Excelsior Mine

The trail starts near the campgrounds at Meadow Lake and descends past the dam into the trees. At a road split, a sign on a tree directs you to turn right. The trail continues over 2-foot rocks before hugging the edge of a pond and navigating through tight trees. Remnants of the “Old Miners Cabin” that fell in the late 90s are visible on the edge of Catfish Pond. Eventually, the trail merges with the Fordyce Trail just above the top of Winch Hill 5. This route is a fun, scenic alternative to using the Fordyce Trail to reach the top of Winch Hill 5. It’s more difficult than the upper section of the Fordyce Trail above the winch hills, making it an exciting option for adventurous drivers.