Jumpingpound loop Trail hike on 20-Apr-2026

Participants: Christine, Francisco, Leslie, Jeannette, Jan

There was still a lot of snow on the higher elevation trails and so it seemed that Jumpingpound Loop would be a good choice for a shoulder season hike. This loop is located at the Pinetop Recreation Area which is accessed from Sibbald Creek Trail (Hwy 68.) The area is named after Pinetop Hill, which is a small hill to the south. The trail can be done in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. We chose to start on the south side and hike the trail clockwise.

The trail starts at the Pinetop picnic area, and then ambles through a pine forest, with occasional views of Jumpingpound Creek below. The creek itself was dry of snow, but the water level was fairly low because the spring runoff had not yet started in earnest. From time to time, we could see jumbles of logs, which had been deposited during the 2013 flood. It was hard to imagine that the gurgling little creek below had been so swollen with water that it transported huge logs.

As it was a hot, sunny day, we stopped from time to time to take off layers. It was nice to see small patches of green foliage popping up here and there. The condition of the trail was variable with sunny sections being fairly dry and shaded sections having pockets of snow. We did not have to do any trail breaking because this is a popular area and there was a well-worn path through the snow. Discretion being the better part of valor, we decided to wear icers to avoid slipping on any icy patches. From time to time, we could hear a popping sound, which came from a Gun Club and Shooting Range to the south. Fortunately, the sound was fairly muted.

After a couple of kilometers, we came to a signposted junction. The map showed that the loop could be shortened by following a trail to the north. This trail crosses Hwy 68, leads up to the northern section of the trail and then loops back down to the Pinetop Recreation Area. As well as showing Jumpingpound Loop, the sign indicated that new trails had been constructed on the north side. These are likely for mountain bikers. As we wanted to do the whole loop, we continued on our way to the west. The trail leaves Jumpingpound Creek and flattens out, providing great views of Moose Mountain and Cox Hill to the south.

The trail crosses the Pine Grove Group Campground access road, before curving north to cross Hwy 68. The trail ascends slightly and then winds up and down through the forest. About 15 minutes in, the forest opens up, providing a great view of Moose Mountain and Cox Hill to the south. We decided to stop here for lunch. The blue skies and sun made for a very relaxing lunch break.

After lunch, we continued along the trail, encountering some pockets of snow in shady areas. We had decided to take off our icers at lunch, and so we had to carefully walk along the snowy patches at the side, avoiding the icy parts in the middle. One of us had a slight slip in the snow but fortunately was not injured.

After hiking most of the route, we chose to have one last break before descending towards the Pinetop Recreation Area. It was very relaxing, sitting in the sun, and enjoying the view. Although the trees had not leafed out, there was a green patch of bearberry, which is a low-growing, evergreen shrub.

As we made our final descent, nearing the road, I thought that I heard frogs croaking. This seemed to be an impossibility, since we were hiking through forest on a dry trail. Putting this up to an overactive imagination on my part, I dismissed the sound. However, as we descended, the croaking became even louder. It turned out that a small pond had formed on the side of the road, and the frogs were enjoying it. This was our only “wildlife sighting” for the day, but it added another layer of pleasure to what had been a relaxing, enjoyable hike.

Many thanks to Chris, Jeannette, Francisco, and Paul for joining me, Leslie (c/s) on this hike. Thanks also to Paul for providing many of the photos.