Big Tree Ridge, Red Cedars, Shangri La, Tibbett's Marsh, Protector Trail, Surprise Creek, Military Ridge & Harvey Manning Trail — Monday, Feb. 19, 2024

RWHG had a great winter hike from the new Big Tree Trailhead on Cougar Mtn.  ❤️ Love Local Trails!  We pulled in at 9:15, it was 47 degrees with overcast skies and light rain forecast to start early afternoon. The 2 porta potties were being serviced as we drove up.  The lot wasn’t crowded for a holiday.  After gearing up we were on the trail by 9:30.  Our 7.8 mile loop hike followed Big Tree Ridge, Red Cedar and Shangri-La trail up to the Million Dollar View Pagoda. 
  Arriving at 11:15 we decided to take a short loop hike on Tibbet’s Marsh, Protector and Shangri-La trails back up to the covered picnic shelters at the Harvey Manning Th head lot. Five cars were parked there so we expected to see folks on the trail. The 2 porta potties there were clean and stocked with supplies. Rain started, so taking a lunch/rest break under cover felt just right. All the trails are saturated soil but well drained. It was evident KC Parks have been out removing downed trees and debris and widening drainage trail channels.  Thanks for keeping the trails so well maintained. 
  After a birthday celebration and yummy treats we put on rain gear headed back down at 12:30.  Trail traffic was moderate, we passed 2 larger groups of trail runners with dogs and several group of people hiking in 2’s.  Wildlife was limited to deer tracks in mud on the trail and a few birds - juncos, wrens and towhees.  I saw my first wildflower of spring, coltsfoot starting to bloom along the Shangri-La trail.  Our route down followed Shangri-La, Surprise Creek, Military Ridge, Harvey Manning and back on to Big Tree Ridge trail to our vehicles. Rain started coming down in earnest so we didn’t hang out after the hike.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.