After a few months off the trail, I finally got back out for a hike. This time it was the Dockery Lake Trail, a little over seven miles out and back, connecting with the Appalachian Trail before turning around and heading back to the lake. Unfortunately, I was out there without Godfrey.
He has been limping a bit more lately, this time in his front leg. The medication is still helping his hips, but he is eleven years old now and the miles are starting to catch up with him. The problem is that his brain has not received the memo. He still has the same enthusiasm he always did. He would happily run the entire trail if I let him, even if his body disagreed. So for now he is staying home while I test out some of the longer or harder hikes.
The trail starts right along Dockery Lake, which is really more of a large pond than a lake. You follow the water for a bit and cross the dam before the trail disappears into the woods. From there it is mostly forest walking. Early March means the deciduous trees have not leafed out yet, so you can see the outlines of the surrounding mountains through the branches. Later in the year I suspect those views disappear completely.
The trail itself is narrow but well worn, with a few sections where the hillside drops steeply away. Nothing dangerous if you pay attention, but a place where a careless step could turn into a long roll downhill.
The terrain early on trends downhill toward a stream. You hear the rushing water long before you reach it. Once you do, the trail spends a lot of time near the creek, crossing it in several places. None of the crossings are difficult. Most are simple rock steps.
If you are looking for dramatic views or big waterfalls, this trail probably will not impress you. It is mostly a quiet walk through the woods. Pine forest, rhododendrons, and the constant sound of moving water. Personally, I think that is enough.
About a third of the way to the Appalachian Trail the climbing begins. It’s a steady grade that slowly gets your heart rate up. The kind of climb where you simply pick a pace and keep moving.
Eventually the trail reaches a ridgeline and connects with the Appalachian Trail. From there you can continue on toward places like Granny Top or Preachers Rock if you want bigger views. I decided not to do that on this trip. The goal was simply to see what the Dockery Lake approach was like and how difficult it would be to add those side trips later.
On the way back I passed the only other hiker I saw all day. A man about my age heading toward the Appalachian Trail with plans to continue on to Preachers Rock. Otherwise the trail was empty.
One thing to watch out for in early spring is the leaves. They cover everything and make the trail a little slippery in spots. It is like walking on loose sand at times, where the top layer slides under your foot.
Near the end I decided to take a short detour down to a small waterfall below the dam. A faint path leads down to it, and the scramble is easy and worth the few extra minutes.
All told, the Dockery Lake Trail is a little over seven miles. Moderate mostly because of the steady climbs, but technically easy. Lots of stream crossings, quiet forest, and plenty of solitude if you go on a weekday morning. If you want big overlooks, take the extra trip up to Granny Top or Preachers Rock.
If you just want a peaceful walk in the woods with the sound of water running beside you, Dockery Lake is a solid choice.
stats
Length: 7.81 mi
Avg. Pace: 25:35
Elev. Gain: 1,588 ft
Calories: 1,618
Moving Time: 3:19:52
Total Time: 3:21:39
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