The Hike:
The Frog pond trail hike takes you through oak
woodlands to a small pond. The pond is said to have some very large
frogs living in and around its shores. Some say this hike is strenuous,
but it really is nothing compared to the Blue Ridge Trail. I think
it is a great hike with a variety of fabulous views of Cortina ridge, Glascock
mountain, and some stunning blue-oak woodlands.
The hike starts the same as the Blue Ridge Trail. You cross the low water
bridge of Rayhouse road (a.k.a. road 40), then follow the road to your right.
After you pass by the stone barn and stone house, you will see the trail on
the right side of the road. Turn right off of Rayhouse road and begin
the hike up to the pond. The trail is 5 miles long, and lassos around,
forming a nice partial loop. One of the best short hikes in the region.
If you are there on a hot day in early summer, take a dip in the frog pond. Click here to hear a recording of a vocal frog by the
pond. (Sam Bledsoe recorded this during one of our hikes. This was
actually recorded at the frog pond, so what you hear on the page, you will most
likely hear on the hike!) Distance: 3.5 miles round-trip. Total elevation gain of 660 feet. |