This weekend Tina, Jim and I hiked Halfmoon Mountain. It is located in Wardensville, West Virginia. Based on reviews we found on other websites we agreed that this hike would be ideal for a first overnight trip for Jim and I. Tina is the more experienced hiker among us and she has cold weather camping experience.

We arrived about noon. The temperature was in the mid 30’s and clear. We started up the mountain and walked for about a half hour and came to a split in the trail. We took the left fork and started up the German Wilson Trail. This part of the hike was short, very steep and rocky. It had all of us saying a few choice words and taking frequent breaks. Along the way we saw large animal tracks and fresh intestines of a small animal. This had us thinking a few more choice words.

Near the top of the mountain the German Wilson Trail dead-ended at the Halfmoon Lookout Spur Trail. We turned right and headed for the summit. Just before we reached the summit we stopped at a clearing where other hikers and animals have spent the night. Based on the fresh animal activity there we decided to make camp at the summit. At the top was the foundation of an old lookout tower which provided a nice photo op.

Tina and I made a fire after getting our tent set up. We began to chow on the dinner we brought with us. For the next three hours we maintained the fire until we ran out of wood. It was about seven o’clock when the fire went out. There was nothing left to do but hit the sack. I slept fairly well. Sometime around midnight it started snowing. When we all got up about seven in the morning, the mountain was covered with beautiful white snow. It was very foggy and we could not see the other mountains. Visibility was about one half mile.

We broke camp and headed down the other side of the mountain. There were quite a few distinct animal tacks in the snow. It was obvious something was running for its life from another animal. Hiking down the backside of the mountain proved to be no easier than the way up. We had to cross a stream that cut across the trail seven times before we made it to the road!

Jim’s shoes were soaked and so were Tina’s pants. As for me, I donned windbreaker pants with elastic cuffs and a similar jacket before we started down. This kept my clothes dry from the stream and snow.

This was a great first time hike. The weather was cool enough to make it enjoyable once we got moving and the snow was a fantastic surprise which added to the wonderful outdoor experience.