Often times in life I find some of the best information from simple conversation. Amidst a casual conversation between My 1SG & me, I came to find that he also truly enjoys Hiking, although specifically the outdoors. He's a big hunter & Outdoors-man, so naturally we got to this subject rather quickly. He told me of a great spot up from South Mountain, so I figured on going to check it out. He's a local of the town, so all the local spots he knows like the back of his hand.
I figure we'll hike up the trail round 2:00pm this Saturday, the 23. Apparently this Shaffer Rock has a huge rock face, so I'm considering bringing my rappelling/climbing stuff. I figure we'll climb for a while, do chow up there, have a Devo, & some classes on survival, camping, nature, edible wild food, etc. Hike back down & be out by Dusk or whenever we feel like it.
Sunset is 7:55pm, so we have 4-5 hours to play with. It'll be 70 F. There may be a thunderstorm in the afternoon, so you can optionally bring a poncho or something.
"Shaffer Rock", aka "The Hermitage"
(Click above link for more info, if needed)
Coming from the east or west on 30, one will want to find 233 running through Caledonia State Park and intersecting 30 there. Take 233 south to South Mountain Restoration Center. Go through SMRC until Old Forge Road is on your right. Take this several miles to after the AT crossses the road you will see Swift Run Road on your right (dirt). Take this up hill for a short period till there is a large pull off on a sharp left turn. Follow the blue blazes for 20 to 30 yards and break left to the ledge of the main face.
Coming from the east or west on 30, one will want to find 233 running through Caledonia State Park and intersecting 30 there. Take 233 south to South Mountain Restoration Center. Go through SMRC until Old Forge Road is on your right. Take this several miles to after the AT crossses the road you will see Swift Run Road on your right (dirt). Take this up hill for a short period till there is a large pull off on a sharp left turn. Follow the blue blazes for 20 to 30 yards and break left to the ledge of the main face.
