On top of Little Haystack we snacked and discuss our plan for the rest of the day. We had intended to head across the ridge to Lincoln, and Lafayette to the Greenleaf Trail and then descend via the Old Bridal Path. Heading down the Falling Waters Trail we elected to stop off at Shining Rock, which is a gigantic 200 foot high by 400 foot wide rock with natural springs along the top. Of course, we dropped the packs and with crampons and ice axes climbed up the wall about 35 feet or so. Personally, I wasn t going any higher without belay.
Ice climbing is awesome.
I think I might have to take it up next winter - with the proper equipment of course. After climbing, we headed to a section of the rock with lesser slopes and practiced sliding down and self-arresting. The remainder of the trail was pretty uneventful until we got down to the waterfall. The section of the trail leading down from the top of the waterfall was icy and crampons are recommended. The waterfall is really beautiful at this time of year.