HAPPY TRAILS: Felton Thomas Trail

This fun forest trail winds up and down, over rocks and under branches, and ends at a waterfall that is at its peak in late spring. It is a moderate hike that can be combined with a nice meal in nearby Green Mountain Falls.

To get there

Take U.S. Highway 24 to the Ute Pass Avenue exit for Green Mountain Falls. Park in town; there's usually space by the lake.

The hike

From downtown Green Mountain Falls, walk west up Hondo Avenue to Catamount Creek Falls at the end of the road.

From the gate at the top of the street, it is an easy walk to the falls on a gravel road. Stop here if you are with hikers who are unsteady on their feet. Much of the trail above is strewn with rocks, and there are areas of crumbly granite near fairly steep dropoffs.

At the side of the falls you will see signs for the Catamount Trail. After a short but steep climb up rocks and tree roots alongside the falls, you come to a junction with yellow painted dots marking the Felton Thomas Trail and blue dots for the Catamount Trail. Follow the yellow dots to your left. Immediately cross the falls on flat granite boulders.

If you are ever in doubt about the trail, look for the yellow metal dots posted about 8-10 feet up on trail-side trees.

The trail contours east across the hillside between Mount Rebecca and Mount Esther. After about 0.75 miles you will come to a junction.

Take the left trail down to Mountain Avenue to get back to town. Walk down Mountain Avenue to Foster Avenue and follow Foster to downtown.

This tiny village has a number of good restaurants at different prices that are perfect for a post-hike meal.

Rating

A scale of one to four boots. One is more gentle, with little elevation gain at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme distance or altitude.

RATING

• 2 boots, for terrain
• About 2 miles
• About 700-foot elevation gain