To the Icicle Grotto- TR

“I returned this weekend to a favorite place, Ketchum Run Gorge, and took along two friends who hadn't been there before.

Many of the falls and cascades were frozen with blue ice as we descended into the gorge over crusty snow that wasn't too tough to hike in. We picked up the Loyalsock Trail after a short buswhack. We stopped at the trail register, and the fire pit nearby was still warm from the night before. It was welcomed, but I dispersed the coals so they would become cold.

We signed the register and read the prior entry. Journal entries can be fanciful at times and the prior group claimed to be outlaws who have turned to a life dedicated to nature and left treasure at a tree nearby, we checked- no treasure.

We hiked into the deepest part of the gorge and reached Lee's Falls, which was frozen over. We decided to take a harder side trail down the creek with two stream crossings which were tough with the ice.

We reached beautiful Rode's Falls that had an incredible grotto of icicles. Very nice.

We climbed out of the gorge, passed some views, crossed paths with a 'possum, and returned to the cars.

Pics:

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569524787qjoQXw?vhost=outdoors”

“beautiful.”

“Thanks”

“Nice pictures Jmitch. Looks slippery down there with all the ice.”

“Very cool!”

“never been to that area in the winter. very awesome!”