It had been two years since the last time I hiked Horton Creek. The last time I was here it was fall and the forest was filled with beautiful red and orange colored leaves. I decided to see Horton Creek when it was green in the late spring season.

Everyone is ready to hike [photo by Carol]

The weather was nice, with low 50s in the morning and highs of mid 70s in the afternoon. Perfect weather to hike. Everyone came on time, except two new hikers, so I had everyone start while Tom and I waited for another 15 minutes before the two of us went on to catch the rest of the group.

The forest was so green since it was spring and the bushes were in their growing season, though there was not as many flowers as I expected. Our group contained all strong hikers so they went fast, it took Tom and me about two miles of fast-paced hiking before catching up with the rest of the group. I was surprised what the 15 minutes difference made.

Derrick Trail started with a gradual climb, but it was all uphill. After two miles ascending, we reached to the intersection with the Highland Trail, the group took a short break for hydration and snacks break while waiting for the rest of group to catch up.

Carol spotted some very strange and interesting plants and snapped a picture. This was the perennial parasitic plant called the bear corn. It grew on oak or beech trees, stealing nutrients from their roots. It is shaped like pine cones, the fruit of this plant is used as a food source for white tailed deer. The deer then would spread seed to the forest again.

After the back group caught up, the fast group consisting of Joyce, Terry, Chris, Lisa, Anna, and Debbie started again. Soon they disappeared into the forest. Tom, Carol and I stayed in the middle, Tamar and Michael were behind us.

After reaching the second intersection with the Promontory Trail, the ascent became more strenuous. My legs told me that I needed to rest, so we took a few small breaks before continuing. This year the meadow area that we passed seemed not as large as I remembered. I was not sure if it was the season which made the difference or if my memory was blurred. I spotted a few wildflowers here and there in this open area, otherwise the forest was just green. There was a meet up group which passed us, and a few other hikers on the trail. Besides that, it was a pretty quiet trail, which was nice.

Soon after, we all gathered under a huge tree passing Horton Creek for a well-deserved lunch. A few of us went to the upper creek waterfall for a picture opportunity. Some of the hikers stayed for their lunch break.

Just then I spotted the two late hikers passing the bridge over the creek. They recognized us too. I was happy that they finally made it. So now a total of 13 hikers were on the bridge for a group picture.

The creek was beautiful as it always was. It flowed very well, with waterfalls gushing from greenish mossy lichen and rocks.

The sun shone through the clear water reflected on people’s faces and leaves making everything so cheerful and bright, it lit up everyone’s spirits.

I liked this area very much it always reminded me of good memories and it put pleasant thoughts in my mind. I felt so relaxed listening to the water flowing through the rocks. Some of us went to the spring and snapped a few shots before we left the place.

Going back was easy. It was all downhill and we walked in the shaded green forest.

Left side of the creek appeared here and there and you could see some waterfalls, which made the whole hiking experience wonderful. Everyone walked at a fast and steady pace. In no time we reached the camp ground that meant the hike was over. Another quarter mile on the paved road we returned to the Derrick Trailhead, finishing our loop. We waited until we saw Michael and Tamar from the back and soon we spotted them. Everyone had a great time. Ten of us went to El Rancho for lunch in Payson.

It was a wonderful Saturday with friends in the beautiful forest. I am looking forward to returning to this hike again in the fall season when leaves are turning red again.