Weekend Gem: John Litton Farm Loop

Looking for an easy overnighter that’s going to deliver the goods scenery wise and is quiet enough to offer a real wilderness feel? The John Litton Loop is all that and a swimming hole/camp spot that will knock your socks off! Start off this 6.3 mile loop at the Bandy Creek TH and take the left split of the Loop first. Start out on an old roadbed while keeping right as it splits off. Soon, you arrive at a meadow and another split, stay left as the trail enters the grassy area keeping the meadow’s edge on your left. In a mile you start down to the Litton Homestead. An old barn and a newer house occupy this scene, rusting farm equipment laying about shows the hard life that families had in these isolated corners of the world. Pass next to a curious pool as the trail leads you into the forest following the N. Fork Branch and nice rock ledges. Quickly, come to an intersection with some benches and a bridge along the creek. If you want to swim and chill make that right and make your way to camp by Falls Branch Falls a mile further. If more hiking is in order, stay straight and head up to the Grand Gap or JMT for a look down to Big South Fork.

A tree bends to grow under a rack ledge. Nature is amazing!

SWIM!!!

After an amazing day of swimming in this substantial pool, hit the trail bright and early. Make your way into nice forests with nice Lady slipper Orchids gracing your way to a dripping ledge with mossy green life forms dotting every eyeful. Climb a short distance before climbing above the creek to a isolated arch hidden on left side of the canyon. Keep on your way to a more open forest as your car comes into view. Take a load off in this quiet area and enjoy that reward beer as you soak in the goodness of this fantastic area.

A Cherokee grain grinding bowl?

A sapling soaks in the sun