Tucker County Highpoint Trip Report
Weiss Knob on Cabin Mtn (4,440+ ft)
Date: August 20, 2006
Author: Don Desrosiers
Since I had my dogs with me, I was not burdened by Mr. Lobdell's economic
dilemma vis-a-vis the price of a ride on the chairlift. The downside is that I
did not check on rates and cannot tell you how much money I saved.
Either way, after a pleasant chat with the lift operator, I was on my way.
We took the trail farthest to the left to get to the top. I have skied there
several times so this seemed the most optimal combination of distance
(a variable) and elevation gain (at 820 feet, a constant). Alternately, going to
the right will get you to the dirt road/ATV trail the lift operators use to get
to the top but the route is a shade over 1-1/4 miles.
It began to mist on us about the 3700 - 3800 foot level. I just kept my head
down, kept going, and to my amazement got to the top of the lifts in a little
over 25 minutes. From there, Fred's directions were spot on and I had no
trouble getting the actual knob. Since the clouds were low and spitting,
there were no views for us.
Took the trail under the lift line back down and while it was somewhat steep,
it is the shortest route. At the bottom a woman who had seen us coming down said
that her husband bragged he could have walked down faster that we did.
I allowed as he was probably correct.
Anyone that wants to be more macho than me usually is.
On a historic note, Cabin Mountain holds the distinction of having (or having had)
four ski resorts on its slopes: Canaan, Timberline, White Grass (cross country),
and the now defunct Weiss Knob Ski Area. Much of the area of the
latter was eventually incorporated into what is now White Grass.