Osborn Road to Stubblefield Campground
9 Miles
March 10, 2019
Woke up late again and once again had a late start, can you tell we are not morning people?
Made it to the trail entrance about
Shortly after though you arrive in a swamp, which reminds me of a tropical rainforest more than anything.
This is where the mud on today’s journey begins. Not only mud but calf deep water for you to wade through. This is pretty much the theme until you hit Trailhead #6.
There are plenty of water sources within this section and camping in a couple of spots (listed below).
We stopped at Trailhead #6 for a quick lunch with Jerry who officially became a trail angel today.
After
During this section of the hike, you will hike alongside the Lake and most of the trail once you get to the lake and up until the campground is all mud.
There are primitive campsites a couple of miles before you get to the established Stubblefield Campground if you wish to stay there.
The trail runs right through the Stubblefield campground and continues across a bridge, however, the bridge was damaged and closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic a while back, so you will have to find a way around that section.
Jerry picked us up within the Stubblefield Campground (which is also where our basecamp was for the weekend) in order to drive us around the lake to the other side where there is an overflow campground directly across from where the trail reenters the woods. That is where we would end our day.
Side note: When attempting the drive around the lake, do not go to I45 and then down Possum Walk Rd as the underpass is closed requiring you to drive all the way up to Huntsville before being able to turn around and head back down. Instead, take the forest service roads to get to Possum Walk Rd.
Trail Conditions: Muddy, ankle deep, lots of water and mud. Did I mention mud?
Water Sources: Plenty of water sources all through this section. The established campground at the end (mile 20) has potable water.
Camp Sites: Hunter camp off of FS271 (this will be when you exit the woods and walk on a Forest Road towards THv#6) around mile 14.5; Mile 16.5 when you come to the lake offers some areas as well as the walk in campsites around mile 17 & 18 I believe. At mile 20 is the established Stubblefield Campground.
Hi! I’ve read some of your very comprehensive trip report about the LSHT trip you did with your teenage son. I am planning to cover as much as possible of the LSHT over Memorial Day weekend – also with my teenage son – hoping it won’t be as muddy… We’re training for a bigger hike this summer. My main question is about the bridge – was it actually impassable? Also, do you have a recommendation for shuttling – planning to leave the car at TH1. Not sure how far we will get by the end – and unsure about cellphone reception… Thanks!!
Hi Peter!
When we were out there it was still passable, but you risk a steep fine if you are caught crossing it. About a week after we finished someone posted pictures showing that they have started working/demolishing that bridge, but not sure how far they have gotten with that. I would count on needing to be shuttled around it. I believe there is an Uber driver that will come shuttle, but not 100% on that. I know some were hoping to find boaters and asking them if they would shuttle them across. To get a ride back to your car, I think there is one uber driver in the area, but again not 100% sure on that. I learned during our hike that this trail is not really supported by the communities surrounding it. Not sure if there has been a bad rap in the past or what. It has great potential to be a great trail if there were just more community support.
I came through this area on March 15 and 16. You are right! There is mud almost everywhere and wading through swamp. Signs of feral hogs were frequent and between TH6 parking lot and Stubblefield Campground there must have been many hogs because I could smell them.
The mud drove me absolutely crazy!