A Short Walk That is No Stroll in the Park

By Moby Salahuddin

If you are of the same mind as the wit who famously remarked “whenever I feel like exercising, I lie down until the feeling passes,” read no further because the walk I am about to describe is no saunter. Although only three miles roundtrip from my house on Catawba Drive, this route includes several steep sections which will engage your attention both as you go up and on the way down.

From Catawba Drive, head west to the intersection with Hunnicut Mountain and turn right. Walk uphill to the first intersection (Indian Trail–no sign) and turn right again up a steep incline that levels out after a hundred yards or so. You are now walking parallel to Catawba Drive on a rough gravel road. Already you would have felt the charm, the sense of isolation one feels in a heavily forested area, and on a lucky day you would have seen deer or turkeys and even the occasional bear. The birds are certainly cheerful early in the morning. 

Although a previous builder still has a storage unit on this road, it has been a long while since I last saw any crew here. This section of our quiet route is not only a pleasant walk but also an ideal one to break into jogging because of its brief length, gentle undulations, and the soft ground under your feet. The bliss does not last long. 

Once you get to the end of the road and veer left, the climb begins in earnest. After about half a mile, the road veers left toward the water tower — another steep hundred yards brings you to a forest clearing on your left where you will head — while the water tower climb continues on your right.

You will head into the forest instead of continuing up the hill toward the water tower. The steep inclines continue in the woods for the next mile or so. The trail here was deeply rutted even before Helene and now one encounters a devastated path. The giant trees on the ground farther up impart a wild, remote, and oddly scenic look to a beautiful section so close to home and yet so far away. 

I always find challenging the first section of this trail with its switchbacks and slow ascent and have to pause a few times to catch my breath. But soon one is past the worst of it as the trail veers towards a scenic opening on your left from where you can see Table Rock. 

The last section of the trail also makes for an easy jog because of the flat terrain and the soft under footing. The path continues for another 300 yards or so before it ends abruptly. Turn around. (If you were to walk down the steep section on your left, you would end up on Hunnicut Mountain in about ¼ mile or so). 

Retrace your steps. You will be aware of the bounce in your gait from having accomplished your goal and from the knowledge it is all downhill now. Be careful in wet conditions as parts of the descent are treacherously slippery. I have taken a few gentle falls even when walking with poles. Emerge from the forest and veer right on the gravel road which shortly connects with Indian Trail on your right where you will turn. This path will take you back to Hunnicut. A left there will bring you back to the intersection with Catawba Drive.

For dedicated hikers, the route described here is likely to be ho-hum – not long enough, not scenic enough. For sedentary folks, the route will likely be discouragingly steep. But it is a gem for people walking the dog or looking to explore the neighborhood or embarking on a fitness routine.  So much adventure, such a challenge – right at our doorstep.

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