OMG, I'm the one that set those orange flags!!! Few things for the people who are going to brave this trail next. As of July 24th, 2024, the flags are Lime Green. When taking the Bench Trail from the Compton Trailhead go until you hit a clearing with a massive flat oval boulder to your right. This is what the Boy Scouts who do this trail call turtle rock. From there, you go up the mountain (Roughly North) and there are a few switchbacks until you get to this massive rock wall. (First one in the video 5:04) Then the path follows the bluff line to the left (Roughly West). If you are comfortable, there is a spot to scramble up or you can continue west along the bluff line. You will cross under or in front of a waterfall (This is the headwaters to Cecil Falls) and enter a canyon area. This is called the Gates to Terabithia by the Boy Scouts. Go through the canyon. Eventually, at the end of the Canyon, there is a set of rock stairs we call the Starway to Heaven. Take those and you will be on the top of the bluff. Follow the Bluffline easterly and you will get to the lookout. Be safe, enjoy what the land has given us and finally, this trail is maintained by the Boy Scouts of America Natural State Council. So if you are able donate money in the name of trail maintenance to them!
OMG, I'm the one that set those orange flags!!! Few things for the people who are going to brave this trail next.
As of July 24th, 2024, the flags are Lime Green.
When taking the Bench Trail from the Compton Trailhead go until you hit a clearing with a massive flat oval boulder to your right. This is what the Boy Scouts who do this trail call turtle rock.
From there, you go up the mountain (Roughly North) and there are a few switchbacks until you get to this massive rock wall. (First one in the video 5:04)
Then the path follows the bluff line to the left (Roughly West). If you are comfortable, there is a spot to scramble up or you can continue west along the bluff line.
You will cross under or in front of a waterfall (This is the headwaters to Cecil Falls) and enter a canyon area. This is called the Gates to Terabithia by the Boy Scouts. Go through the canyon.
Eventually, at the end of the Canyon, there is a set of rock stairs we call the Starway to Heaven. Take those and you will be on the top of the bluff.
Follow the Bluffline easterly and you will get to the lookout.
Be safe, enjoy what the land has given us and finally, this trail is maintained by the Boy Scouts of America Natural State Council. So if you are able donate money in the name of trail maintenance to them!