The year prior in 2021 had heard of the high point of Lookout Mountain and had considered it for future ride attempt.
That year had to much on the go to seek this spot out and both times in that area had stuff was doing and was tired. So put it off for time wasn't tired as that was the better option. And 2022 things worked out to be able to get in this adventure and goal.
After the aid station was done headed for the trail head. Because of where had been located on a dirt road the better and shorter route was slightly north and around via other side roads a wee bit north. To do this required a trip north via a no winter and minimal maintenance road which went well as drove carefully and took my time. Once reconnected to paved sideroads headed for County Road 45.
Arriving at the Woodland Trail head parking lot first thing is the parking lot is huge. Wow, so used to small maybe 10-15 vehicle lots. Parked and loaded up to begin to ride to the Lookout Mountain Summit lookout. Keep in mind the Northumberland Forest has lots of sand and the Woodland section of the trails seem to have a ATV flavour. Wide fire trail and wide trails full of sandy soil will make this a bit more work.
True to what expected some of the ride into the junction where would turn left and head up Lookout Mountain Trail where dry and sandy. At least one intersection was filled with fine powdery sand and best route through was the very edge of the fire trail. And at the intersection turned left and began the gradual sandy climb up to Lookout Mtn summit.
After some easy gear spinning up the sandy soil switchbacks with the ATV bermed corners.
Arrived at the top of the climb where it flattens out but is still under the tree cover. Well when I say tree cover it means literally just trees as there was no leaves yet.
Rode maybe 40 meters of that flat section and was at the lookout with the view out across the valley. Another one in the bag. Now it should be noted that apparently another high point or two is off the trail nearby but since there is no official trail I believe that it would be inappropriate in this area to bush bash carrying a bike as it could be seen in as bad. But more importantly it could be seen by an ATV rider who could see that as justification to tear up that way with his non meat engine ride.
So in that light considered the lookout as the high point and photos of course taken. And summit beverage of a Pepsi as well. Then it was time to descend and head back to the Dirtbag Ute.
Was an easy descent and ride back to the Woodland Trailhead parking lot. And while it was a sandy ride up and down Lookout Mountain it was nothing to difficult. Just have to make sure you have your map, water, and tools with you as one should always have on them. After a bit was back at the parking lot at Woodland Trailhead and the Dirtbag Ute with the high point bagged. And done something that gives a mark of achievement while managing my mental injuries like PTSI in what for me is a safe place that being trails and woods.
Loaded up the Ute and with a new adventure completed headed back down Highway 45 to Baltimore to drop of aid station supplies and get some food to celebrate Lookout Mountain added to the list.
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