Our route descended on the Slacks and Torrey Ridge Trails, around the body of water on the Lakeside Trail, then ascended back up the White Rock Gap Trail and back to the parking lot via the Slacks Trail. We started early at 8 am which helped avoid the crowds at the state park and also took advantage of cooler temps. Lunch was enjoyed lakeside in the shade with chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Some folks swam, some waded in the water, and others just rested under the trees. Three of the hikers had never been to Sherando Lake, so the walk up through the park gave them a chance to see the main lake, campground, upper lake, and surroundings. We stopped to identify wildflowers, mushrooms, and fungus. We saw other hikers, mountain bikers, but most interesting of all....a CAT hiking on a leash! The group made it back to their vehicles by 1:40 pm, satisfactorily tired by the miles and 1700 feet of elevation gain. 😎😍
