Waites Run

We extended our backpacking trip to Big Schloss by proceeding north towards Waites Run. This area was very quiet and secluded on a summer weekend. There are numerous beautiful views of the streams as well as a recently abandoned farm that you walk through.

Farm at the North End of the Peer Trail

We hiked down the Peer Trail from Sugar Knob Cabin. At the bottom of the trail is a very pleasant stream and wonderful farm with scenic pastures and abandoned buildings.

One important warning: When we walked the last 0.5 miles down the Peer Trail, each of us were inundated with ticks. I plucked at least five off of me. Another in our group counted more than ten ticks that he plucked from his legs. We hypothesized that since the farm was recently abandoned that there may be a large population of deer in the area that were replacing livestock.

Bottom of Pond Run

After you pass through the farm, you hike nearly a mile to the bottom of Pond Run. Along the road are many beautiful views of Waites Run which appears to be an excellent trout stream.

Top of Pond Run

Pond Run is a long, steep and tiring 2.5 mile trail. It crosses the stream many times, but this isn't a big deal since you can practically leap across the entire stream with one step. Towards the top of the trail, the ground becomes very soggy and there is a lot of thick brush as well as ferns. We hadn't had any significant rain recently and it was very sloppy.