Difficulty of Daniel

[bigdog_06]

Gold Mine on Topo

Here is an image of the old Gold Mine trail in Topo

You can see it in blue and recognize that we still use the part of the trail that connects dickey bell to rocky mount and that it terminates at the parking lot by the bottom of Daniel.

I've also marked in blue a road labeled 6601 that intersects with daniel.

In this image my Daniel trail terminates at the top of the scenic peak.

 

[Rox&Mud]

Yes, its public land, and EVERYONE is welcome, but I don't think its asking to much to let daniel develop into a more difficult trail that actually requires some lift/clearance/mods, regardless of how skilled of a driver you are, if your stock, you aren't managing this trail or "obstacle", we aren't saying "Hey, You, guy with the stock jeep/yota/etc... get outta here your not welcome" Its saying, Hey, when you get some mods done to your rig, this trails here waiting for you, until then maybe ride with a friend and get a feel for it or enjoy some of the other trails that you are more than capable to handle.

@ Rox, you say its not anyones fault they overbuilt the rigs, its nobodys fault that others underbuilt there rigs either. Just trying to create a place fun for everyone, wouldn't you have alot more fun at URE if you could bring your Wrangler once in a while and actually have fun with it?

Why should stockers be able to do every trail at URE?
Not wanting to start some stupid argument, but I am wanting to express my opinion, and Im glad others seem to share it.

My Point has been slightly misunderstood. Daniel is listed as "extremely difficult" but it is not. It either needs to be downgraded or left to mature into a "extremely difficult" trail.

If I want to get the Wrangler out, I take it somewhere more challenging. It is a purpose built rig. It trail rides great but it is made for rocks. It went to Tellico many times as well as Rausch Creek, Crozet, etc. Tellico is an example of how much fun public land could be and how easy it is to see it disappear. I'll enjoy my ZJ, or my Wrangler, at URE always knowing what to expect there. I can't expect big challenges there but it seems to be the place I break my Wrangler the most. Makes you wonder, if it's so easy...

 

[Granny]

For what it's worth... looking back at some old versions of our "Uwharrie Map", sometime around 1997-98 was when we added the "Extremely Difficult" to Daniel at the request of some of the FS personnel. I believe the "Extremely Difficult" sign may have been put in place around that time too. The reasoning was that while they (the FS) knew the trails were not anything like Tellico in difficulty, there were uninformed/inexperienced people attempting Daniel, especially when wet, that were at times getting in some serious trouble. There should be a few others that also remember this. Maybe, T.H.D.G. or radioman (if he still reads this), or possibly even the Arrowhead Host????

 

[ghost]

Here is an image of the old Gold Mine trail in Topo

You can see it in blue and recognize that we still use the part of the trail that connects dickey bell to rocky mount and that it terminates at the parking lot by the bottom of Daniel.
I've also marked in blue a road labeled 6601 that intersects with daniel.
In this image my Daniel trail terminates at the top of the scenic peak.

From your topo gold mine runs mostly in a valley. The only steep climb is out of the parking lot. Is that step climb the entrance to Daniel now? Your map is really helpful to try and understand the issue with Gold Mine. However the only water on it is the river/creek across the road from the Daniel parking area. If it were to turn into Daniel instead of going straight to the parking lot would that solve the Hydro issues? Or are they in the valley that the trail follows?

 

[drkelly]

From your topo gold mine runs mostly in a valley. The only steep climb is out of the parking lot. Is that step climb the entrance to Daniel now?

No, not from what I remember. IIRC Gold Mine use to leave from the left rear corner of the Daniel parking lot as you are standing at the entrance. That is how I remember it anyway.

 

[Spence]

Was there ever a trail connected at the point of the hard left switchback after the ledges going up daniel? It always looks like an old trail going out that way to me.

 

[DRaider90]

Was there ever a trail connected at the point of the hard left switchback after the ledges going up daniel? It always looks like an old trail going out that way to me.

This was brought up back in May during the trail inventory that Terry and I did. She said it was an old Forest Service Road, and it was on the list of stuff to block off access to.

 

[DRaider90]

For what it's worth... looking back at some old versions of our "Uwharrie Map", sometime around 1997-98 was when we added the "Extremely Difficult" to Daniel at the request of some of the FS personnel. I believe the "Extremely Difficult" sign may have been put in place around that time too. The reasoning was that while they (the FS) knew the trails were not anything like Tellico in difficulty, there were uninformed/inexperienced people attempting Daniel, especially when wet, that were at times getting in some serious trouble. There should be a few others that also remember this. Maybe, T.H.D.G. or radioman (if he still reads this), or possibly even the Arrowhead Host????

I am sure Janet remembers about Daniel, many discussion I have had with her have been about Daniel but haven't gone back that far.

 

[Granny]

I am sure Janet remembers about Daniel, many discussion I have had with her have been about Daniel but haven't gone back that far.

Eli, you get in touch with the fellow I told you to talk to and you will get all this info, and I will bet it will be the correct version. That person was also instrumental in getting Daniel opened in the first place. Daniel was here before Janet came on the scene. I was hoping some of the "Old Folks" would chime in, but maybe they haven't seen this yet.

 

[drkelly]

Eli, you get in touch with the fellow I told you to talk to and you will get all this info, and I will bet it will be the correct version. That person was also instrumental in getting Daniel opened in the first place. Daniel was here before Janet came on the scene. I was hoping some of the "Old Folks" would chime in, but maybe they haven't seen this yet.

How old is the Daniel trail? I remember riding it back in 1990 on my dirtbike, and it was for motorcycles only at that time. There were two steel posts about 2 feet apart at the entrance off the parking lot at the bottom to keep ATV's(3 and 4 wheelers) out.

 

[McCracken]

I would like to see more trails at URE with difficult obstacles... I know of many people that don't or won't go there due to lack of obstacles including myself.

exactly

Bypasses aren't the answer for tough trails. If its rated black and you have a stock vehicle, don't go there. Bypasses often become harder than the actual trail quite quickly due to not knowing whats under the top layer. My .02

agree 100%

 

[bigdog_06]

From your topo gold mine runs mostly in a valley. The only steep climb is out of the parking lot. Is that step climb the entrance to Daniel now? Your map is really helpful to try and understand the issue with Gold Mine. However the only water on it is the river/creek across the road from the Daniel parking area. If it were to turn into Daniel instead of going straight to the parking lot would that solve the Hydro issues? Or are they in the valley that the trail follows?

I assume that the hydro issues are related to the gold mine branch which you can see vering to the south of the gold mine trail along that hill climb area. My guess is that water sheds off each of the surrounding peaks and then collects in the draw which ultimatley becomes the gold mine branch and feeds into the Uhwarrie River

 

[ghost]

I assume that the hydro issues are related to the gold mine branch which you can see vering to the south of the gold mine trail along that hill climb area. My guess is that water sheds off each of the surrounding peaks and then collects in the draw which ultimatley becomes the gold mine branch and feeds into the Uhwarrie River

Oh I see that now. Where it says Gold Mine Br. is a brook or branch of water? I like that topo with the colored trails. Where do I get one?

 

[Granny]

How old is the Daniel trail? I remember riding it back in 1990 on my dirtbike, and it was for motorcycles only at that time. There were two steel posts about 2 feet apart at the entrance off the parking lot at the bottom to keep ATV's(3 and 4 wheelers) out.

You may be correct... I joined CTB in the spring of 1996. The annual Fun Caravan was held in September of that year, and we rode Daniel. I believe it was just opened shortly before that, but I do not remember the details. However, I do remember that the person I told Eli to contact was instrumental in getting that trail opened as it is now, and I feel certain that person would not object to my mentioning his name, but at this time I will respectfully decline to do so.

 

[bigdog_06]

Oh I see that now. Where it says Gold Mine Br. is a brook or branch of water? I like that topo with the colored trails. Where do I get one?

yes, that is correct. The topo is topo explorer from nat. geo. The red trails are tracks that i imported from my garmin gps, the blue I hand drew. This is a nice combo that I am just starting to play with but the results are very promising.

 

[ghost]

yes, that is correct. The topo is topo explorer from nat. geo. The red trails are tracks that i imported from my garmin gps, the blue I hand drew. This is a nice combo that I am just starting to play with but the results are very promising.

What model of Gramin? Sorry to hijack but this is what I have been looking for to get and start mapping the areas I wheel.

 

[bigdog_06]

Its actually an old garmin quest, but there are much better options on the market today.

 

[Rox&Mud]

The reasoning was that while they (the FS) knew the trails were not anything like Tellico in difficulty, there were uninformed/inexperienced people attempting Daniel, especially when wet, that were at times getting in some serious trouble.

Truth be told, any trail at URE can be an extremely difficult trail when wet. I understand your point and possibly why it was listed as such but it is dry more than it is wet and should be labeled accordingly with possible an additional warning at the trail head regarding wet conditions. I have no issue with Daniel or any trail naturally maturing as long as it doesn't negatively impact the surrounding environment.

Bypasses need to be in place around difficult obstacles that impede vehicles from traversing the trail for several reasons:
1-Allow FS vehicles to pass through the trail w/out having to "conquer obstacles".
2-Allow quick passage during medical emergency
3-Provide broken vehicles a safe/easy way to get out.
4-Creates provisions for smaller rigs to accompany the group their with up any given trail.

 

[cgm147]

Truth be told, any trail at URE can be an extremely difficult trail when wet. I understand your point and possibly why it was listed as such but it is dry more than it is wet and should be labeled accordingly with possible an additional warning at the trail head regarding wet conditions. I have no issue with Daniel or any trail naturally maturing as long as it doesn't negatively impact the surrounding environment.
Bypasses need to be in place around difficult obstacles that impede vehicles from traversing the trail for several reasons:
1-Allow FS vehicles to pass through the trail w/out having to "conquer obstacles".
2-Allow quick passage during medical emergency
3-Provide broken vehicles a safe/easy way to get out.
4-Creates provisions for smaller rigs to accompany the group their with up any given trail.

X2 ^^^^^

 

[Igrok]

Truth be told, any trail at URE can be an extremely difficult trail when wet. I understand your point and possibly why it was listed as such but it is dry more than it is wet and should be labeled accordingly with possible an additional warning at the trail head regarding wet conditions. I have no issue with Daniel or any trail naturally maturing as long as it doesn't negatively impact the surrounding environment.
Bypasses need to be in place around difficult obstacles that impede vehicles from traversing the trail for several reasons:
1-Allow FS vehicles to pass through the trail w/out having to "conquer obstacles".
2-Allow quick passage during medical emergency
3-Provide broken vehicles a safe/easy way to get out.
4-Creates provisions for smaller rigs to accompany the group their with up any given trail.

I disagree, I remember my first trips to URE in my (then) stock TJ and enjoying the anticipation of building my rig in order to tackle Daniel. We live in a "must have now" society where mediocrity is king. I say on that...

 

[Rox&Mud]

I disagree, I remember my first trips to URE in my (then) stock TJ and enjoying the anticipation of building my rig in order to tackle Daniel. We live in a "must have now" society where mediocrity is king. I say on that...

Disagree with what exactly, there were several points in that post?
To your point:
I could just as easily tell you that I've been running Daniel for a decade starting in a stock rig, and I still have friends with stock rigs that can make it. A lot of things can be accomplished with someone who knows how to wheel what they have. I think you need to re-read my posts. I'm all for trails being left to mature in difficulty as long as it occurs in an environmentally neutral way. I don't want what happened to Tellico to happen at URE.

 

[Hitchhiker]

The trails at URE are too easy this year, Daniel is still probably the most challenging over all but thats not saying much.

Back when I had a stock Jeep I was happy that there was room to grow into harder trails if you could do every trail easily in a stock jeep that would just be boring after awhile.

I do Daniel on 31s. The worst part is that damn tree on the switchbacks that threatens to eat the top of my Cherokee

 

[BigFish]

The trails at URE are too easy this year, Daniel is still probably the most challenging over all but thats not saying much.

Back when I had a stock Jeep I was happy that there was room to grow into harder trails if you could do every trail easily in a stock jeep that would just be boring after awhile.

I do Daniel on 31s. The worst part is that damn tree on the switchbacks that threatens to eat the top of my Cherokee

exactly, I'm more worried about tearing up the hard top on my fj on that 1 tree than I am the actual trail itself. That thing gets me everytime I wheel w/ the top on.

 

[MarlinVX]

I got into wheeling about year and a half ago. I came up to Uwharrie in a 2" lifted Vehicross, LSD rear, 32" tires. I had never done anything like this before. This run was to prepare me for Moab two weeks later. I had a blast. I was told that my VX would never make it up Daniel, so I didn't even try. A few months later, and a few more trail miles under my belt, I ran Daniel with no problems.
I have since built up the truck, 34s, front locker, new suspension, and for the July workday, me and a friend did diamonds and trash on Daniel in less than 1.5 hours. Didn't even need a spotter. I even let my wife drive the ruts and the first ledge, and I left her to her own devices at the peril of my truck. I agree that Daniel should be left to its own, the guard rail was gone, somewhere down in the ravine. Those safety features should be maintained, but no more dozing!!! If a daily driver can make it without a spotter, it does not deserve the title of "extremely difficult".
I love the idea of a rock garden near a parking lot, and frame twister type obstacle would be nice as well, maybe use the mud pit or toilet bowl area. I wish I lived closer so I could help more
No matter what, with guys like Eli taking the lead and constant dedication, I hope URE can stay open and be a gateway for people to start in the world of crawling. I know it will always have a special place in my heart, even if the park is too easy. Just think, it could be worse, it could be like Beasley Knob, GA. That place really is just dirt paths with berms in it.

 

[Reid]

Just so you guys know....those of us that went to the Forestry Service meeting at the zoo were told that the Big Branch trail and Goldmine trails were in the running for being re opened.

Also, were were informed that UNF has a history of well planned and well maintained trail systems and that through their audit, they didnt find anything the EPA or anyone else could possibly complain about.

Infact, this audit is why Big Branch is being re opened...the bald eagle that made its home there seems to have relocated, so the area is no longer an endagered species habitat.