Located about 13 miles around the scenic loop, Pine Creek is totally unexpected. An easy hike for at least a mile (retrace steps to get back). In no time you're in a Ponderosa Pine forest with a creek paralleling your path. Fit hikers can choose either the South Fork or Fern Creek past the one mile fork in the trail. You can rock scramble or, if you're lucky, continue on up either canyon on unmarked trails. Fern Creek Canyon is complete with ferns, flowing creek and waterfalls- if you're persistent.
Pros: Unexpected beauty, free, good fitness outing
Cons: small parking lot, hot in summer months, up-and-back trail
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