Precipice Top Trail — Friday, Mar. 22, 2024

I was part of a WTA work party improving the Precipice Bottom Trail. This section of trail is temporarily CLOSED due to a bridge washout. We saw some trail runners here despite the clearly marked closure.

The trail from Big Tree Ridge parking lot is steep, with 7-8 switchbacks covering about 300 feet of elevation gain over seven-tenths of a mile. The trail is made of clay and is very slippery when wet, especially in the unmaintained switchbacks. Once the Precipice Trail diverges from Big Tree Ridge trail, it winds steeply downhill. The switchbacks have been recently improved by WTA crews, and there are new drains to redirect water. There are two wrought-iron benches about two-tenths of a mile down the trail on a flat stretch — a great place for a snack.

We noticed quite a few mosquitoes while we were working. There were also some trillium flowers in bloom.