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River Valley loop detour has me scrambling for a backup plan | Backpacking Routes - Free To Speak

River Valley loop detour has me scrambling for a backup plan

I was all set to hit the River Valley loop for a quick overnight trip this Friday. But when I swung by the trailhead yesterday, there's a new sign saying a bridge is out and the path is closed for repair. That loop is perfect for me because it's close to home and has those awesome cliff overlooks. Now I need to find another route that's about the same distance, maybe 12 to 15 miles. I really want something with a good spot to camp near water. Has anyone else run into this closure? What other trails around here would you suggest for a similar vibe?

4 comments

4 Comments

robert_jones6mo ago

Bridgewater Trail is a solid backup, about 14 miles. Good spots to camp by the creek and some nice sandstone bluffs. Just watch the map, the turnoff is easy to miss.

susan_thompson696mo ago

Yeah that part about the turnoff being easy to miss is so true. I read a trip report from a local hiking blog last fall where a group completely walked past it and added like three extra miles before they realized. They said the marker post was down and it just looked like a deer path. Makes you wonder how many other little trails are fading out.

bettym356mo ago

Wait, Robert said the Bridgewater turnoff is easy to miss. Is the trail itself in good shape right now or is it overgrown? Last time I was out that way the brambles were so thick it was like fighting through a wall. Also, how's the water level in that creek for filtering?

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riverh496mo ago

Remember when everyone said that turnoff was just a bit tricky? I used to think it was fine until last spring. I walked right past it in the fog, just like Susan's story. The trail itself is actually pretty clear right now, no real bramble walls. The creek is low but still flowing, so filtering is slow but doable.