Explorer Loop Trail Map

Route map of the Explorer Loop Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app and depicted a la Google Earth...

Explorer Loop Trail Map

Route map of the Explorer Loop Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app...

Explorer Loop/Pine Tree Connector Trail Junction -- 2,230'

The junction with the Pine Tree Connector Trail marks the eastern extremity of the Explorer Loop which circles the southwestern portion of the Bent Creek Forest. Though you can go either direction from here, the album will follow the loop clockwise and will return to this spot in about 3 miles...

Explorer Loop Trail -- 2,250'

Starting out clockwise along the Explorer Loop, from its junction with the Pine Tree Connector...

Explorer Loop Trail -- 2,270'

Within a short time reaches its crossing of Beaten Branch...

Explorer Loop Trail -- 2,320'

Heading into the pines...

Explorer Loop/Sleepy Gap Trail Junction -- 2,370'

Four-tenths of mile up from the Pine Tree Connector, the Explorer Loop passes its junction with the Sleepy Gap Trail, which arrives down the ridge from the left...

Explorer Loop Trail -- 2,390'

There isn't much to see along this loop, mind you, but there is a sense of solitude here that is rare in the otherwise busy Bent Creek area...

Explorer Loop Trail -- 2,400'

Curving up through one of the numerous ravines passed along the south side of the loop...

Explorer Loop Trail -- 2,410'

Winding along the side of the ridge...

Explorer Loop Trail -- 2,400'

More pines...simply wonderful...

Explorer Loop/Explorer Loop Connector Trail Upper Junction -- 2,390'

Here the main loop passes its junction with the Explorer Loop Connector Trail (behind out of frame), which offers the opportunity to cut the Explorer Loop from three miles down to two. The Explorer Loop itself switches back (as seen here) to climb briefly...