Lost Bridge Trail

Today we hiked 2 1/2 hours on the 5+ mile Lost Bridge Trail. In 1960, the Army Corps of Engineers built Beaver Dam, creating 50 mile long Beaver Lake. Wednesday's hike was at Hobbs State Park on land abutting the lake, and today's trail is likewise on adjoining mountainsides the Corps administers. "Lost Bridge" refers to the highway and bridge which are now underwater, covered by the impounded water. Today's trek provided numerous views of the water, one of which is below.



The trail is mostly in decent shape, though caution is required due to the abundant roots and loose rock on the often up-and-down terrain. Dozens of fallen trees cross the trail, most of which can be easily stepped over or ducked under.



The trail routes hikers alongside a number of picturesque limestone bluff walls, past some campsites for Scouts who are backpacking, past the old Schrader farm dating back to the early 1900s, by caves/overhangs used as shelters by Native Americans, and past a pond and waterfall, currently frozen and thus attesting to the below freezing temps which have invaded this area during the past week, as seen below:



The sun came out as we entered the park, and the bright sky and 40 degree temperatures raised our spirits just as hiking the strenuous terrain warmed our bodies.