Eleven hikers hiked the B&B trail loop, which we had not done for five years.  The morning was cool and overcast, but with gradual clearing it was a beautiful day.  Starting from the Thompson trailhead, we hiked to the first viewpoint, impressed by the steep ascent and the great views to the northeast.  We then followed the open, mossy ridge down to the Big Leaf Maple tree where we climbed down into the forest.  Since our last trip, a logging road and cut block have been made which change the trip, but the continuity of the trail has been restored.  We followed the trail along the creek down to Hyacinthe Bay Rd, which is a helpful landmark for orientation.  We then retraced our path back up the B&B Trail and took a spur on the right which crosses a ravine with a creek and waterfall on a big log.  The plan was to return to the B&B Trail, but the spur trail had had maintenance work done on it since the winter reconnaissance, so we decided to follow that route up to the mossy bluff sometimes called Eileen’s Bluff.  The daffodils were blooming and nearly as helpful in finding our way as the cairns.  At the top we stopped for lunch and more views to the northeast.  Those that wanted to explored a short loop, which is under construction, around the high bluff, but the route we found involved a bit of bushwhacking.  We then retraced our route back to the log bridge and ascended the B&B Trail  to Thompson Trail and the vehicles.

This is a beautiful hike with a lot of variety: great views, mossy bluffs, lovely forests and creeks.  The route we took includes enough elevation gain for a good workout.  Thanks very much to John Marlowe for the trail maintenance work on Thompson and B&B Trail, which made our journey much easier.  (6.3 km; 4 hours;  370 m elevation gain)

Debbie

Hiking – B&B Trail Loop – 3 April 2024