   D 2

Heres a slightly different view. Its to the right on the climb nearing Round Meadow. I didn't know it was called Round Spring. Took this photo on a sunny November day in 2008.

OK this is an abandoned trail NOT in a wilderness, although it came from one behind me. I found this piece many years ago looking for a waterfall (There wasn't one). In researching this trail afterwards, I came across a Donovan post from a very long time ago indicating he'd found this exact spot.   Big hint: There is a paved road in the background behind the rocky hump.