Hamlin Gulch
We always knew Hamlin Gulch was there, and we always drove by it on our way to other trails. Walt did it long ago, but the rest of us hadn't seen it. He told us about a narrow, tippy section, but would it still be there?
We started on Yankee Hill and turned onto Hamlin Gulch from the top. We decided we'd run it backwards down to Fall River Road, and then back up again. That would allow us to see both sides of the trail. The first part was easy, and then when we got to the intersection it looked like the downhill side would be fun to come up so we veered right and headed uphill. We didn't realize at the time that we were on the easier side of the trail.
At the top, we headed up the fun little hill and were treated to some great views. We kept going, and the trail was tight until it came to a dead end in the trees at a turnaround area that was barely big enough for the four of us to get turned around. The views were worth it for the spur, though.
We passed through a gate and headed downhill. We came to an intersection and kept going downhill, and soon we were at the pavement of Fall River Road. We turned around there and headed back in.
Back at the intersection, we had a long chat. The old sign there said the other half of the trail was washed out. Matt decided to go check it out, and then Niko soon followed him. Walt and Monica hung back for a bit, and then decided to take the easy way back up. They weren't far before Niko was on the CB saying not to follow them in along the other path. Even though Walt and Monica got a later start and their side of the trail was a bit longer, it took Niko and Matt quite a bit longer to get to the intersection where Monica and Walt were waiting.
The tougher side of the trail had an obstacle that was tippy, narrow, and blind as you worked your way through it. It definitely had a pucker factor to it. The guys didn't regret it, but there wasn't a need to do that part of the trail again. It's probably better suited to ATVs and dirt bikes.
After that adventure it was a quick trip back up to Yankee Hill. It was good to get another new trail under our belts.
