Skullcap Trail

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The blue-blazed Skullcap Trail can be taken in its entirety and can be accessed from the Pandapas Pond Day Use Area via the Poverty Creek Trail or connecting other smaller trails (Queen Anne Trail, Prickly Pear Trail, or Trillium Trail all have junctions with Skullcap) or from Forest Service Road 708 (labeled 2600 at its intersection with Highway 460). If you drive in via FS Rd 708 (2600), the white-blazed Prickly Pear Trail is the first trailhead on the right, the yellow-blazed Queen Anne Trail will be the second and third trailheads you see on the right (west) side of the road, and Skullcap is the fourth trailhead on the right (north) side of the road.

Starting from the eastern junction with Queen Anne Trail, there is a steady low-grade uphill to the junction with Prickly Pear Trail on your right. Stay to the left and within 100 yards you'll cross a small rock bridge and start up the steep uphill. This is the hardest part of the trail, stick with it! The trail comparatively levels off and rolls along, with occasional short rock gardens. Eventually, you'll meet the Trillium Trail on your right. Continue to the left and enjoy the steady and fast downhill to the southern trailhead/junction with FS Road 708 (2600). From here, in either direction along the road are occasional social trails on the downhill side which join with the orange-blazed Poverty Creek Trail. Please do not take the steep, erosive trail right across from the Skullcap trailhead.

This is a shared trail with mountain bikers and horses. Keep a heads up for mountain bikers speeding down the hills. When encountering a horse, it is proper etiquette to step off the trail to the downhill side and stop until the horse has passed. Also, be sure to wear bright colors during hunting season (October 1st through the first week of January). And be friendly; say "hi" to other folks out enjoying the forest!

And check out the Poverty Creek Trail Coalition on Facebook to see about opportunities to give back and do some trail service!