I was thinking about a hike into Black River Spring up at the top of Franks Canyon in the Lincoln National Forest. I was wondering if anyone has ever been up there and knows if it is an active water source. Thanks, and happy exploring to all.
It's been a very long time since I've been in that part of the NF. However, the spring is at nearly 6800', a high elevation for that area. The small mesa above it has a number of deep, steep canyons heading away in all directions. This translates into less potential for ground water to migrate to the spring as opposed to being pulled lower by the steep gradients out there. Also, given the small dissected mesa, there is a smaller area from which rainfall will flow toward the spring.
Even in good wet years it probably would be iffy. It's almost certainly dry at this point.
If you want to go soon, you will have to do it before May 1. That's when a full closure to public use occurs due to the extremely high fire danger, which has come earlier than in years past. The conditions necessitating the closure are indicative of the lack of water out there.
