Panther, From Fox Hlw to Hairpin turn

[mudhook]

Rockysummit and I spotted a car at the Giant Ledge PA and then drove over to the Fox Hlw PA, dodging downed trees and branches along the Slide Mt rd. We slipped back under the downed wires and escaped before the arriving emergency people, or we would have been trapped ourselves between Lost Clove and where Tmax ran into the same stituation on the other end.
We had decided on this route because it would be on the leeward side for much of the trip, and it was. We ran into snow about 2600' and it was with us most of the trip. When we topped the ridge at about 2800' ,the wind hit us, and like the snow, was there to stay. We had snow, snow ,sleet, clouds, and wind, and the farther we went, the more gear went on as the wind increased. We had good views along the ridges leading to Panther, and down and across to Gaint, where it alternated between snow squalls and clear.( Take of the jacket and it would snow, put it on and it would clear.)
A nice pre winter warm up, the trail had lots of running water, snow and ice.
A little under 8 miles. Much better than sitting home wondering if it was too windy.

[Tmax]

Hey Mudhook,
That stretch of trail between Panther and Fox Hollow I haven't been on. Any views along the way? It's funny what we do to hike.....like sneaking under downed power lines! Once I gained some elevation over on Table, I never got a layer back off. That wind was wicked but I agree, much better than sitting at home...

[MattC]

That is a nice route. Terri, there is a view or two along the way, since there are some false summits. IIRC, there is a view of North Dome and Sherrill on the one side of one of the false summits, and also a view to the west from the same place.

Fox Hollow leanto features one of those open privies, just like Biscuit Brook. :eek:

Matt

[TFR]

That is a nice route. Terri, there is a view or two along the way, since there are some false summits. IIRC, there is a view of North Dome and Sherrill on the one side of one of the false summits, and also a view to the west from the same place.

Fox Hollow leanto features one of those open privies, just like Biscuit Brook. :eek:

MattYeah, what is up (or down? :D ) with those things?

[mudhook]

Tmax, with the leaves off there are views all along , and the little bumps are interesting. Well worth the trip.

[Mark Schaefer]

I have always been fond of the Fox Hollow approach to Panther. It is usually less crowded and more wild than the Giant Ledge route. I do remember at least one good all-season view, and I see that the map does show a viewpoint at about 3300' on the way up. I was planning to do this route again all summer, but never quite found the time. A through hike with the ledge, is the best of all options (that is other than a bushwhack). :tup:

[rockysummit]

Was a very nice trip with views most of the time with the leaves gone. The bushwack is coming soon (with snowshoes)!