Fall Beauty at Morrow Mountain

When Fall arrives you can count on finding me and Judy at Morrow Mountain. This October's visit was even more special because Amanda and Brianna were able to join us for a day of picnicking, hiking, and leaf viewing.

Every fall color was on display, though the day began with drizzle and overcast, muting the brilliance somewhat.

The maples, sassafrass, dogwoods, hickories, and poplars were the most colorful.

This is the always favorite view of Sugarloaf Mountain with a glimpse of Lake Tillery in the background.

It was nearing noon when we arrived, so we headed directly to the mountaintop for our picnic lunch. In contrast to summer visits, when this area is overflowing with families, we strolled right into the pavilion with its deck overlooking the lake. Amanda starts the ball rolling with a photo of Brianna's first visit to Morrow Mountain. And I captured that Kodak moment.

Grandma Judy would rather hold Brianna than eat lunch.

Brianna's rather fond of this carrying position: bottom down, feet up.

Following lunch, Amanda fed Brianna in the car while Judy and I took the 0.8 mile hike that follows the curve of the mountain's peak. There were several open spots that afforded nice views of the valley below.

Near the end of that trail two bridges help you to cross a deep ravine. Bridge #1.

Bridge #2.

Just before the trail ended at the parking area, we paused to examine some black walnuts on the ground. A moment later I heard Judy and a couple of other familiar voices exclaiming greetings. It was our dear Moore County friends David and Trish! What a bit of serendipity (we get more than our allotted share, you may have noticed).

This is their first time seeing Brianna. She likes them and they like her.

Grownups, please smile. Brianna, do as you please.

We don't get together nearly often enough, but at least we got to do a little catching up today!

It's no surprise that Brianna instantly takes to David. Young children can feel the love.

Bidding farewell to our friends, we next headed down the mountain for a drive-through of the campgrounds, and then on to the lakeside boatdocks (where else would they be). Once Brianna goes into her backpack carrier she knows an adventure awaits. Her face shows her anticipation.

Or was she just waiting to stick her tongue out at me behind my back?

We chose the Three Rivers Trail, which follows the lake shore for a way, then turns sharply uphill. From both high and low vantage points you can gaze at the spot where the Yadkin, Uwharrie, and Pee Dee Rivers converge to form Lake Tillery.
Beautiful water, beautiful trees.

There were a few boaters out, but no swimmers. I can imagine how cold the water already is in late October.

Brianna feels the thrill of hiking. She's made it through the whole trail and then some, talking a bit, playing with Grandpa's hair, playing with whatever she can get her hands OR mouth on. And she's proud to add,"They never did get me off to sleep!"

Yup, Brianna wins. And us three tired hikers don't dispute it. We're all ready to call it a day and head for home.

Of course North Carolina's state parks are made for her people to enjoy. But at the end of the day, when serenity finally returns to the lake, to the hills, to the trees, I suspect all nature breathes a sign of relief, "At last-- they've gone home!"