At the split, Lookout Trail was closed so we had to stay on Pioneer Camp Trail.
There were a lot of mushrooms along the forest floor. One downed log was completely covered in puffballs.
Soon we came to the observation deck. A spur led to Lookout Trail but it was closed. An old pond was here from when this area was a camp but it looked like the dam was failing.
Continuing on the trail, we saw many more mushrooms.
I spotted a little snake on the trail. At first, I thought he was dead because his head and neck were flattened, but this was a hog-nose snake. He stuck out his tongue, so I knew he was alive.
Near the end of the loop, there was a picnic area at the ruins of the camp dining hall.
After finishing the hike, we headed to the Pine Hill Trailhead just up the road and hiked Northern Approach Trail.
Near the top, we could see the observation tower was about half constructed. I think it will have real nice views when complete. Completing the loop, we stopped at the pollinator meadow near the parking area.
There were a lot of bees, some were really big.
The cosmos were really pretty in this area.
After our hike, we headed to Saxapahaw for lunch at the Eddy. Amaroq was very well behaved for his first time at a restaurant.
