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 Little Schloss is just one of the many beautiful circuit hikes that are possible in the Great North Mountain area. Little Stoney Creek is also a favorite with backpackers, with many camping sites along its banks. The vista from Little Schloss is spectacular. This area also experiences an explosion of Mountain Laurel in early to mid June.
From the parking area cross FDR92 and start up the purple blazed Little Sluice Mountain Trail. The trail will increase in steepness, then in 1.0 miles turn down its eastern side before heading steeply back towards the ridge. At this point, there are also several good views of Stultz Gap to the southeast. The trail will also make several switchbacks near the ridgeline.
Turn left/south to go the Little Schloss overlook. This is an unofficial trail and is not blazed. The 70ft rock scramble to the Little Schloss overlook is a very steep.
Return from the overlook and head north on the purple blazed Little Sluice Mountain Trail passing several vistas. 0.3 miles along the ridge, the trail will turn right passing the first good campsite, then enter a high mountain meadow with campsite, and stand of mature spruce.
After passing through the meadow the purple blazed trail continues, now following a wider seasonal forestry road (FR), then gradually descends before reaching the intersection of the orange blazed Bread Trail/FR in another 0.7 miles.
Stay left along the purple blazed trail/FR for 2.6 miles, where the purple blazed trail ends at the intersection of the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail, and orange blazed Racer Camp Hollow Trail that continues straight.
Turn left uphill on the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail as it passes over Sugar Knob, before arriving at the intersection of the yellow blazed Little Stoney Creek Trail in 1.0 miles.
Turn left down the yellow blazed Little Stoney Creek Trail, and in 100 yards pass the PATC Sugar Knob Cabin, and 70 yards past that a seasonal spring. The yellow blazed Little Stoney Creek Trail will continue down the valley for 2.2 miles before reaching the next campsite along the banks of the creek. Pass several more campsites in the remaining 1.3 miles to FDR92, and Little Stoney Creek parking area.
Turn left and hike the remaining 1.3 miles along FDR92 back to the Little Sluice Trail parking area. |
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