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On the trail to Lower Forge |
Saturday was clear - going up to the high-60s, with a forecast low in the mid to low-40s. With that kind of weather I figured that there would be more than a few campers out, trying to take advantage of the moderate temperature - but I had no idea. I got to the park office in Atsion just a little after 2:00, and planned to take a short hike down to the Mullica River campsite. There were quite a number of cars in the office parking area in addition to the typical horse trailers from the usual equestrians. When I asked the ranger for a permit for Mullica River, he asked if I had a reservation (in mid-October?). I asked how many backpackers he had listed for the night, and he indicated that the Boy Scouts were out - about 75 of them. I could camp in the middle of my neighborhood and see less people. So, I switched plans on the spot and asked about the Lower Forge campsite...only 7 campers - much better.

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Clear-cut pines - I wonder why |


Anyway, after breakfast and breaking camp, the trek back to Atsion was peaceful and beautiful - very quiet. I did not come across anyone until I was passed by a couple of dirt-bike riders about a mile from the office parking lot. From here on out in the Fall and Winter there should be fewer and fewer people out here - the Atsion office closes up for the season after next weekend, then the park should settle down for just us diehards.
Thanks for your post! I'm going tomorrow, good to know about the scarce wood!
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