Troop 96 visited the Walls of Jericho in October 2005. We had just visited WOJ in November of 2004.  Several people did not make the trip in 2004, so we decided to go again.  There were several major differences in the WOJ area compared to when we were there last year.

First, the drought was very evident.  Hurricane Creek was only a trickle.  Turkey Creek was almost bone dry.  In fact, Turkey Creek either dried up, or went completely underground about 100 yards past the Walls themselves.  Of course, the waterfall at the head of the walls was gone, as well as the upper pool.  The stream through the tunnel into the amphitheater was so minimal a flow you could walk up the tunnel without getting your pants wet.  Bottom line: dry.

Second, a new improvement has been added to the area.  As you approach Hurricane Creek, the trail splits from the original trail and takes you to a new footbridge. The bridge is only a log, but it does sport a sturdy handrail.  There are two problems with the footbridge.  One problem is the trail after the footbridge is hard to follow.  You can follow the road to the campground, but then you cannot cross the creek there.  There is a red trail marked to cross Turkey Creek at a dry spot at the campground, but we did not see it.  We took the road and then had to fight through the undergrowth to get to the campground, so watch for the red trail markings.  Also, the footbridge takes you well away from the direct route.  If the creek is down, there is no reason to walk to the footbridge.  You can walk directly across Hurricane Creek. 

The WOJ are completely different dry.  The rocks are not nearly as dangerous (slippery).  The only water in the amphitheater was the trickle coming out of the tunnel and draining into the lower pool. 

Even still, we did enjoy the time at the WOJ.  If you want to know how much, check out our pictures. 

Walls of Jericho 2005 Photos