It's always good to do this watery walk in the springtime, though this year the flow of things wasn't what it has been some springs, when there were temporary flows to rock-hop, huge noise at Apple Orchard Falls, and taking off your shoes for one crossing of Cornelius Creek.
On this day, things were wet and flowing, but not with the usual boisterousness of the season.
At Black Rocks, after I sort of pushed us to the far, crevassy, slopey side for the view to the south, The Day Hiker got me back big-time as we watched in sort of slow-mo, at two different points-- getting ready to eat and getting up to leave--as both water bottles came out of backpack outside pockets and rattled their way deep deep into the rocks, never to be seen again.
The other thing we were without on this day was a camera, as somebody had let both batteries run down.
Still and as always, one of our favorite hikes, and maybe easier on this day than it's ever been.
Apple Orchard Trail to Appalachian Trail south to Black Rocks overlook, AT south to Cornelius Creek Trail loop. 8.8. miles.
How to get there: Exit 168 from I-81 through Arcadia to FR 59 to the parking area.