Cecil Cove Loop Trail

Thinking about taking my 14 year old son this fall. Has anyone explored the caves and has advice or tips? Ernst book says to get water at 2.2 miles but there are several other stream crossings mentioned. Anyone know why he gives this advice? Was hoping to spend the night about 1/2 way near water and spend time exploring the caves. Many of the popular trails have areas where backpackers have left "campsites" (frowned upon but I personally like to use and like to see along the trail). Are there any good spots along the way that anyone could recommend?

This is my first post. Why does it say "Hicker" under my email address? Is that supposed to say Hiker?

All caves are closed to visitation right now due to White Nose Syndrome in bats. There is plenty to see on this trail without seeing the caves. There are four creek crossings plus the first spring crossing. Ernst might be saying that 2.2 miles is the last creek crossing as you begin to head uphill at about that point. No more water until you pass some springs on the upper loop. May not be running due to dry summer. There is a great campsite just upstream of the trail intersection where the foundation stones are from the old church. Take the trail upstream from there and you'll see it in less than 1/4 mile right on the creek bank. There has always been water there in bedrock pools, even in summer. Lot's to see in this area! Have fun.

Thank you so much!

I took my boys on their first pack trip on this trail, almost 20 years ago. Roughest trail I've been on- not because of the terrain, but there were long blow-downs covering a lot of the trail. Climbing through and around all those tree tops was murder! It was a fun over-night trip, though, even though a new sleeping bag was lost while coming out!