Went to the grove around 3:30pm on a Saturday in November and had it to ourselves. Both the mountain loop highway and NF-49 had lots of potholes that really slowed us down for the last few miles before getting to our destination, but were passable. No official parking - we were able to pull over and park on the side of the road next to the sign marking the trail. There are also no bathrooms or facilities. The trail was easy enough to see in the rain and low light (approaching dusk). It was only a couple of minutes walk to the grove, and a few minutes along either fork of the T. The trees were magnificent! The left fork led to a downed tree in the river that was clearly huge when standing, and on the right path was another grove of fairly large cedars. Only wildlife seen was a bird or two. Overall, we spent about a half hour. In the future, I would consider this as a stop before or after hiking a nearby trail.

Short hike out to an impressive tree.

Road Conditions. See this trip report. Space for maybe two cars at the trailhead, no facilities.

Trail Conditions. No obstacles, plenty of signage.

Crowds. None.

the WTA page says the hike is "easy" and I expect it is for a young and physically healthy person, but for 2 mid-to-late 70 year-olds with balance and other walking impediments, it appeared too risky.  a wider and less overgrown trail would probably have been manageable, but in this condition a fall would have been a serious problem.  we did not try.

and the road after the pavement ended was badly potholed, very hard on car suspension.  has not yet been regraded this spring.

Our WTA work party took advantage of our location this week to visit a lesser known gem of a trail off the Mountain Loop Highway this week.  This was my first visit to the Harold Engles Grove (Trail #642).  Our group of nine were the only ones out this day.  

The trail if off FR-49 near the Bedal campground.   The road was suitable for all vehicles.   There are approximately 3 car spaces at the trailhead.   

After dropping down from the road, this is a very easy trail for all ages.  It is less than quarter mile to a tee-intersection where we stopped for pictures in front of the large cedars that are part of this protected grove of old growth trees.   The trail provides access to a number of trees that provide a glimpse into the size trees that covered the forest before most were harvested for the lumber industry.   It is worth while to see these beauties if you are in the area. 

The trail is in very good condition.  There are a couple step over logs but no other obstructions.   Only a few mosquitoes in the dark shade.  

enjoy

On my way back from exploring the Pilot Ridge trail (see separate report), I stopped along the road at two locations and checked out the Harold Engles Memorial Cedars and the North Fork Sauk Falls. The cedar is about 12 feet in diameter at chest height.  It is about 1/4 miles from the road.  Mucho thanks to the young man that took my picture next to the tree for me.

At the North Fork Sauk Falls the heavy snow melt is creating a lot of mist and spray.  It is about 1/8 miles down some steps.