The Wild Oak Trail (CCW) - Pictures, April 6th

The Wild Oak Trail is a 27.6mi loop with ~8,500' of vertical climbing.

Trail junction with the spur trail from the parking area at the base of Little Bald.

Typical view from the ridgeline on the way to Little Bald, looking towards Hankey Mtn, with The Priest and Three Ridges area in the far distance.

The trail up to Little Bald crests the ridgeline the entirety of the climb.

JPeake making his way up to Little Bald, surrounded by mountain laurel.

Dag'on rocks in my shoe.

More of the views to Hankey Mtn from the ridgeline ascent towards Little Bald.

Smooth mountain laurel lined trail on the way up to Little Bald.

Ascending towards Little Bald, surrounded by mountain laurel.

Pine lined trail on the way to Little Bald.

Small stretch of lingering snow pack ~1ft just below the summit of Little Bald.

Vista just north of TWOT and the summit of Little Bald.

View east while descending Little Bald, with views of Hankey Mtn close just right of center, Massanutten Mtn on the distant left, and Shenandoah NP in the far distance.

Smooth pine lined trail descending Little Bald.

More trail descending Little Bald.

Just a casual water crossing  at the North River.

Ahhhhh it's so cold!

Looking downstream at the North River crossing near Camp Todd.

Steepening trail ascending to Big Bald.

More trail ascending to Big Bald.

Looking back down the steep ridgeline on Hankey Mtn, with Big Bald in the distance.

Steep ascent on the ridgeline up to Hankey Mtn.

Descending Hankey Mtn Rd.

At the bridge-crossing the North River not far from the parking lot.

All in a day's work.