These last few months I’ve been thinking about the Riprap Trail but held back as I didn’t want to go through the streams and if you don’t get to the RipRap Parking lot in time, you won’t have a parking space.
After a bit of research and looking at the trail, I saw that parking at Wildcat Ridge Parking lot was a viable option and I set a date for myself to go hike.
I intended on taking my time on this 9.8-mile loop, enjoying the scenery and what I was expecting to be a moderate workout.
I was in my head, thinking about this blog and some other things in my life, and before I knew it, I stood 1.5 feet away from this buck.
And there we stood like deer in the headlight moment (pun intended) before he ran off, right into the water.
I have never been that close to a wild deer before and I sure am glad it wasn’t a bear!
Once this moment was over, I continued on my way on what is considered a moderate hike and enjoyed the solitude! Here is what I knew, because Wildcat Ridge Parking is less populated, there would be fewer people until I came closer to Chimney Rock and that is indeed where I encountered more people.
I took a quick photo and paused to take in the view and while the trees were without foliage, I didn’t hate it – in fact, I think it gave it a little something to be able to see a proper view without a tree in your face.
I then continued for a few feet before taking a break to eat my lunch, where I forgot to resume my mileage tracker for about 0.2 miles – whoops.
The trail continued with rocky pathways and the elevations presented a mix of challenges and rewards.
The streams I had been so worried about earlier this year, were nothing to the point I didn’t even pull out my trekking poles to help me stay steady.
And even though the weather didn’t call for rain, and the mountains were unpredictable, I was caught in a drizzle the last 2 miles of the hike. Thank goodness I keep extra clothes in my car.
I completed the 9.8 miles in about 4 hours and 41 minutes and will be looking forward to doing the Riprap trail again perhaps in the summertime.
I will say I was slightly disappointed by the amount of trash I picked up along the way from tissues to kind bar wrappers.
So ready to go hiking the RipRap Trail? If so, I’d love for you to share your favorite part in the comments below.
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