Big Fat Branch and Slickrock Creek Trail

This hike begins at the Big Fat Gap parking area at the end of FR62 with a second vehicle parked at the lower trailhead close to the dam on Calderwood Lake. The hike begins on the Big Fat Gap trail. Close to the creek the hike makes the first of what is more than a dozen crossings of the creek. At an intersection the hike shifts to the Slickrock Creek Trail for the downstream run to the Lower Falls trailhead. The creek is well signed in the respect that each time the trail appears to end, there is a sign on the other side of the creek, indicating a crossing. The creek has numerous cascades but the first major waterfall is Wildcat Falls about 2.5 miles in. After wildcat it is 4 miles of mostly easy hiking along the creek with deeper and deeper crossings. After passing Lower Falls, 6.5 miles in, the hike gets dicey, with a 1.4 mile stretch as the trail begins following Calderwood Lake on a high narrow ledge. This section is not in good shape. Be very mindful of your footing along this section.