Adventure Out

Big Rock Overlook on the Bartram Trail

By Peter McIntosh

On this adventure we’re hiking the Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to an often overlooked overlook. It’s a rocky outcropping known as Big Rock. The view from Big Rock is nice. There’s the Rainy Mountain Scout Camp just below you and layers of mountains off to the southwest. (Look for the lake way down below, that’s at the scout camp.) The total distance, there and back is right at 4.6 miles, and I would rate the trail between moderate to strenuous. And since the trailhead is Warwoman Dell, there are some other cool things to see and do as well. There are lots of picnic areas set alongside the babbling Warwoman Creek, a big pavilion and also a privy. This little cove also features a short inter-

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com

pretive trail leading to a small waterfall. There are markers along the way detailing some of the flora and fauna of the area. The waterfall isn’t natural. It was created when rock was quarried from that spot to be used in the construction of the Blue Ridge Railroad. Warwoman Dell is one of many spots where evidence of the failed railroad project remains. And there’s a marker there detailing the railroads history. To get to Big Rock, we hike southward on the Bartram Trail, toward Warwoman Ford. The footpath ascends for about half a mile before cresting the ridge. You’ll cross three foot bridges on your way up; one has a railing, the other two do not. From this point the trail is level for a bit and then climbs once more, a bit steeply at times, before descending. This is a really pretty section of forest with nice rhododendron and laurel tunnels. Soon you’ll come to an intersection with a wide horse trail and a path coming up from the scout camp called the Goat Trail. Note the metal Goat blazes marking this path. The trail now ascends steeply up steps and switchbacks, but not for too long, and then heads downward. After descending a bit, keep an eye out for a trail on the right, marked with paint, ascending to the southwest. There’s a wooden sign there that reads “.2 mile,” indicating the distance to Big Rock. Keep a sharp eye out for this sign as it’s easy to miss. At Big Rock there’s a nice strong rope strung along the trees because of the steep angle. Be careful please. There are anchor bolts in the rock for those of you wanting to practice your bouldering skills. Be sure to stay on the yellow blazed Bartram Trail returning to Warwoman Dell. My recommendation for this trip is to do the hike, enjoy the view and then return to the dell for a celebratory picnic. Happy Hiking! And what do you say to a poem for May? We’re heading to a spot with a view that’s swell, On the Bartram Trail out of Warwoman Dell. Hiking up to a ridgeline and o’r a few hills, The Big Rock outcropping will give you a thrill. Getting there: Warwoman Dell is located 3 miles west of Clayton on Warwoman Road. Look for a sign on the right and it’s a sharp cutback right turn into Warwoman Dell.