Triumph Trail

This is an exhilarating hike, but you do need to be in good shape to conquer the climb. Reaching the top of the Triumph Trail is a triumph in itself, since it goes up the side of the mountain over rocky and steep terrain. A half mile up the trail, there is a connection across a bridge to the Davis Creek Trail . Instead of crossing the bridge, go north up the hill. You will find a bench where you can sit a minute and catch your breath. The next part of the trail continues east up the canyon and gives you a good view of Indian Annie Rock. She is facing east just above the first waterfall. A short distance farther is a trail spur down to the creek where you will find “Indian Cave”. White settlers have often used this small camping spot next to a little waterfall, but Native Americans most likely used it first. About a half mile up the trail, look for Chameleon Rock. It changes from a bull dog to a house cat as you pass it then to a sad-eyed koala bear as you leave it behind. About two-thirds of the way up the ridge, you will pass “Lightning Strike Tree”, a tall pine tree sporting a long vertical stripe of pitch where a lightning bolt surged to the ground. The top of this trail is halfway up the mountain where the trail joins the Old North Trail at Midway Peak.