Frog Pond – Cameraon Meadows

Eight hardy souls undertook hiking this loop, even given the fact that we have never made it across Cameron Meadows without quickly finding ourselves, how shall we put this, lost, or at least off the optimun path.

It was perfect hiking weather, with temperatures in the mid 60s all day. This is a loop hike, so upon arriving at the first car drop off point, we discovered that the road had been washed out by a still very active creek. Some of us did a nice ballet dance across the rocks, while others just waded through the water, ending up with wet feet and boots.

The beginning of the trail is steep for much of the distance up to Frog Pond, where some of the hikers saw a bear heading up hill, across our trail and into the woods above us. We should have known something was amiss, for the frogs were silent. However, after the bear left the area, the frog noise returned. There were many flowers out, especially both purple and white Trilliums. We also saw many rodadendrums along the trail, but most were not in bloom yet. Once across the creek feeding Frog Pond (using a big log as a bridge), we then headed up the last steep hill, which was half covered in snow. Yes, this hike has many challenges, but none too big for the group.

Lunch was taken at the beginning of Cameron Meadows and then the group headed for the challenge of finding the meadow exit to the trail back down to the car. With help from Jim and Dan, we found the right trail quickly and headed down through some downfall and a trail that generally looked more like a game trail than a normal hiking trail. On the way down, we saw many dogwoods in bloom.

It needs to be noted that it took 4 attempts to complete this hike without getting lost in the snow or wandering through the forest trying to find the trail or sliding down a steep hill covered with 5 feet of snow to a creek and then figuring out how to get across said creek or eating lunch in the forest while it was a snow blizzard out in the meadow. We, who have been part of all 4 attempts, were very happy it work out so well.

Hike Leader: Keeley

Photos By: Dan, Keeley