tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51806348368161988862024-03-19T04:05:39.070-04:00NC Waterfall HikesMy experiences and photographs of waterfalls in and around North Carolina. Along with some other hikes I've embarked upon.Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-34703628569160760122018-08-13T10:00:00.000-04:002020-06-17T10:19:00.703-04:00Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Carver's gap parking area is located on NC 261 at the NC/TN border 12.8 miles north of Bakersville, NC. Cross the street and head up the Appalachian Trail. The hike to Grassy Ridge Bald is 5 miles round trip.</span></i></div>
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It is interesting hiking with kids sometimes. Nonstop complaining the entire hike in. Whine about their legs hurting, they are hot, cold, hungry, thirsty, tired, have a blister, too windy, you name it. But hiking back out not a peep. To me hiking in to see that view at the end, that is the purpose. To the kids, hiking back to the car is their time. Now they are hiking with a purpose. The wonderful purpose of going home. Forget that gorgeous, magnificent once in a lifetime mountain view. We want to see the van and that parking lot. That beautiful parking lot. And sure enough as soon as that old van became visible their faces lit up as if it was Christmas morning. Well also someone had told them they could have ice cream after the hike so that may have had something to do with it too.<br />
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See this hike was one of my first real tests to see how much hiking my kids could stand. I had taken them on lots of 2-3 mile hikes so today we were stepping it up to 5. And minus all the complaining, which they do hiking or not, it went really well. I had fun and they got ice cream. Plus I had been eyeing this trail for awhile now. Seeing beautiful pictures of the hike online accompanied by 5 star reviews, I was very excited to finally get here. So after parking, bathroom breaks, and my kids along with our friends' kids taking way to many pics by the sign, it was finally time. We crossed the street and headed up the Appalachian Trail.<br />
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The trail begins with a short hike through the forest and then quickly opens up to grassy fields and endless views. Beautiful sights in every direction with Tennessee on your left and views into North Carolina on your right. This stretch of the Appalachian Trail is part of the Roan Highlands which happens to be the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail crosses Round Bald and Jane Bald before veering left at the obvious fork. Here you head to the right for a short climb to reach the peak of Grassy Ridge Bald. Standing at the top of Grassy Ridge we were treated to wide open fields of grass and wildflowers and sweeping views of the beautiful mountains all around.<br />
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After having lunch, enjoying the views, and taking lots and lots of pictures (and not just me taking way too many pics of mountains, I mean family pics standing in front of the mountains), we began our hike back. Which was just turning around and hiking back on the same trail. Though one really cool thing was now the sun had come out and most of the clouds had vanished. This was great because on the hike in Tennessee was completely covered in fog. Heading out was like a new hike now seeing all the great views into Tennessee. So naturally I got left way behind as I constantly stopped to take pictures. In fact this hike may be a problem for you if you already take too many pictures. I actually think I had to fight the urge to take a photo every time I took a step.<br />
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So yeah, it really is that beautiful up there. The open fields and 360 degree views leave you in awe. It really reminded me of hiking out west up above where the vegetation grows. It really has that feel to it. The entire hike is simple and pretty easy on the legs combined with 5 miles of beautiful views. We were staying several days in Beech Mountain so the hour drive to Carver's Gap was worth every minute. </div>
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Speaking of Beech Mountain, the town's extensive trail system ran through the backyard of the house we rented. It was really fun to step outside and head down the trails to some beautiful cascades, a few waterfalls and tons of wildlife. I always really enjoy the Beech Mountain and Banner Elk area. Plus I was greeted by this unusual sight at the very bottom of the mountain:<br />
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<b>More pics from the hike:</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fog in the morning.</td></tr>
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-39917399649196283892018-07-13T08:00:00.000-04:002020-05-18T01:17:47.563-04:00Profile Trail to Grandfather Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Hiking to the swinging bridge via the Profile Trail is 5.2 miles and 6.4 if you add in a stop at Calloway Peak. The trailhead is located at <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">4198 NC Highway 105 N, Banner Elk (GPS: 36.119767, -81.835001</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">)</span></span><br />
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The week was quickly rolling by and we were yet to complete our traditional brothers only hike. This was were my brothers and I would go hiking all day and the wives watch all the children. Which, if you ask me, is a great tradition. But I had been so busy forcing the children to tirelessly hike nonstop each and every day that it was already Thursday. And now we only had one full day left. So by default, Friday became our kid-less hike day and all the children rejoiced.<br />
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We had decided to do the Grandfather Mountain Trail. The trail is full of ladders and cables as you trek up and over exposed cliffs and large rock outcroppings. The entire trail is basically on top of a mountain as you carefully climb the many peaks while doing your best not to fall to your death. And believe me there are more than numerous places on the hike you do not want to slip. But though it may sound scary and the pictures online may have frightened me significantly, actually doing it wasn't that bad. It is actually really cool and lots of fun.<br />
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However, one thing that was not cool at all is the Profile Trail. I really hate the Profile Trail and my knees despise it. The day had already begun on a bad note as the sun was nowhere to be seen in the completely cloud covered sky. Then making things worse I had to hike the Profile Trail. While it originally began as a nice stroll down to the scenic river things quickly changed. The trail immediately cuts away from the beautiful stream and begins its hellish 3 mile nonstop climb. Up and up it goes as it endlessly climbs. And the worse it yet to come. That last 0.3 miles, just after you pass Shanty Spring, completely kicked my butt. The trail seriously went straight up. My legs hurt now just thinking about it and I will just add that I did my fair share of resting during this endeavor. But the sad part was, after packing on so much holiday weight, I had made a concerted effort to get back into shape much earlier this time. I started in January so by July I felt great and looked pretty good. I was confident and ready for a summer of hiking. But I quickly realized I was not at all ready for this hike.<br />
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Here is what it looked like along with me falling so far behind:<br />
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Then as I couldn't possibly go any longer I caught a glimpse of that beautiful sign that read "Grandfather Mountain Trail" up at the intersection ahead. To the left would take you a short distance to see Calloway Peak. To the right is Attic Window Peak, MacRae Peak, and the swinging bridge parking lot where the hike ends. Now I really wanted to see the view from Calloway Peak but that wasn't happening. I mentioned earlier it was a very cloudy day, well on top of that now it was a extremely foggy day too. It just happened that a swirling thick fog was totally engulfing the mountain. And while it was pretty cool and mysterious to hike through the fog, the views were non-existent. So we went ahead and made our way towards Attic Window Peak while hoping the fog would eventually clear.<br />
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Once on the Grandfather Mountain Trail things got much easier. Though minus the one wrong step and you fall to your death part. But stamina wise, I felt rejuvenated as the elevation change was now very minimal. Plus it was much more enjoyable climbing up, down, over and through the rocks. Most of the hike now is on open rock with spectacular views in every direction. Well the views I could see when the floating fog had a break or gap. It was a really neat experience and very enjoyable. Below are some pics showing the hike and a few of those spectacular views in those rare moments I could actually see something.<br />
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Hiking along past Attic Window, which was completely engulfed in fog, next up came MacRae Peak. And as we got closer the ladders and cables became more abundant. This was definitely my favorite part and so much fun. Climbing down and through huge and steep rocks all the while reassuring yourself you wouldn't fall. It was a little scary in places but a great feeling looking back on it now. Here's a few shots of the adventure from the trail:<br />
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After MacRae Peak it's not much further until you reach the parking lot and swinging bridge. This is the stretch when you start to see the swarms of people. People that parked at the bridge and ventured onto the trail. The many people with no idea where they were going, clothes you wouldn't hike in, no water, and always with a questions of what is up ahead. So we kept trekking on all the while explaining the trail to almost everyone we passed. Eventually reaching the parking lot, I felt very relieved. I was beat and my knees were now killing me. Just up ahead was a gift shop and a restroom. I couldn't have been happier. And for some reason I saw that store and I was craving an ice cold Coke. I hardly ever drink any soda so this was going to be a treat. And I was legitimately very excited about it. Entering the store I headed for the bathroom and next for the drink cooler. 5 bucks. 5 freaking bucks they wanted for a Coke. Sadly I declined and headed up to check out the swinging bridge.<br />
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Standing in front of the impressive Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge was like stepping back into a childhood memory. I had been here once before and I could vaguely remember it was a frightening ordeal. It was hard to remember all the details but I knew the bridge moved and the bridge was scary. Now, many and I mean many years later, it was just a neat looking bridge. A neat bridge that took you to some nice views of the mountains. Some very great views that while beautiful would not be worth the price of admission as there are so many places around here that you can see these gorgeous views for free. But if you were planning on seeing the swinging bridge while also hiking the Grandfather Mountain trail, then yeah it's probably worth the price. Just standing on top of the peaks, soaking in the views while not having to hike the Profile Trail; yeah that's definitely worth it.<br />
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Anyways if you are looking to hike the Grandfather Mountain Trail, also known as the ladders and cable trail, you have three choices. Hike the Profile Trail to Grandfather Mountain Trail, hike the Daniel Boone Scout Trail ,which goes through Calloway Peak, before connecting to the Grandfather Mountain Trail, or pay 20 bucks and drive right up to the trailhead along with the swinging bridge. We obviously, from reading above, hiked up from the Profile Trail. This made the most sense for us as my brother's wife paid the admission fee, picked us up at the swinging bridge, and drove us back to my car parked at the Profile Trail. This was awesome since we didn't have to hike back and worked out because my car was right on the way back to the mountain house.<br />
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So if I were going to do it again I probably just pay the money and park at the trail, avoiding that Profile Trail which I loathe. Though whatever you choose will be lots of fun and very memorable. Grandfather Mountain Trail is a challenging and great adventure full of spectacular views. But, the best part is I get to tell you twenty dollar paying suckers that I walked the Mile High Swinging Bridge for free. Though the opportunity has not come up in my everyday conversations, yet.<br />
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-15184064978975796542016-07-21T10:00:00.000-04:002019-02-22T13:56:15.578-05:00Dismal Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Coming from Brevard head west on Highway 64 and get on N 281. After you pass Slick Fisher Rd. on your left take the next left on to Winding Gap Rd. It is about 6 miles and there was a small sign that said Trails at the turn. Next take the gravel road that forks right. Drive to the end of the road and park. The trail begins behind the gate. Dismal Falls is 150 ft. tall and a 4.3 mile out and back hike.</i></span><br />
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Dismal Falls had been on my to-do list for probably five or six years. Though it felt like anything I read about the hike was filled with warnings and words like danger, dangerous, and more danger. Things such as: the trail is impossible to follow so you will get lost forever, the climb is extremely steep so you're going to fall, and don't fall because no one can get there to help you. Anyways, I may be embellishing a bit, but I pretty much read enough to convince me that hiking it with my wife meant our children would become orphans. Figuring my kids at least needed a mother, I needed to look for someone else to plunge to my death with. So finally, when the annual family vacation ended up in Brevard, I decided my brothers would make perfect victims. So now after many years the day was actually here. It was time for the long awaited hike to Dismal Falls.<br />
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But first, let me just add one more thing. Unfortunately, during my visit this region was in a severe drought. As it is very evident in all the pictures that I took. To see these waterfalls at their best you need look elsewhere. And though this really bummed me out, it was still a fun hike, neat area, and great experience. So anyways, we arrived at the trail around 9 am, I parked the car and we headed on our way.<br />
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Not long into our journey, we were accosted by two large and angry wild dogs. Barking, growling, teeth showing, their game of intimidation was working. We stopped dead in our tracks and I pondered what to do. Here I was, eager and excited to do this hike. Patiently waiting as the years rolled by for this one moment. All my hopes and dreams blocked by two dogs. Two dogs standing just up ahead actually blocking the trail. And just as my hope was fading, from a distance I hear the voices of two young ladies calling and yelling the dogs' names. They quickly scampered away and we were on our way.<br />
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Following the path, at just around a half mile there is a small spur trail heading to the right. This short path takes you to Aunt Sally's Falls. It's about 25-30 ft. tall and not very impressive. And on a day like today it wasn't even worth the stop except for checking it off my list. Nevertheless here's a pic of Aunt Sally Fall's that day:<br />
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The trail continues with creek crossings, under the power lines, through the white pines to a split (where you go left), through a campsite, and to the ascent of a very steep ridge. I won't even try to give detailed directions to the waterfalls. I had enough trouble myself, but thankfully I was saved by wonderful flagging tape. And as long as it is still there you should be okay. But I would plan on having great directions just in case.<br />
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Continuing on the trail, just before the treacherous ridge climb you will come to an unnamed waterfall seen here:<br />
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Even further up the ridge a small side trail heads right and leads you to the beautiful 70 foot Rhapsodie Falls. The area kind of feels like you climbed down into a rainforest with its lush green glow totally surrounding you. I stayed here quite awhile taking in the scenery, though I was mostly waiting on a cloud, any cloud, to hide the sun for just one quick moment. But it never came and atlas I never quite got that picture I hoped for. I reluctantly gave up and we headed back up to the main trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_gMWWQ6BSmxGYv-KPX_J6LFWplLB5PEFq1O3kX0b5ychsnewQZsTqqBGqUs-XTiB-1mC4RxNGvzP7TmICNEovSoT37wORcw7tNY7RZ3SYsyM54VwEP_4VOh-g_PZiNKyPltDmR6MlX63/s1600/Rhapsodie+Falls+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_gMWWQ6BSmxGYv-KPX_J6LFWplLB5PEFq1O3kX0b5ychsnewQZsTqqBGqUs-XTiB-1mC4RxNGvzP7TmICNEovSoT37wORcw7tNY7RZ3SYsyM54VwEP_4VOh-g_PZiNKyPltDmR6MlX63/s640/Rhapsodie+Falls+2.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhapsodie Falls</td></tr>
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From everything I had ever read describing this trail and everything that ever made me think twice about this hike; now was what they were talking about. This was the point they were referring to. The last 0.25 miles of the hike. It sounds short, it sounds quick, but you will never forget it. The trail up the ridge becomes extremely steep. Up and up it goes to the very top. And once you cant go any higher, a faint, impossible to see path heads left down the gorge. Thankfully there was flagging tape marking the spot.<br />
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When I say heading down the gorge I mean heading straight down. It is steeper than steep and you need ropes to even make it down. Luckily there just so happens to be ropes tied to the trees to help with the descent. And when there isn't a rope you are hugging trees to keep from toppling over. And though it is extremely hard to even stand up, before you know it you are popping through the trees and standing at the bottom of a magnificent waterfall.<br />
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Staring up at Dismal Falls, the 150 ft. waterfall is massive. The depth of the waterfall really gets lost in the pictures though. It is a beautiful, it is secluded, and if only it had more water then it would be on my list of top waterfalls seen. I'm still a little bummed about this drought. But the area is really cool and you can even hike up the side of the falls to reach to top section.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmAX_Na27DGE12PAKU8ERUu0OMhMJATBorfqgdUNY0NJkEFamGapxDondVAXUknLldDioRYKehVE04nw_QIX1Xrd33Hyapey4bzwCI5NYNskB5GhzbBCbMgJGPmMyIyXkTfFSFpxlFksh/s1600/top+of+dismal+falls.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmAX_Na27DGE12PAKU8ERUu0OMhMJATBorfqgdUNY0NJkEFamGapxDondVAXUknLldDioRYKehVE04nw_QIX1Xrd33Hyapey4bzwCI5NYNskB5GhzbBCbMgJGPmMyIyXkTfFSFpxlFksh/s400/top+of+dismal+falls.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the top of Dismal Falls. Unfortunately, you can notice the low amount of water flow. </td></tr>
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Now as fun as it is hiking straight down a gorge, imagine how easy and non-tiring it is trying to get back up. My body was not prepared for the trek back up. I probably would have to go back to high school for that to be the case. But since that's not possible, today it was exhausting, draining, leg killing, and not enjoyable at all. The only good news is though it feels never ending, it is actually pretty short. And once you do reach the top, hiking back to the car is a breeze. </div>
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This trail was a lot of fun. The entire area just feels so secluded and remote. And though we did meet up with the young ladies and their now friendly dogs at the base of Dismal Falls, we didn't see any other hikers that day.<br />
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Another thing is there is supposed to be a trail to a waterfall below Dismal Falls but I totally missed it. That was my biggest problem with the area, not the steepness at the end, but trying to figure out where I was going. It was tricky and I know I wouldn't have made it without the flagging tape hung throughout the trail. This made the hike a little uneasy but still a great time.<br />
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Here are a few more pics from the hike:<br />
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-20795249844489028612016-06-22T10:00:00.000-04:002018-07-21T01:50:45.400-04:00Rocky Mountain National Park, CO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If I was going to describe Rocky Mountain National Park in one word I think it would be breathtaking. Except, I'm not sure I have actually ever used that word. In fact, I can't recall any instance where I have actually said it aloud. But that is exactly what Rocky Mountain National Park is, breathtaking. <br />
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It's a place where whenever you look up you stop and stare in disbelief. Everything you see is amazing and unbelievable. Beautiful, huge mountains up above and all around. The most incredible and pristine lakes you can imagine. The greenest, tallest, most perfectly straight trees that grow to the sky. Beauty all the way up to the truly unique alpine tundra where plant life just disappears. Astonishing sights you never want to take your eyes off.<br />
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By now you probably get the point, the place is gorgeous. So I will stop telling you how aesthetically pleasing it is and just post a little bit about how I spent my way too short two days there plus a bunch of pictures. Mostly just pictures.<br />
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And just know that now whenever i hear the word breathtaking, I will think back to Rocky Mountain National Park. Fondly reminiscing those wonderful views as I strolled through the park. Or I may think about the Seinfeld episode where Elaine is smitten after the doctor calls her breathtaking, then troubled when he later calls the ugly baby breathtaking too. Either way I will never forget those beautiful views.<br />
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<b><u>Day 1</u>:</b><br />
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We arrived at the Bear Lake trailhead just before 7 am. I had spent a ton of time reading and pondering my options. And since we only had two days in the park, I really wanted to get the most bang for my buck. I eventually settled on a hike referred to as The Four Lakes Loop. It started at Bear Lake, went to Nymph and Dream Lake, next to Hiayha Lake and then on to Alberta Falls. Lastly, from the falls the path connected back up to Bear Lake. And as a bonus stop, Emerald Lake could be seen with an extra 1.3 mile hike, bringing the total hike to a little over 7 miles.<br />
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Heading up the trail I was a little nervous. My friend had warned me about altitude sickness, so naturally I spent a good chunk of time checking out the numerous horror stories on the internet. While also reading many stories from people that never even noticed it. Having no idea where I would fall on the spectrum, I naturally assumed the worse. I had already played out numerous worst case scenarios in my head. Ones that led me to the hospital, which then led to the discovery of deadly diseases, then ultimately my demise.<br />
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Shortly into the hike I did feel a slight shortness of breath come over me. But soon after slowing my pace down it disappeared and I felt great. So great that I was zipping up and down the trails, hopping up and down the rocks, trekking all around, and even exploring some inviting areas off the trail. I was no longer worried about altitude sickness, feeling fine, as I joyfully skipped down the beautiful trails.<br />
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On and On we hiked. Walking from lake to lake in complete awe of the surroundings. Gorgeous lakes with perfect picturesque mountain backdrops, numerous small waterfalls and cascades, deer and elk that were plentiful, and awesome views in every direction. Everything was so beautiful and every step so exciting.<br />
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Going into hour 6 of our 8 hour hike is when the altitude finally really hit me. It started as a migraine and then it kept getting worse and worse. By the time we got close to Alberta Falls I was completely miserable. I couldn't remember my head ever hurting that bad as the pain became almost unbearable. I just wanted to be lying in bed with my eyes closed and my body absolutely still. I wanted to be anywhere but walking on this trail.<br />
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The next wonderful thing to come were the people. The people were everywhere as apparently being one of the shortest hikes in the park, it makes sense that Alberta Falls is also one of the most popular. Seven miles in and I was starting to believe dying may be a better option than finishing this hike. So you can imagine how joyous and inspirational it was to see all the smiling, laughing, non perspiring, flip flop wearing, only walked a half mile from my car people breezing by me. Each one shunning me to the side as if I were holding up their precious lives. <br />
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Then things got even worse as next came the nausea and dizziness. I was done. I could no longer enjoy this place, no longer appreciate the great beauty. I just wanted to get off this trail now. Though unfortunately, I still had 0.7 miles to the car. An even better it was entirely uphill. At this point I felt like death, complete misery. Then came the rain. <br />
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I'm still not sure how, but I did make it back to the car that day. At that point I felt so bad everything was kind of a blur. One thing I do remember and will never forget is my friend suggesting some protein would help me. Luckily he had a nice bag of turkey jerky too. I wont describe what happened when I took a huge mouthful (I'm getting sick just typing about it) but lets just say I haven't had turkey jerky since and I have no desire to ever eat it again. And who knows it may have been really great turkey jerky but that feeling my body had when i began chewing it shall forever haunt me.<br />
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After getting back to the hotel and laying down a few hours I felt so much better. Really tired, but back to normal and ready for tomorrow. Though I was kind of bummed I missed Bear Lake which is probably the easiest hike in the park. I had originally planned to see it on the way out, but with the way I felt at the time, I wanted no part of Bear Lake. However, sickness aside, it was an awesome day with many great sights.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nymph Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dream Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Haiyaha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alberta Falls</td></tr>
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<b><u>Day 2</u>:</b><br />
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For my second day I had the grandest of plans. Get up extra super early and head up Trail Ridge Road, hike a bunch of miles to a mountain's summit, back down, then finish driving Trail Ridge Road while stopping and seeing all the sights along the way.<br />
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It was a great plan indeed. One I even spent many hours perfecting and rehearsing. And yet it would never come to fruition. But honestly, I knew the night before it had no chance. Looking at my friend that evening, I don't even think I can describe how tired he looked. I didn't know it was possible for a face to look that exhausted. So when he went to bed around 7 pm, I had my doubts about day 2. In fact, that morning around 5 am when my alarm went off, I could see and hear that I had no shot at waking him up. So I decided to let him sleep. And when I almost couldn't take being in the hotel any longer, thankfully he decided 15 hours of sleep was enough. So we finally headed out, grabbed something to eat, and made our way back to Rocky Mountain National Park.<br />
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Now at this point any summit hike was out of the question. As you have to do them really early because you don't want to be caught on top of a mountain when the afternoon storms roll through and no shelter is to be found. So we skipped the hike and went on to the other part of my plan, Trail Ridge Road.<br />
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Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, almost 48 miles long, and world famous. It reaches 12,000 feet at its highest point with 11 miles above the treeline. So I assumed on one's first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park you must drive it.<br />
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Starting on the Estes Park side we drove Trail Ridge Road until it ends at Grand Lake. Stopping at each and every pullout along the way I tried my best to capture the beautiful scenes. But with the cloudy skies and changing weather I had a difficult time. In fact, I wasn't very happy with any photos on day 2. Nevertheless, here are some below.<br />
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Photos aside, it was still a pretty good second day. And while I still feel Trail Ridge Road is a must do on your first visit, I much prefer hiking to driving. I enjoyed all the sights along the way but it was too much in and out of the car for me. I would take hours of wandering through trails any day. All together, a fun trip full of some of the most beautiful sights I've ever laid eyes on. Just way, way too short.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam's Falls (main drop). </td></tr>
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-11962215586186735312016-03-29T16:00:00.000-04:002017-09-01T01:28:16.954-04:00Brush Creek Falls, WV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There seems to be a few ways to get to Brush Creek Falls but the waterfall is located just off I-77 on Brush Creek Falls Rd in Princeton. We were headed north on I-77 and took exit 14 to Spanishburg-Athens Rd. Made a right and then the first left onto Eads Mills Rd. In 3.4 miles you will turn right on Brush Creek Falls Rd. Then it is about 2.2 miles to the parking area. From there it is just a short walk to the nearly 30 foot high falls</span></i>.</div>
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It seems every time I go to West Virginia somehow, someway I end up lost on a mountain. Driving down a single dirt lane road with no signs of life or hope. Where even the GPS voice just gives up and tells me, "you are lost, we have no idea where you are" and of course my phone has no signal either. Then whenever I do pass a house, they always own a pack of mountain dogs. Dogs that patiently wait in the yard just for that moment when I drive by. And before you can even blink, like being shot out of a cannon, they charge. Chasing and harassing my car just to get their kicks. And on the slight chance I would see any human life, they just stare at me with big eyes and hanging jaws like I'm the first sign of life they've seen in years.<br />
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Well, not this time. This time was much different. This time we stuck to the interstates and highways and civilization. And this time, for the first time, I wouldn't get lost at all. This time we would be living it up at a resort just off the main road.<br />
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A resort so fancy it even had a phone hanging beside the toilet. You know you are living the life when you have a toilet phone; you know you've arrived. In fact, it now baffles me that anyone could live without one. And after living as one of the elite, although briefly, I'm not sure how I can be expected to return to my life of mere peasantry. Though by the end of the week, as wonderful as it was, I would loathe that phone. Every single time the kids used the toilet they had to mess with that damn phone. Banging it, dropping it, pressing buttons, and probably calling God only knows who. As much as I fussed or yelled about it, I couldn’t blame them though. It was right there, begging them to mess with, calling to their idle hands.<br />
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This time the trip would be mostly laid back and as much I hated doing it, I let my kids do the stuff they wanted to do. I really didn't plan out anything, which came as a shock to my wife. So with the kids leading the way it was lots of pool time and playgrounds and then more pool time. But we did get in one hike to Brush Creek Falls which was pretty close by. Then on our last day we drove over to Lost World Caverns since the kids had never been to any caverns.<br />
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Brush Creek Falls is a quick 1/4 mile hike down an old road. The trail begins just to the right of the shelter and picnic tables. The trail takes you right up to the edge at the top of the falls and then continues a short distance further to the base. <br />
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The creek is nice and wide at the base and I liked how open the area was. The creek is littered with rocks near the base of the falls, which the kids enjoyed hopping around on. You can make your way right up to the falls if you choose or even carefully walk around the ledge up top. I did see some videos online of people jumping off the top, but that idea always scares me. <br />
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While not very high, Brush Creek Falls is pretty wide. It is also a very scenic waterfall which unfortunately is kind of hard to tell looking at my pictures. I had a brutal time battling the sun and spray. I knew my pictures would be bad, and they were bad; every single one I took. Still, a very beautiful waterfall with a trail so short the kids didn't even have time to complain. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ovfwh27xm7Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ovfwh27xm7Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<u><b>Big Walker Lookout</b> </u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCA87Frsp5JKkmLmCEnaKe0INYfpA0icpdf5WLNgFJEV6m4vtEOAaceZEsRxcltGT-hNYgHDySOfUP6_NckPNrBmZBTAunnRY1DGWaE7-2eMMetJhHqN8qCtP0IOOAcJ9-fRgT8cwyvXI/s1600/IMG_20160329_143041370-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCA87Frsp5JKkmLmCEnaKe0INYfpA0icpdf5WLNgFJEV6m4vtEOAaceZEsRxcltGT-hNYgHDySOfUP6_NckPNrBmZBTAunnRY1DGWaE7-2eMMetJhHqN8qCtP0IOOAcJ9-fRgT8cwyvXI/s320/IMG_20160329_143041370-01.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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On the drive up to West Virginia I began searching google for any interesting stops along our route. I quickly came across one in Wytheville, Va. Big Walker Lookout, a 100 foot climbable tower that showcases views of the mountains in all directions. Plus there is a large country store, ice cream, and some sitting areas. It sounded interesting enough so we pulled in, paid the not too much but still not worth the price of admission fee and began our climb to the top.</div>
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The looks from the top of the tower were nice and beautiful. The hike up was windy and
scary. And although the views were definitely worth the hike up, I would
never do it again. The tower looked old
and broken. It really felt like it could
tumble over at any minute. Plus the increasing
wind and swaying of the tower as you headed to the top only added to my
uneasiness. In fact, by the time my kids made it to the top they were so frightened they immediately headed down.<br />
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Luckily we had our own guide dog leading us up the tower and
assuring us it was all fine. He led us almost the entire way to the top. But, unfortunately he wasn't as helpful on the climb down. On the way down he began nipping at my 4 year old’s ankles. Doing this with every step she took and she was freaked out. Hearing this take place, as I was still taking pictures at the top, I raced down to meet them. I called the dog to follow me as I climbed down the stairs ahead of everyone. And lucky me, every step I took, that dog bit my calves. Even knowing this was the dog's play bite, it still stung so I could see why my kid was so upset. Plus it was annoying as hell. In fact, the entire time on the property it seemed like this dog was always in our way. I love dogs, I have a dog, but I wouldn't come back with that dog around. Well, honestly I wouldn't come back anyways.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ucR5_NRtWWzZn5Vp591DQJEVLlTVn76MuTa1wirxoVCJraRnIPWbaoZkCG2jKIqxyM0qOSvKxfUZukEYIx2XbWXSKwtEulRvEesfqI_EPNNJTMlLrSRwnkbLBfmKKNX4o9tHEYd-yv7b/s1600/IMG_20160329_151836270_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ucR5_NRtWWzZn5Vp591DQJEVLlTVn76MuTa1wirxoVCJraRnIPWbaoZkCG2jKIqxyM0qOSvKxfUZukEYIx2XbWXSKwtEulRvEesfqI_EPNNJTMlLrSRwnkbLBfmKKNX4o9tHEYd-yv7b/s320/IMG_20160329_151836270_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My archenemy for the day (well, a couple hours).</td></tr>
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<u>Heading up the tower:</u><br />
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<u>View from the top:</u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtQakZiMkWSKMUXXuqz8UgY0jfa7GsvLgoRvVafHQmurAhZ837lSIyV5Z6OybszA74RbBLip2bFp7vPnCbbRRI8ANWpnEkq-bmu0cMg2kPTAmwy1aN6UcOmMllMgZBg10_NBvTim3u5bW/s1600/IMG_20160329_143608931_HDR-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtQakZiMkWSKMUXXuqz8UgY0jfa7GsvLgoRvVafHQmurAhZ837lSIyV5Z6OybszA74RbBLip2bFp7vPnCbbRRI8ANWpnEkq-bmu0cMg2kPTAmwy1aN6UcOmMllMgZBg10_NBvTim3u5bW/s400/IMG_20160329_143608931_HDR-01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We managed to stop at the nearby Grandview National Park in Beaver, WV. Here are a couple pics from the main overlook:</span></div>
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-34189165441267649612015-06-23T10:30:00.000-04:002016-05-20T01:03:34.821-04:00Little Bradley Falls, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyh-iAcQkqc/VdFf4eU929I/AAAAAAAAHCo/205RXPXmuq8/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyh-iAcQkqc/VdFf4eU929I/AAAAAAAAHCo/205RXPXmuq8/s640/IMG_1592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Parking is near 5436 Holbert Cove Rd., Saluda, NC 28773. It is just by the bridge that crosses Cove Creek. The big parking area is for the Bradley Falls trails and the smaller parking area just across the street is the Little Bradley trail. The trail is around 2 miles round trip to the almost 50 foot tall falls.</i></span><br />
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Starting out on the hike you immediately come to the first fork. Take the left trail away from the creek and in about 3 minutes you will come to the second and last fork. This time take the trail heading down to the right. The trees were marked with red blazes and simple to follow. <br />
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The hike was very easy but on a not so well maintained trail. I do remember scrambling over some rocks in a few spots and some nice scenery on Bradley Creek but overall the trail seemed mostly uneventful. However, it is quick and leads to a beautiful (and very popular) waterfall.<br />
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Now getting to the picture above. The first thing you probably noticed in the picture is the wonderful rope dangling beside the falls. I can usually find something to complain about in anything I do, and this rope soon became my main frustration of the day.<br />
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Racing thru the woods I was determined to get to the falls before the sun. As soon the sun would be high above in the cloudless sky, beaming down on to the waterfall below, ruining my mood and my pictures. So I quickly made my way to the base of the falls and to my relief the sun was still tucked behind the trees high above. Plus as a bonus we were the only ones around.<br />
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I quickly set up my camera and tripod. Messed with the settings. Went to snap the first pick and that is when it happened. A rope flung down from high above, hanging there front and center, taunting my every move and every picture. Next the climbing expedition began. One after another people kept coming and coming as they rappelled down the rope. <br />
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First came one of the instructors flipping, turning, sliding and posing his way down the rope like an exotic dancer working the pole. It kind of felt like he was showing off, either way it was a enough for me to decide I hated the guy. Next came the girls, One by one they laughed and screamed as they awkwardly slid down the rope. I figured it would end soon, but the women just kept coming and coming down the rope. One after another they kept magically appearing from the trees above as they made there way down to the rope Finally it did end as the other instructor made his way down for the grand finale. Unfortunately, by now the very sun I had quickly raced to the falls, beamed down all over the falls casting shadows everywhere. Then to top it off many more people had arrived and begun to climb up, over, and all around the falls. <br />
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As I waited a woman approached. "That's my husband," she proclaimed as she pointed to the man frolicking in the falls. I glanced at him and half nodded. "Did you get any good pictures of him?" she asked. Ah, good pictures of him, I thought. Good pictures of him, the man I have been yelling at and cursing at in my head for thirty minutes. Pleading and begging him to move out of my way, asking him to leave, yelling at him to go away. Asking him for one picture without his large, wearing a way too small water-shirt, belly splashing around in the background. Negotiating with him in my head. Just move for 2 minutes. No, 1 minute. No, just one picture. Just give me one measly picture. That's all I am asking. Move, please just move. Move! That guy? "Maybe," I said. "He's so silly," she remarked as she turned and headed away. <br />
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At this point it was pretty much a wrap anyways. The sun was too much of a battle and the place was packed with people now. So when I did start taking pictures they were pretty bad. Which is why, unfortunately, I have a picture at the top of the page with a rope hanging down the middle of it.<br />
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After we got back to the car, we decided to hike to the Bradley Falls overlook and then call it a day. The last time I was here I hiked to the bottom of Bradley Falls with my brothers but didn't have time to do Little Bradley. So I was happy to get back and see Little Bradley Falls. Pictures aside, it did not disappoint. The trail was short and easy but enjoyable (minus the people). The three tiered waterfall waiting at the end was beautiful and well worth the trip. Plus the fact that another great waterfall trail is just across the street makes it even better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider on the trail</td></tr>
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Visiting Asheville for a few days and not wanting to spend a lot of time driving around is why I settled on Little Bradley Falls. It was about 40 minutes from our hotel, and despite a few of my frustrations brought on by others it was a great choice. During our remaining time in Asheville, searching for another close hike to squeeze in, I came across Lookout Mountain in Montreat, NC. So the next morning we had breakfast then headed over to Montreat.<br />
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<b>Lookout Mountain:</b><br />
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The climb up felt long and treacherous. It was a little over a half mile to the top with a very significant incline that wore me out. I kept telling myself I was just tired from hiking 6 hours yesterday and swimming that night. Finally, after huffing and puffing my way up and up I could see the top. The next thing I could see was a 3 year old running around and laughing followed by a pregnant woman strolling down the mountain. My excuses were now no longer reassuring. That was the worst sight to see as I leaned over, struggling to catch my breath, hoping not to keel over. Now it was officially confirmed, I was out of shape.<br />
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The views from the top were pretty good. Any view from the top of a mountain will be wonderful but I cant remember anything special or memorable. All I can really remember is just how exhausted I was. But in shape or not I don't think I would hike this trail again.<br />
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Lastly, while in Asheville we had time to stop by and check out Sierra Nevada. I hadn't been back since it opened so I was excited to see it. We did the tour, walked around a little after, then sat outside and sipped on a Barrel-Aged Bigfoot. A really big and neat place and as always a fun trip to Asheville. <br />
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-30262151106350307662015-03-26T09:00:00.000-04:002018-02-22T13:23:12.326-05:00Blackwater Falls State Park, WV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Blackwater Falls State Park is located in the northeaster part of the state near Davis, WV. The address is <span class="_Xbe" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;">1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260. A short hike takes you down near the base. </span><span class="_Xbe" style="line-height: 16.12px;">The falls is around 60 feet tall.</span></i></span><br />
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Blackwater Falls State Park is the home of West Virginia's most famous waterfall, which is of course Blackwater Falls. Growing up in North Carolina while having lots of family in Ohio, I took many rides through West Virginia. This waterfall has always been etched in my mind. I still remember all the Blackwater Falls postcards and pictures in the little gift shop areas at every rest stop. So after many years of bathroom breaks these pictures had built up a wonderful image inside my head. I was beyond excited to finally see it in person.<br />
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First off the drive there took forever. We went through dirt roads and gravel roads and up and down mountains. Came to dead ends and roads that somehow didn't even exist. It shouldn't have been this difficult as I was following my parents. But for some reason every time my GPS said go right, they went left. Whenever it said turn left, they went right. It became comical as they were also following their own GPS. Eventually though it did lead us to the park, just much later and darker than expected. While Blackwater Falls would have to wait till tomorrow at this point I was just happy to finally be there.<br />
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The next day we drove over to the falls and parked at the west side trail next to the trading post. There is also another trail, The Gentle Trail, that comes in from the east side.. The western side is the way to go, as a fairly short trail and some steps take you down to the two viewing platforms close the falls. The Gentle Trail offers a view high above that was less impressive and probably could be skipped. That day I couldn't actually get as close as intended since the lowest viewing platform was closed due to ice. Nevertheless, I still had the great view in the picture above. <br />
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Later that day we took the kids on a short hike to Lindy Point. It was just under a mile round trip and pretty level, so I figured the kids wouldn't whine too much. The trail was easy but very muddy from recent snow that had melted. Once reaching the end of the trail we arrived at a viewing platform that offered a spectacular look into Blackwater Canyon. A spectacular and very windy view. It was crazy how windy it was. It felt like it was going to knock you over. So while the kids were still too young to appreciate the great view, they did love the wind. I hated the wind, but the loved the gorgeous view.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindy Point</td></tr>
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<b>Elakala Falls</b>:<br />
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Early the next morning my parents agreed to watch the kids so my wife and I could try to do a quick hike to Elakala Falls. Elakala Falls is the first of a series of four waterfalls on Shays Run that empties into the Blackwater River. The trail is just to the left of the lodge and takes you to a small footbridge over the first waterfall. After that the trail winds away from the creek with no official way down to the next three falls. It is pretty much a very steep bushwack downstream with each section of falls around 0.1 miles from the previous.<br />
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Well my hike already began on a bad note. After a quick drive to the lodge and a nice stroll to the first waterfall, I set up my tripod and waited for the clouds to cover the sun that was staring me in the face. Then as soon as I went to snap my first pic up popped a message on the camera: no memory. I foolishly had taken out the memory card last night and left it in my laptop. I had already started the hike much later than I had planned and now I had to go back to the cabin. So I packed up, drove back to the cabin, grabbed the memory card and headed back to the trail. <br />
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After a quick walk to the first falls again and a few photos that turned out very badly , I began the climb down to the second falls. Each section got harder and steeper. The biggest problem was finding a way down. Everywhere I looked there was a fallen tree, and if there wasn't a tree there was a sheet of ice. The entire hike was spent climbing through trees and carefully shuffling over icy, slick rocks. Everything I read had warned me that this hike was difficult as you bushwhacked down the steep creek. But I think without the ice it would have been pretty manageable.<br />
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Arriving at the second falls it was the least impressive of the four. It was impossible to find a good and safe angle to shoot from so I took a few pictures and began trying to plan a path down to the third falls. At this point the hike was becoming much steeper and more difficult to find a way down. You pretty much had to pick any spot you saw without ice and try to head that way.<br />
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When I reached the third waterfall I was right on top of it. Way too close to get any kind of decent pictures and with the fallen trees and ice everywhere, very limited on my options. I snapped a few pictures and continued my climb down. Hopefully, I would have better luck with the fourth falls. It looked to be the most impressive and the one I was most excited to see. <br />
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So I climbed and scrambled my way down the least covered path I could see. Looking for any available ground, maneuvering through the trees and over the ice. As I approached an edge, I peered over. There it was. The jump. The jump that would change my entire life. The jump that would change the world. The jump that never was. Actually it was probably just a three foot jump that you wouldn't even think twice about making. But today you would. The small area of rock was completely covered in ice and surrounded by ledges on three sides. A steep ledge that dropped down very far and a fall certainly meant death. <br />
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Jumping down to that rock any other day, no problem. It looked liked such an easy and quick jump down. But, I just wasn't sure what would happen when I landed on that ice. However, I did know what would happen if I landed and slid over the edge. So I debated it, and tried to convince myself because I really wanted to see that last waterfall. Maybe if I was alone, but my wife wasn't going to let me try it anyways. <br />
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At that point I knew today was a bust. I really could not find any other way down. I tried to swing out in all directions and make my way down. I tried to find any other way but it was a brutal bushwhack and just kept leading nowhere. Reluctantly, I accepted my fate and turned around and headed back.<br />
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Back at the car and now lunch time, today had not started off very well. I was really looking forward to this hike but it felt very unsuccessful and unsatisfying. And from a picture stand point, the same. I couldn't get one shot I actually liked at the first falls and on the second and third I had trouble getting any good angles. Plus all the ice had knocked down so many trees that they littered the bases of the falls. After seeing so many beautiful pictures of Elakala Falls, it was disappointing thinking of what would become of mine. The whole morning sucked; forgetting my memory card, ice and fallen trees everywhere, bad pictures, and not even making it to the last waterfall. Another day it may have been an awesome time and great experience. If I ever get back I will have to try again.<br />
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Third Falls on Shays Run</div>
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<b>Some pics to show just how enjoyable the hike down really was:</b></div>
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Although Elakala Falls didn't turn out as I hoped or expected, I had a great first visit to Blackwater Falls State Park. Two days of 60 degree weather (though it was snowing the morning we left) spent venturing around this beautiful, uncrowded park. See the 54 room lodge and restaurant were closed for renovations leaving only the cabins and campgrounds open. The place was a ghost town and it was great. We even had the indoor pool to ourselves every night. This all made me feel very lucky because you could tell this place can and will be jammed packed with people very soon as they seemed to offer countless outdoor activities. <br />
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Our visit was unfortunately brief, but very beautiful. Lindy Point offered an amazing view of the canyon and Blackwater Falls was magnificent and powerful. It even lived up to all the hype the many beautiful photos helped create in my mind. I have really enjoyed the state parks and beautiful scenery all around West Virginia. In fact, on the drive home we passed a really neat looking place I hope to one day visit called Seneca Rocks.<br />
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-3433210539729701372015-03-25T14:00:00.000-04:002015-05-07T09:41:33.703-04:00Cucumber Falls, PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ohiopyle State Park is about an hour and a half southeast of Pittsburgh. Head south on PA-381 as it runs through the park and becomes Main St. Turn right on Ohiopyle Rd. and the parking area is just ahead on the right. There were plenty of signs up and maps are available at the visitor center. Cucumber falls is around 30 feet tall. </span></i><br />
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The great thing about Cucumber Falls is the perfect photogenic plunge. Water perfectly falling straight down as is rushes off the cliff's edge. Plus you can walk behind it, which is what excited my kids. They wouldn't shut up about it for the entire car ride. They could hardly control themselves as they were overtaken by anticipation and joy. A joy that upon arriving quickly turned to disappointment and heartbreak. Their dreams yet again crushed by my lies, as there was too much ice and slippery rocks near the falls to safely walk behind it. Actually they didn't really care and within a few seconds had moved on to throwing rocks in the water. I was a little disappointed though, but the beautiful view more than made up for it.<br />
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Cucumber Falls is located in Ohiopyle State Park in Ohiopyle, PA. The falls can be viewed with a short walk from the parking area and a short trail takes you down to the base. Riding around I could tell that the park was huge, it's around 19,000 acres, and very nice looking from what I briefly saw. We only had time to see Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle Falls and some of the Youghiogheny River as this was just a quick detour on the way to Blackwater Falls State Park. Ohiopyle Falls, while not high at all, was very wide and powerful. It is a nice sight on a beautiful river but not worth going out of your way to see.<br />
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It does seem that the park has some other really neat things to see and do. Near Cucumber falls I noticed a sign for natural water slides which peaked my interest. Checking out the pics and videos online, it looks awesome and very fun. Then there is Fallingwater. A house built on top of a waterfall, open for tours everyday except Wednesday. Of course I could do neither as the water is still too cold in March and yes, today just happened to be Wednesday. Also you will find many trails here along with a few more waterfalls and the park is suppose to be a big spot for whitewater rafting.<br />
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It would have been nice to have a little more time here to explore a few more trails and waterfalls. And I cant tell you enough how much fun the water slides look. I would love to take my kids on them when they are a little older, but it's hard to imagine if or when I will ever be back in the area. The park was worth the quick stop just to check out Cucumber Falls and have a fast, late lunch by the river. Then it was back on the road as we headed to our cabin at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohiopyle Falls</td></tr>
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-24691362550089243302015-03-22T17:30:00.000-04:002015-05-01T11:25:00.407-04:00Cathedral Falls, WV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cathedral Falls is located around three miles southeast of the town Gauley Bridge and 15 miles northwest of Fayetteville, alongside US Rt 60/Hwy 16. The falls is around 60 feet tall and visible roadside.</i></span> <br />
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Cathedral Falls flows down a series of ledges dropping 60 ft into a small natural amphitheater. Considered by many as West Virginia's most scenic waterfall it's also one of the most accessible as it sits alongside the winding US 60. For a good view of the falls you need only slow down as you drive by. Or like many people I saw, just pull in the small parking lot, have a quick look through the windshield, then drive away. But for the best view just cross the small footbridge over the creek and take the very short path up to the base. <br />
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Just by searching through Google images of Cathedral Falls you will see many of those perfect waterfall shots everyone tries to create. Cathedral Falls has that great shape and series of drops along with a nice flow that makes it very ideal for pictures. Seeing so many beautiful photos, had left me really wanting to visit the falls one day; hoping for a chance to make my own great shot. So after we decided to finally make it back up to Ohio to see family, swinging by Cathedral Falls immediately crossed my mind.<br />
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On our way to Ohio we had decided to stop and spend the night, breaking the 9 hour drive in half. Well, suppose to be 9 hours. Our kids have a wonderful way of turning any drive into something much longer and annoying. Luckily, halfway to Ohio happened to be pretty close to Cathedral Falls and we spent the night in the nearby town of Fayetteville, WV.<br />
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Visiting Fayetteville turned out to be a good time but way too short. After all, it's the coolest small town. At least that is what their road sign told me. We were able to squeeze in a trip to Canyon Rim Visitor Center to see the New River Gorge Bridge, Cathedral Falls, and a short stop at Hawk's Nest State Park all in one afternoon. Lastly, we stopped at Pies and Pints for dinner. The pizza was very good and their kid's menu ham sandwich was the most amazing kid's sandwich I had ever seen. Great bread, real ham, and a beautiful presentation. Jokes aside it was too fancy for my kids and when they brought it out I knew I would be eating it because my kids mostly want to eat crap (not literally). After dinner and a beer it was off to the motel and on to Ohio in the morning. There were a few things nearby I would have really liked to do with more time and no kids. The Endless Wall trail looked very interesting as you get to climb ladders down through caves and hiking through the gorge and some of the old mining towns would have been fun.<br />
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But back to my photo. Well, I tried to get a great shot. However, being the genius that I am, I left the quick release plate for my tripod at the motel. Not being able to attach my camera and tripod, I tried my best to steady the camera. Unfortunately most of my pics came out blurry. A few came out okay but I didn't really get that great shot I was hoping for. Either way it was still a great day, minus the car rides, and Cathedral Falls was a beautiful sight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Hawk's Nest State Park</td></tr>
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-90535995806188051872015-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:002015-04-13T10:22:11.047-04:00Laurel Falls, TN (Hampton)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Heading from Boone take Hwy 321 N all the way to the trailhead. Parking and the sign for the falls will be next to the highway on the left just before you get into the town of Hampton. The hike is around 5 miles round trip. Laurel Falls is around 40-50 feet tall.</span></i><br />
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When hiking Laurel Falls their are two trail options to choose from. The Dennis Cove Rd. trailhead, which starts above the falls and is much shorter or the trailhead just off of Hwy 321 below the falls. While longer, this second option is less steep and a much easier drive. Coming from Boone the second option was the easy choice as Hwy 321 is basically a straight shot from Boone to Hampton. Plus, having driven on many rough, unpaved, and sometimes scary back roads on my quests for waterfalls, I will happily take a nice paved highway the entire way.</div>
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Once parked the blue blazed trail begins along the Laurel Fork Creek as you make your way upstream. Small cascades and large rocks line the creek, creating a very scenic and pleasant hike. Bridges constructed at each creek crossing only added to this pleasantness, as last year this time I was trekking barefoot through another icy creek. I shiver now just thinking about that day, so these bridges were a welcomed sight. Continuing around the creek the trail remains pretty easy and level eventually merging together with the Appalachian Trail at the bottom of the ridge. </div>
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Now hiking on the Appalachian Trail we began heading up the ridge. The trail becomes very narrow and rocky as you climb higher. Staring straight ahead you see the beautiful mountain covered horizon along with the rushing creek winding through the gorge below. You know, it's one of those nature's beauty or it doesn't get any better than this views. But seriously, it is a pretty nice picture. Just make sure you watch where you are walking, as a fall from here would be very bad news. This is definitely my favorite part of the hike, beautiful views and I guess that thrill of knowing one wrong step could plummet me to my death. Here is a few shots of the trail up on the ridge:</div>
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Continuing up the ridge a little ways will bring you to the fork. Straight ahead the trail continues on to Dennis Cove Rd. and to the right is the trail to the falls (with a sign and arrow). Heading off to the right the trail steepens as it begins its descent into the gorge. Just before reaching the water the trail turns completely to rocks as you climb your way down to the creek. At the creek is a very nice and large rock wall that you have to make your way around. Up the trail a little further you begin to hear the roar of Laurel Creek Falls and then spot the powerful falling water through the trees. <br />
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Anytime you can walk along a rushing and cascading lively creek followed by hiking a ridge high above a vast scenic gorge, I believe it's a good day. That's what makes this hike so enjoyable. Two and a half miles of great scenery and of course the large beautiful waterfall rewarding your efforts at the end.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Heading west on GA 52 from Dahlonega turn right on Nimblewill Church Rd. Drive until you hit a stop sign, the church is across from you, and turn left onto Nimblewill Gap Rd. The road eventually becomes FS 28-2 and turns to dirt at 2.3 miles. At another 2.2 miles FS 28-E will exit to your right. Head right here at this fork and park just up ahead at the campsite. You will know your at the correct place because you can see FS 28-2 starting a very steep climb just after the fork. After parking walk out onto FS 28-E and turn right. Walk down a short distance and the road ends just before a small creek crossing. Cross the creek and hike 1.5 miles to the base of the falls. Bearden Falls is around 200 feet tall.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>GPS- N 34 35.35' W 84 11.54'. </i></span> </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">To me the most challenging part of hiking Bearden Falls was actually the drive. The last 2.2 miles were rough, bumpy, slow going, muddy, and very wet. Huge, deep puddles lined the dirt road along with patches of large protruding rocks. It may be easier in dryer periods but on my visit I wouldn't have even attempted it without four wheel drive. In fact on our first unsuccessful attempt, unfamiliar with the road, we unfortunately came in a minivan. A decision quickly met with disappointment as we turned around and headed back. Thankfully we decided to give it another try in an four wheel drive SUV the following day. And while the drive was still very unnerving, after seeing and getting up close to Bearden Falls, it was completely worth it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JnZsyj-wjMj3Bl1sLehz_y-hQVzL440RaeB7y0hM18xTETSnnJcOXZmr6uDvgv63HphAJqmSF_lLLQiGN4b6DzoM1MZpvYKkwI1nNqNAzO9bDfiSkUTNOdg5wejGlih9PJv7NsWKPaBT/s1600/IMG_4543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JnZsyj-wjMj3Bl1sLehz_y-hQVzL440RaeB7y0hM18xTETSnnJcOXZmr6uDvgv63HphAJqmSF_lLLQiGN4b6DzoM1MZpvYKkwI1nNqNAzO9bDfiSkUTNOdg5wejGlih9PJv7NsWKPaBT/s1600/IMG_4543.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few pics from the dirt road leading to the trail.</td></tr>
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Once reaching the trail most of the actual hike is a breeze. An old flat and simple ATV trail followed by a shorter narrow footpath will take you all the way to the base with several simple creek crossings along the way. It is a pretty uneventful walk with a few significant cascades, but for the most part there isn't much to see. The coolest part was actually the many colorful mushrooms that lined the trail along the way. Which for some reason I spent way too much time snapping pictures of.</div>
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Reaching the base is when the fun begins. Keeping left of the falls you can hike the steep trail all the way up to the very top while swinging back towards the falls for some awesome views along the way. Getting up wasn't too difficult just be prepared to climb through trees, underbrush, and many thorns along the way. Now getting down, that was a bit of a challenge. You are either sliding down on your butt or reaching and grabbing for anything you can hold onto. Mostly I just stayed closed to the ground, slid and grabbed trees or took a seat whenever I began to tumble. Basically whichever stopped me from tumbling down the mountain.</div>
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Just before reaching the top of the falls are paths taking you up to the first main drop. Here you get the great up close view seen in the second picture at the top and then another close enough to reach up and touch the top of the waterfall. Here are two videos I shot from the main drop.</div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/vi/11vId79_qzg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/11vId79_qzg?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/11vId79_qzg?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DamF71CXSZQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Once above the main drop you have reached the very top of the falls. Up here is a beautiful view of the mountains on the horizon and a nice cascade signifying the origin of Bearden Falls. Standing on the rock at the edge of the waterfall gives you a glimpse 200 feet down to the bottom of falls. That very moment is what makes this hike so enjoyable. As you stare ahead at the huge mountain tops in the distance and the rushing water falling deep down below you are rewarded with an unforgettable view of nature.</div>
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Bearden falls is a very impressive waterfall that offers great views from the top and bottom of the falls. Seeing the falls from both perspectives really make this a special and beautiful place. While not the best or most scenic hike, it is at least pretty secluded and very fun when it climbs up beside the falls. And most importantly, the actual waterfall is amazing After failing on our first attempt to see Bearden Falls, I was very happy we came back and tried again. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade above Bearden Falls</td></tr>
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<b>Pics at the top</b></div>
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<b>Pics from the hike:</b><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Head </span>west on GA-52 from Dahlonega for about 18 miles. Turn right on Amicalola Falls State Park Rd and follow the road into the park. There are signs for the park on GA-52 so you cant miss it. Amicalola Falls is listed at 729 feet tall. GPS coordinates N 34.562652 W -84.247627.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span></i><br />
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Amicalola Falls State Park is a well developed destination featuring an inn, cabins, a restaurant, camp sites, playgrounds, picnic areas, a gift shop, a visitor center, many trails, and well you get the idea. It's a busy place that draws tourist in from all over the southeast. And of course it features the 729 foot Amicalola Falls, "the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River." Which always seems to be a subjective title when you start adding a waterfall's drops and cascades all together. But regardless, it's pretty tall.<br />
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With the crowds and kind of commercialized nature feel, it really isn't my ideal hike. But on a trip with six small children it seemed simple enough and hopefully a good way to tire out the kids. And as I figured, after 10 minutes of hiking I start to hear, "I'm tired", "My legs hurt", and "Carry me daddy." It is still funny to me how any little hike seems to take such a toll on my kids' brand new, young, fresh bodies. Hopefully one day when I'm too old and tired I can nag them into carrying me up some trails.<br />
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So with a nice heavy backpack full of camera equipment and the entire family's water supply, and of course a kid resting on top my shoulders, up the trail we went. It was about one mile up the New Appalachian Approach/Base of the Falls Trail including 175 steps to the lower overlook, giving you the view in the picture above. Even more steps, many more steps, will take you to the top of the falls, but for us 175 steps were enough. The trail then continues 7.5 miles to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. <br />
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Once on the viewing deck I immediately sought out my spot and set up my tripod and camera. And as the sun shined brightly, casting shadows all along the falls, I began my wait. Hoping for one single cloud to just briefly block the sun, I waited and waited. Even with a sky full of clouds I was sure God was toying with me as I watched each cloud inexplicably dance around the sun. In fact I was still standing there waiting when my family headed down the trail and even when they called to say they were at the car waiting on me to leave. <br />
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Making matters worse was continuously hearing "can you take our picture?" as a constant stream of strangers approached me. I guess just standing around with a camera and tripod made me an easy target though. Now for some reason I hate asking people I don't know for help or really any kind of assistance at all. And yes that would include something as trivial or small as taking my picture. My wife will ask in a heartbeat, but I've never asked and I'm quick to tell her not to bother anyone. But my feelings aside, when asked I never tell anyone no. So there I was reluctantly taking pictures of every group that walked up the stairs and feeling that pressure of making a good picture. Hoping not to see the look of disappointment on their face as they glance at their camera or phone screen to critique my work.<br />
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Atlas a cloud finally made its way in front of the sun and rescued me. I quickly, knowing my wife and children were waiting on me, snapped some pictures and headed down the trail. I made great time as I ran the entire way and the trail now was completely downhill. Reaching the car, there they sat, car cranked and ready to go. I jumped in and we quickly headed home. <br />
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Amicalola Falls is huge, tall and definitely worth seeing but once is probably enough for me. While I appreciate the many wooden steps and viewing platforms allowing such wonderful views, it kind of takes away from the overall setting. I love a much more natural setting, climbing up and around the rocks and rushing water while I search for that perfect view or angle; not trekking up long flights of stairs as I squeeze by the constant traffic of people coming down. Nevertheless, Amicalola is a beautiful and amazing sight and probably a better experience if you don't go on a hot crowded summer day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yVmpe44NnDUfykn9VxyTlOMvtT1B9a3CV7ek4IfhyphenhyphenLjUoLTG-OIJWQUxtgr9oFw3bYlQkOpyDTRi_WBvQQpU_AQF4Zyw5ofuCF1Q2RTvV3f4CBmtELwlQY5bfL_0PxMOCXPPGD_c-LFm/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yVmpe44NnDUfykn9VxyTlOMvtT1B9a3CV7ek4IfhyphenhyphenLjUoLTG-OIJWQUxtgr9oFw3bYlQkOpyDTRi_WBvQQpU_AQF4Zyw5ofuCF1Q2RTvV3f4CBmtELwlQY5bfL_0PxMOCXPPGD_c-LFm/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" width="266" /></a>Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-4661359279611483402014-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:002014-07-15T09:37:19.448-04:00North Harper Creek Falls, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>There seems to be quite a few routes to the falls but coming from Boone head south past Linville on US 221 and NC 181. Then turn left onto Old Jonas Ridge Rd. (SR 1518) just before 221 and 181 split. Continue on, passing the Blue Ridge Parkway, for about 2 miles to a fork with a church on the left. Go left at the fork onto Mortimer Rd and follow it for 2.5 miles, then taking a right on FR 58. You will cross a small bridge over North Harper Creek and in about 0.2 park at the small pullout on the left. There will be a sign for North Harper Creek Trail. The hike to the falls is about a mile.</i></span><br />
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We pulled off the road, parked, and read the North Harper Creek Trail sign next to the trail head. The blue blazed trail climbed down the mountain to the creek and seemed simple enough. I hadn't really bothered to look up any of the details so I just figured follow the trail running beside the creek and it will have to come to North Harper Creek Falls at some point. <br />
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So we hiked on and on and then on some more. About 3 miles in I was pretty sure we had missed the falls somehow. New plan; just keep hiking until we eventually hit South Harper Creek Falls and then find North Harper Creek Falls on the way back. It sounded good until each of the many creek crossing got bigger and bigger. The first couple of creek crossing were no problem as we rocked hopped across. The next three or so luckily had logs to walk across. Then the crossing got wider and deeper with no choice but wading. <br />
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Normally wading the creek is not a problem but it was January with many visible icicles hanging from the rocks in the creek and lots of snow still on the ground. Reluctantly, I took of my shoes and stepped into the freezing creek. Before I could even dry off and put my shoes back on it was time to wade again. So at this point each creek crossing started with a long debate of turn back or press on. Finally, with my feet frozen we came to another crossing and couldn't decide what to do.<br />
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Our solution was flip a coin, heads cross the creek and keep hiking even though we weren't exactly sure where it was taking us or tails turn around. Probably not the best decision making tool but tails it was. So we turned around and wading back across the many creeks we had just crossed.<br />
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Hiking out we ran into Chestnut Cove Branch Falls which I recognized and knew it was just down stream from North Harper Creek Falls. Chestnut Cove Falls is a very narrow and long cascading waterfall that flows down a large sloping rock. To me it is pretty unimpressive except for the fact that you can walk up, down, and all around it. I actually thought the best part was the many potholes visible in the rock beside the falls.<b> </b>So after snapping a few pics of both we headed back through the trees and continued hiking up the trail.<br />
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We crossed the creek again and headed up towards a campsite I had caught a glimpse of. Finally, just in the distance through the trees I could make out a waterfall. We hiked through the trees and the area opened up and there was North Harper Creek Falls. It is still crazy we missed it on the hike in. The only thing that makes sense is when originally heading down the creek I just never turned around to notice it. But atlas we had found it and the day was right again.<br />
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I immediately broke out my camera and started setting up as the sun was going down. All day I had complained about the bright sun and no clouds, as I just knew it would ruin my pictures. Now as I quickly snapped pictures, I worried about the disappearing light. After hurrying through, I packed up and we headed out. I tried not to take too long as I knew nightfall was coming, but it came and it seemed to come instantly.<br />
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Before we knew it we were walking and searching for the trail in the pitch black woods. At this point it was harder and harder to make out the trail and we were not sure which way to go. I knew we would eventually get out but I started to worry about what are wives were thinking. We had planned to be back around 3, but it was after 7 and we had no cell phone service. So we hiked on through the woods with our cell phone flashlights in hand.<br />
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Since most of the trail hugged the creek we decided our best bet would be to hike alongside and try to pick up the trail again at some point. So we started bushwhacking, ducking and moving through the trees as we grabbed onto anything we could to help pull ourselves up the mountain. After we got a ways up we swung back towards the creek and crossed above the falls. <br />
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We still saw no trail but happened to notice a clearing just up the mountain. We climbed up and there stood an abandoned house and of course a no trespassing sign just beside it. I'm always weary about walking through someone else's property especially at night in the woods. Maybe because you always hear those stories about the crazy owner in the middle of nowhere waving a shotgun at anyone who dares to trek through their property. But the house was definitely empty and it was either head on or return to being lost in the woods. <br />
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At the beginning of the hike we had seen many no trespassing signs on the opposite side of the creek so it was apparent we were now on that side with the trail being on the other. Hiking down the dirt driveway we decided to head down a path on the left, go back to the creek, cross, and pick up the trail. This seemed like a good idea especially since we would get off this person's land. We headed back into the trees, passed an old abandon building, searched and searched but couldn't find the creek. At this point we were tired of being lost in the dark woods so we decided our best bet was to go back to the driveway and follow it to the road. After a long walk down what seemed like an endless dirt road we finally hit the forest service road. We took a left and headed up the road and just around 9:00 pm we caught our first glimpse of the van parked by the trail head. It was a glorious sight. Cold, tired, and now relieved, we climbed into the van and headed home. <br />
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Initially we apparently missed the path that turns off of North Harper Creek Trail and leads to North Harper Creek Falls. Hitting the falls on the way back was more luck than actually knowing where it was. Even after visiting it I'm still not straight on the directions; as part of our hike was in the dark and through private property. If you are reading this and planning a visit I would suggest getting detailed directions. Although knowing myself it was probably a pretty easy hike that I just totally screwed up. I am very thankful for the technology of cell phone flashlights. Without it, I would have been spending that night in the cold woods.<br />
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Minus the getting lost at night part, the hike is pretty enjoyable with lots of cascades and scenic views of the creek. The waterfall is a nice 40 ft. drop over a long rock wall. The water at the base is very shallow as you can walk up and touch the falls. If I get a chance to do it again it wont be during winter though. I would like to start earlier too, hiking further downstream to hit Harper Creek and find South Harper Creek Falls.<br />
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Pics from the hike:<br />
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-36577466747346700772013-06-17T19:30:00.000-04:002014-02-26T09:24:17.117-05:00Reedy Branch Falls, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Head west on US 76 from Westminster for 16 miles and look for Chattooga Ridge Rd. on your right. Drive past Chattooga Ridge Rd. for 0.2 miles to the small parking area on your left. You will see a stone wall and stone pillars when you pull in. From here it is a very quick walk behind the gate to the 30 foot tall Reedy Branch Falls.</span></i><br />
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We rolled into the Reedy Branch parking lot just before 8 pm. After 10 exhausting hours of hiking we had finally reached our last waterfall of the day. Being just of the highway and such a short walk, it is definitely worth a stop if you are nearby.<br />
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The trail begins on the gravel road just behind the gate. A short easy walk leads you to a small bridge and a path on the left. From here you can see the falls through the trees. Follow the path a couple hundred feet to the base of Reedy Branch Falls.<br />
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The best thing about this waterfall is how photogenic it is. I like how the pictures seem to show the water climbing down the mountain. It sort of looks like water going down a steep staircase. In fact, the photos actually make it look more impressive than it really is. While it is beautiful and well worth a visit I couldn't help but think if only it were higher.<br />
<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-54509914284067074322013-06-17T16:00:00.000-04:002014-02-26T09:26:17.992-05:00Long Creek Falls, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>From Westminster head west on US 76 for 13.3 miles and turn left on Damascus Church Rd. Drive 0.8 miles on Damascus Church Rd. and turn right on Battle Creek Rd. Follow it for 1.8 miles taking a right onto Turkey Ridge Road (FS 755).<span style="color: #003333; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Drive 2.8 miles to the grassy clearing</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> and park. The road you are driving on will stop and open into the grassy clearing and you will see FS 7551 going off to your right. The hike begins down the narrow FS 7551. Long Creek Falls is a 1.6 mile hike to a 50 foot tall waterfall.</span></i></span><br />
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We actually wasted about an hour before even starting this hike. Just before you get to the grassy parking area you pass a small unlabeled forest service road on the right. Due to my unthorough research, I of course believed this to be the trail. We got into the hike, realized it was wrong, and then like many times in the past when lost, hiked on. Working our way down the very steep descent to the creek, we planned on just following the creek downstream to the falls.<br />
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Finally making it down to the creek, the idea didn't seem so great anymore. It would be a tough task bushwacking along side the creek and the water was way too cold to enjoy walking through it. We still debated it awhile because just looking at the climb back up was exhausting. Eventually though, we reluctantly made our way back up to the car. We then drove up the road another minute to the actual trial.<br />
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The trail begins on the narrow FS 7551. It was an easy and level stroll along the muddy road that forks at half a mile. Take the right fork and you will see a forest sign about 20 feet up the road. From here hike 0.75 miles to a steeply descending path on the left. Follow the path several hundred feet down the mountain to the Chattooga river just below the falls. <br />
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My favorite part of this waterfall is how close it is to the river. It is really cool standing at the last drop of the creek as it rushes into the big river behind you. The area here is open and beautiful with plenty of different angles to shoot the falls. You will need to wade across the creek to reach the base which will offer a unobstructed view of the falls. Not only will you see a great waterfall here but you also get a wonderful view of the scenic river.<br />
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Driving up Turkey Ridge Road to Long Creek Falls you will also pass Opossum Creek Falls on your left. We didn't have time to hike both that day but Opossum Creek looks like a really nice waterfall. Seeing both would make a great day trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Chattooga River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother standing at the base.</td></tr>
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-60110261498044459392013-06-17T11:30:00.000-04:002014-02-26T09:26:27.022-05:00Sid's Falls, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Coming from Westminster, SC head west on US 76 for 13.1 miles and make a left onto Damascus Church Road. Drive about a mile and bear right onto Battle Creek Rd. just before Damascus Church Rd. turns to gravel. Follow Battle Creek Rd. and you will hit a stop sign where it meets back up with Damascus Church Rd. Turn right here and a little ways down the road look for the gated FS 2616 on the right. Park here and the hike begins on FS 2616 behind the gate. If you get to a church you have gone 0.15 miles too far.. The hike is about 3 miles round trip and the waterfall around 50 feet tall.</i></span><br />
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The first mile of the hike is an easy stroll along the overgrown Forest Service road. You will pass 3 wildlife clearings (small open fields) along the way. When you reach the 4th and final clearing the road will end. Walk to the upper end of the field, close to the road, and look for a small faint clearing and trail into the woods.<br />
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If you're as unlucky as me you will be hiking the grown over road at its highest growth. I know this because on the way out we ran into the tractor mowing the grassy forest road. I guess I am semi unlucky because walking back on the now mowed road was a treat compared to hiking in. The way in was filled with ticks, more ticks, and tons of ticks. I despise ticks and I really hate them when they are crawling all over my shoes and ankles. It was so bad, along with the horseflies, I came very close to skipping Sid's Falls. But we pressed on, swatting the horseflies away and stopping every minute to flick the ticks off, till finally the road ended at the edge of the woods. <br />
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Once in the woods the trail is pretty simple to follow. You will see some flagging tape to help you along the way but I wouldn't completely count on it. My directions said to follow the pink and orange tape but I only saw it in a few spots. In fact most of the tape I saw had been torn from the trees and laid on the ground. <br />
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The trail remains easy and level most of the way until you get about 0.1 miles from the falls. On my trip I saw one piece of yellow flagging tape at the point of descent. This part is not fun. You will have to climb your way down the mountain through thick shrubs and tons of fallen trees all the while hanging on to anything you can to stay upright. This whole trek is really overgrown, you are ducking in and out of tree branches, and you cant see where you are stepping. Normally this would be my favorite part of the hike, but the not knowing where or what I may be stepping on took away my excitement. You could just tell this part of the hike was ripe for snakes. I prayed I wouldn't step on any and luckily out of the two we did encounter, one ran away and the other just sat curled up and still.<br />
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Once near the creek the area opens up some and you can start to see the falls through the trees. The trail takes you out right on top of the creek at the base of the falls. This area isn't very big but you have enough room to walk up the rocks on the creek to the waterfall's main drop. It didn't look like there was any way to continue hiking downstream though.<br />
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This is a very interesting looking waterfall. You have the tall main drop completely surrounded by cascading waters heading downstream like steps. The whole area just had a different feel to it. You pop through the woods into this open area with a great big waterfall that is still packed into this small isolated space. It kinda fells like it shouldn't be here. It gives you this cool sense that this area is hidden from the world and this beautiful view is rarely seen by others.<br />
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-40680515599101610982013-06-17T08:30:00.000-04:002014-02-26T09:26:54.425-05:00Brasstown Falls, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: #eeeeee;">From Westminster head west on US 76 and at 12 miles turn left on Brasstown Rd. Drive 4 miles before turning right onto <span style="font-family: inherit;">FS<span style="line-height: 16px;"> 751 just before the small bridge. Drive another 1/2 mile to the parking area at the trail head. The trail is 0.3 miles to the three sections of the falls and a short distance upstream to Little Brasstown Falls.</span></span></i></span><br />
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Brasstown Falls is a very short but steep hike downstream to 3 different sections of the falls. You have the cascades, the veil, and finally the sluice. Also just minutes upstream from the cascades is the very nice Little Brasstown Falls.<br />
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Up first, the cascades is an easy 0.1 mile flat hike. However, continuing on, the trail narrows and steepens as it hugs the creek. After hiking another 0.1 mile you reach the veil. Lastly, you will climb down the steep trail another 0.1 mile to reach the sluice. You will actually notice a few trails leading down the creek, but just pick and choose your way downstream. You wont get lost here.<br />
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Though steep and narrow, being so short the trail is pretty simple. Just be careful if the trail is wet because it was definitely pretty slick when I hiked it. There are a few areas you will want to watch your step around as a fall would probably prove fatal. But if you are smart and take your time down the trail you wont have any problems. I wouldn't bring any young children here though.<br />
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<b>The Cascades:</b><br />
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The cascades is around 50 feet high and good sized. It is nice but definitely the least impressive of the three. It was pretty uninteresting as were all of my photos but the best is yet to come. The next two sections really make the hike.<br />
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<b>The Veil:</b><br />
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The veil was very beautiful but the most challenging to photograph. To even stand a chance against the spray I had to set up well into the trees away from the falls. I visited on a very rainy and windy day which was very evident by the water spots on all my pictures. Unfortunately, none of my photos showed how beautiful this 20 foot drop really is. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">This was taken while standing on the narrow trail and looking down. </span><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> This was one of the places you definitely did not want to slip and fall. </span><br />
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<b>The Sluice:</b><br />
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The sluice was my favorite section. It is a beautiful area that sorta feels boxed in by the rock walls, trees beside you and the flowing creek behind you. I loved how you could see the veil above and the powerful flowing sluice just in front of you.<br />
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<b>Little Brasstown Falls:</b><br />
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To reach Little Brasstown Falls look for a campsite on your left just a little ways down the trail as you begin your hike. You can see a path going to the left. Cross the stream and head through the woods and you will quickly reach the falls. There was a very large log stretching across the creek allowing you reach the falls without wading.<br />
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Little Brasstown Falls is a nice 20-30 feet waterfall that would be worth a visit by itself. Just near the base is a memorial marker for Timmy 1976-99. Curious as to what happened to Timmy I tried a Google search but with no luck. Even though 1999 feels like just yesterday I guess that really was a long time ago. Someone also left him a Rolling Rock. Not sure if that was suppose to be a nice gesture or if they just wanted to get rid of an awful beer.<br />
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Every time I visited South Carolina I always thought about visiting Brasstown Falls. But being such a short hike, I kept passing on it. Finally, since it was right on our way to another trail we decided to make a quick stop. I was very happy we did. The veil and the sluice are awesome sights and the surrounding area and creek are beautiful.Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-60344199004211530492013-04-04T10:30:00.000-04:002018-07-30T03:03:48.116-04:00Rainbow Falls, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rainbow Falls is located in Jones Gap State Park at 303 Jones Gap Road in Marietta, SC. The hike is about 5 miles round trip and the falls is around 100 feet high. You can also access the falls hiking 1.8 miles round trip from Camp Greenville on YMCA Camp Road, Greenville, SC.</i></span><br />
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My wife and I decided to take a short trip without the kids. Since no kids equaled more possibilities I excitingly spent many hours contemplating and researching where to go. I looked at places from Oregon, Chicago, New York to the Caribbean only to end up back in Asheville. But with good food, lots of beer, and great waterfalls not to far away; I am always up for a trip to Asheville. Plus this time we were staying right downtown thanks to Priceline giving me the Sheraton for only 58 bucks a night. So we planned on eating, drinking, walking around downtown for two days then heading to SC to hike Rainbow Falls and Falls Creek Falls the last day..<br />
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The Rainbow Falls hike begins just past the Jones Gap State Park Visitor Center on the Jones Gap Trail. The hike begins as an easy stroll along a level, rocky trail. Don't worry this all changes when you hit the Rainbow Falls junction. You cant miss it as the trail forks and the trees are marked with red paint. Once on the Rainbow Falls trail you will hike up, further up, and completely up the mountain. The entire trail is 2.3 miles uphill and moderate to strenuous. However, the many views of the cascading river and the very large rock wall make it a very interesting hike. This is a beautiful and fun hike except of course the day I experienced it.<br />
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Our hike was filled with rain; pouring rain. Rain that poured as I stepped out of the vehicle and still continued four hours later when I climbed back in. It never let up once. The entire trail was puddles of water and mud. It was 40 degrees outside and I was soaked. Despite my big blue poncho, my hoodie was soaked, shirt soaked, pants soaked, and shoes and socks soaked. My hands, well I couldn't even feel them until I was driving back to Asheville. It was a cold and miserable time. <br />
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Even worse though was attempting to take pictures in the pouring rain. This was the part that really bummed me out. Every time I took the cap of the lens my camera was covered in rain. I took my poncho off and we tried to use it as a shield but the wind and rain was too strong. Every time I cleaned the lens more rain drenched it. Frustrated and angry I finally just gave up. I got a few shots from far away but none really to my liking. Trying to take pictures up near the main drop is something I can only laugh about now. It was a hopeless task and I hated that it took away a lot of the enjoyment of seeing and standing in front of this beautiful waterfall.<br />
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In fact, most of our time at the waterfall was spent huddling under a big rock, trying to get dry and warm up. The rest of the time I spent wiping and cleaning my wet camera. We even ate lunch crammed up under the rock as we continued to sit and wait, wondering if the rain would ever let up. Here is a video I shot from under the rock:<br />
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Even after all this, sitting in the car, I asked my wife if she was ready to head up the road to Falls Creek Falls. This was the original plan, hike Rainbow then go see Falls Creek. I already knew her answer. But she did surprisingly say okay; as long as we go somewhere to buy her new dry clothes first. To me though that answer was the same as a no. I plan on coming back and hiking both next time I visit my brother in Clemson. This waterfall is awesome and I really want another chance to truly enjoy it. <br />
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<i>Some quick shots I took in the rain with my small point and shoot camera. </i><br />
<i>This is on the trail heading back towards the car:</i><br />
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-29034874542071917902013-01-19T10:30:00.000-05:002014-02-26T09:28:08.098-05:00Virginia Hawkins Falls, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>From Pickens head north on US 178. You will come to a four way stop at the intersection with SC 11. Continue straight on 178 for 8.1 miles then turn left onto Laurel Valley Rd. The road immediately forks, take the right uphill road which is the gravel Horsepasture Rd. Drive 3.6 miles until you come to an uphill green gated road on your right. The road you are on sort of goes left and is gated at this point also. Both were closed in the winter. In between the roads is a big sign and map for Eastatoee Creek Heritage Preserve. Pull off here and park on the left. The trail starts behind the green gated road to the right of the sign. One part that was a little confusing is just before you drive up the hill to get to the sign and parking area it looks like there is a road to the left. It is just a dead end though. The hike is about 3.4 miles round trip and the waterfall around 25 feet high before it cascades further down the stream.</i></span></div>
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Virginia Hawkins is a very interesting looking waterfall that had been on my list to see for quite sometime. I had seen pictures of it with very little water so I wanted to hit it at the right time. Luckily even in a severe drought it had rained 5 inches that week. So Saturday morning, while visiting my brother in Clemson, we headed out and arrived at the trail a little after 9.</div>
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Just getting out of the car was a major relief. Heading up the gravel Horsepasture road for 3.6 miles was a very unpleasant drive. It is narrow, steep, full of huge rocks, and seemed like it took an eternity. I was very grateful we didn't meet any vehicles going up or down the road. I always get nervous thinking about those situations staring at the person stopped in front of you; wondering what the hell you are gonna do with no room to get by. This was my very least favorite part of the trip but the actual hike was great.</div>
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Once beginning the hike up the gravel road you hit the Foothills Trail, crossing the road at about 0.2 miles. Turn left and stay on the Foothills Trail (white paint on the trees) all the way to the falls. It is well marked and easy to follow. There is some stair climbing involved but overall the trail is easy to moderate. Even the 6 or so creek crossings had wooden bridges installed at each. </div>
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The hike winds around the mountain and eventually descends down to the creek. Along the way are some very nice cascades, as much of the trail runs through and along the creek. One cool thing visible along the trail, at least that day, was a huge waterfall in the distance. I'm not sure if that is part of Laurel Creek Falls or not. We sorta tried to bushwack our way towards it, but the areas around the creek were so flooded from all the rain. We gave up but I did snap a picture of it from far away hiking out.</div>
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It's not a great picture (waterfall - bottom middle of the photo) as all the views were obstructed, but it gives you an idea of how big it is. It would have also helped if I brought my zoom lens because I took it from the part of the trail high above the creek. You can see it is very tall when you are down by the creek.</div>
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When we arrived at Virginia Hawkins I was very relieved to see the sun had not hit the falls yet. The way the falls is positioned between the mountains actually keeps it in the shadows a pretty long time. Even on a sunny and clear day. What I loved about this waterfall is how photogenic it is. The five segments of water going over the first drop looked amazing. I got some great shots but I also really wanted some from the other side of the creek. It was way too high and cold to try and cross though. </div>
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It is an excellent waterfall but a little more height would make it spectacular. But that is the very smallest of complaint for this unique and beautiful waterfall. The hike is great and the reward even better. And if you wanted to avoid the drive up to the falls you could hike from the big Foothills Trail parking lot just 0.2 miles up Horsepasture rd. It will add about 8 miles to your hike though.</div>
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-82668382873062665112012-06-30T08:30:00.000-04:002014-02-26T09:29:00.090-05:00Fall Creek Falls, Oconee County, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Waterfall on Fall Creek</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>From Westminster, SC drive west 16.2 miles on US 76. Turn right on Chattooga Ridge Road. Drive 2 miles and turn left onto Fall Creek Road (FS 722). When the road forks go left. Go 0.7 miles where the road crosses over the creek. There is a small pullout on the left. Park and hike up the road about 150 feet to a faint trail down the the steep bank on the left. There was flagging tape marking the trail.</i></span> <br />
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Normally, there are very few places I would rather be than hiking along to a magnificent waterfall. However, this was really an unexpected trip. I still had my heart set on the beach house in Saint George Island, FL (the original plan). Especially since it included a private pool and indulging in fresh, juicy oysters from a place that calls itself the oyster capital of America. Which just happens to be my absolute favorite food..<br />
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Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Tropical Storm Debbie visited the island instead and she took her sweet time. The storm crept slowly through the island closing down the bridge, knocking out all the power, and rerouting our annual family vacation to my brother's house in Clemson, SC. So after two nights in a hotel (Jacksonville and Tallahassee) I loaded the car up for the third time and headed to South Carolina.<br />
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Three straight days of driving, many tanks of gas, and countless wonderful hours of riding with a toddler and a baby later, we pulled into my brother's driveway. My only silver lining was finally getting my hands on some Cigar City beer from Florida. And while they do make excellent beer it wasn't nearly enough to make up for the trouble it took.</div>
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The rest of the week in South Carolina was pretty much spent catering to the 6 kids. However, the morning before heading back to North Carolina my brothers and I decided to squeeze in a quick trip to Fall Creek Falls.<br />
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We arrived at the trail just after 8am and made a short scramble down to the upper falls. The trip down was very short and easy and led to this scenic 35 foot waterfall:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Fall Creek Falls</td></tr>
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From the base you can pick up the trail heading downstream. At first the trail is marked with flagging tape and pretty easy to follow. I just couldn't figure out why some parts had pink and some parts had blue tape since I only saw the one trail. A ways down the trail the flagging tape disappears as the path winds to and away from the creek. It got a little tricky at times but you could always just make your way back to the creek and head downstream if you lost the trail. Just before reaching the second falls the flagging tape appeared again and marked the trail all the way to the third waterfall.<br />
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The trail is mostly flat and moderate, but almost completely overgrown. This was the worse part because about every 5 minutes you had to stop and do a tick check on your legs. I had at least 12 just on me, plus the two we found in the car, and the one attached to my back when we got back to my brother's house.<br />
Adding in the 100 degree heat on the hike out, the annoying horsefly hiking with me the entire time, and endless spider webs, I was quite happy to get back to the car. <br />
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You can look at the picture of the second waterfall (top of page) and see how awesome it is. That sight alone made the entire hike worth it. It is probably around 30 feet tall. The last waterfall was not even a 1/4 a mile further down the creek. It is small but nice. The coolest thing about the third waterfall is its location. This is where the creek meets the Chattooga River. The trail ends through the trees as the area completely opens up to a beautiful view of the river. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third Waterfall on Fall Creek</td></tr>
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View of the Chattooga River from the end of the trail:<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The waterfalls were all very enjoyable. Especially the second falls which could rival the beauty of almost any waterfall in South Carolina. It just was not one of my favorite hikes. Mostly because of my hate for ticks and the massive heat wave on the east coast that weekend; plus an annoying ass horsefly. Then lastly there was the incident where I took a step on the edge of the narrow trail and the ground gave way. Leaving me in a hole up to my waste standing on top of the many tree roots underneath. Both of my legs were black. However, at the end of the day I was still very </span><span style="text-align: left;">glad I got to see Fall Creek Falls.</span></div>
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-39323048040462248522012-04-14T11:30:00.000-04:002014-02-26T09:29:36.703-05:00Jones Falls, TN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>On US 19 East in Elk Park turn right onto Little Elk Rd. Go to the end and turn left onto Old Mill Rd. Take the next right on Elk River Rd. Drive 4 miles where the road ends at the parking area for Elk Falls. The trail begins on the old forest road behind the gate. Jones Falls is 100 feet tall.</em></span><br />
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This was an easy 3.6 mile round trip hike. A good portion of the hike runs through the woods on the old forest road with not much scenery. However, once you reach the river you see how beautiful this area really is. At the river hike left through the grassy meadow and pick up the faint trail hugging the river. Follow the trail back into the woods and when you hit the Appalachian Trail (marked on the trees with white paint) turn left. Hike a ways on the AT and you will come to a sign for Jones Falls.<br />
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This great waterfall drops 100 feet flowing down the rocks in many different directions. The view from the base is the best but there is a short trial that climbs up to the upper section. Up here you can almost walk right under the first drop. I took some pictures up here but the sun was out and shinning brightly and I was unhappy with how they turned out. <br />
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This was a very secluded hike as I had the gorgeous river views all to myself. It wasn't until I got to Jones Falls did I see someone else. Here I met a guy from Louisiana, hiking through the Appalachian Trail and unfamiliar with this area. So I led him on a side trip to <a href="http://ncwaterfall.blogspot.com/search/label/Elk%20Falls">Elk Falls</a> as we hiked back together.<br />
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This was just another of the awesome waterfalls in the state of Tennessee. To see it at it's best visit after a period of heavy rain. This is a great day hike especially since you get to combine it with a trip to <a href="http://ncwaterfall.blogspot.com/search/label/Elk%20Falls">Elk Falls</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beside the upper section drop</td></tr>
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-24957425580248851692012-04-14T10:00:00.000-04:002014-07-15T09:37:35.079-04:00Elk Falls, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took (or I should say survived) a weekend trip with my wife's family up to Banner Elk. This was my second trip to Elk Falls. For directions and more details check out my <a href="http://ncwaterfall.blogspot.com/search/label/Elk%20Falls">first visit to Elk Falls</a> and scroll down. <br />
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This time my main purpose was to hike the trail to Jones Falls in Tennessee which begins on the old gated forest road beside the Elk Falls parking area. Before I set out on the hike I stopped by Elk Falls and snapped some more pictures. It was pretty sunny out though but here are some shots I got.<br />
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-73788916661153727062011-08-04T15:30:00.000-04:002014-07-15T09:46:51.193-04:00Stairway Falls, NC<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Park at the trail head for <a href="http://ncwaterfall.blogspot.com/search/label/Rainbow%20Falls">Rainbow Falls</a>. Stairway Falls is a mile downstream from Rainbow Falls. If you are hiking back from Rainbow you will come to a intersection with left going back to parking and right going to Stairway falls. Turn right and follow the trail the best you can. There are many spurs that lead off the trail but try to stay close to the river and you will find it. You will cross a creek a couple times and pass a campsite. It is a little confusing but not too bad if you stay close to the river. It is a little over a mile hike from Rainbow Falls.</span></i><br />
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It is very easy to see how Stairway Falls gets it name. Located about a mile downstream from Rainbow Falls, there is a good chance you will have it all to yourself. While the actual waterfall isn't that impressive the best part is the great swimming hole beneath it.<br />
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The water directly under the final drop is very shallow. This allows you to walk through and even sit directly under the falls. The area is also pretty big and a nice change from the crowds swimming at Turtleback Falls. It is always a cool feeling sitting there with a powerful waterfall crashing on top of you. And there are some sections with enough room to squeeze through the waterfall and sit behind it. It wasn't a great waterfall to photograph but I had a great time playing in it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0xVTSBxzoC0Q6CcUDz5xN9nrAjopKC6Zx4UcY3LO2R9TEQ48OQRwyOM9DLKn5Q2wLOn76NZm0Lz5apyxDsL_uCM-UxlAWSFPmhYDnEszbCd-4OPNIFKSIHFFd_mDcAqm2yHwe_XD-E-9/s1600/IMG_8624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0xVTSBxzoC0Q6CcUDz5xN9nrAjopKC6Zx4UcY3LO2R9TEQ48OQRwyOM9DLKn5Q2wLOn76NZm0Lz5apyxDsL_uCM-UxlAWSFPmhYDnEszbCd-4OPNIFKSIHFFd_mDcAqm2yHwe_XD-E-9/s400/IMG_8624.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting under the falls</td></tr>
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Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-86969015070474179362011-08-04T14:00:00.000-04:002014-07-15T09:47:03.568-04:00Drift Falls, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdELsOH38k4/T5kLG8TXWPI/AAAAAAAABSk/nHXgq-b_Xk8/s1600/IMG_8552_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdELsOH38k4/T5kLG8TXWPI/AAAAAAAABSk/nHXgq-b_Xk8/s640/IMG_8552_edited-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Drift Falls is located on the <a href="http://ncwaterfall.blogspot.com/search/label/Rainbow%20Falls">Rainbow Falls</a> hike. Park there and hike past Rainbow and Turtleback to reach the falls. The hike is 4.0 miles round trip and the waterfall is around 80 feet long.</i></span><br />
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Stay on the trail heading past <a href="http://ncwaterfall.blogspot.com/search/label/Turtleback%20Falls">Turtleback Falls</a>. The trail heads up the right side of Turtleback and continues upstream. In about 10 minutes the trail ends at a fence and no trespassing sign. Head left towards the river and as you make your way through the trees you will see the falls.<br />
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Apparently Drift Falls was once a very popular water slide for many visitors. It even earned the nickname "Bust Yer Butt Falls". Nowadays the land owner strictly forbids any trespassing as you can tell from the many signs posted.<br />
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You can get a great view of the falls from what feels like a small island in front of the waterfall. However, this really is your only shot available. The area is beautiful, but the waterfall is not very special or memorable. Being just upstream from Rainbow and Turtleback makes it worth a visit though.<br />
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<br />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180634836816198886.post-6365057653981561792011-08-04T13:00:00.000-04:002014-07-15T09:47:16.395-04:00Turtleback Falls, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnSrSXaK-AfuEIIeiVYAKEjw49U-6fGdM3-ofyFErkol66jF1KidS8m1griR56330r2W28KAjlHy6tT8KCydIr87LwjesJgjpZvQz5hDTVrrvJrWLJTxXwQBt_mp3pUTg1XJVqRI0w1nZ/s1600/IMG_8516_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnSrSXaK-AfuEIIeiVYAKEjw49U-6fGdM3-ofyFErkol66jF1KidS8m1griR56330r2W28KAjlHy6tT8KCydIr87LwjesJgjpZvQz5hDTVrrvJrWLJTxXwQBt_mp3pUTg1XJVqRI0w1nZ/s400/IMG_8516_edited-1.jpg" height="266" qda="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Park and Hike the <a href="http://ncwaterfall.blogspot.com/search/label/Rainbow%20Falls">Rainbow Falls</a> trail in Gorges State park, highway 281 entrance.. The falls just a little ways passed Rainbow Falls on the same trail. Turtleback Falls is about 20 feet tall.</span></em></div>
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Turtleback falls is a very popular place so if you go in the summer expect a crowd. You can quickly see why it is so appealing as an continuous line of people climb to the top and slide down the falls. I am not too big on crowds and then considering the bus load of kids that happened to show up helped me decide to pass on the fun. Looking back though, I kind of wish I had gone down once just to say I did it. But my brothers went down many times and they really enjoyed it.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwUgaYaKSxyr6Thst4pKBzE3RR5_0N4TODZlHeNY4YEARd8YOyTgcdDncIwQh48l3Gv92PqsfXFrR631CXVVi9Rl-2n2EBF9XJnRwtmzBJD3FFarWXm4BPdx3fYcYHJWk31dqXwPlYFHU/s400/IMG_8524_edited-1.jpg" height="266" oda="true" width="400" /></div>
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Here are the two videos I shot and a couple pics of my brothers sliding down the falls:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RMLsF6fF9ME?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1P92a3HELTk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PKda1Oy-emoOHtt-XbFHQHKLEz4fdmF4YcRB-Ks7TAT_QG1NG7AXv2O11etY-Gyg_hh4jOrocx8_kLPd2aQ7iF_3gqbba5eX9JG4DJRtp73yDOxUyMl649zsE1lw8JzM8pyQn7JYB_eX/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PKda1Oy-emoOHtt-XbFHQHKLEz4fdmF4YcRB-Ks7TAT_QG1NG7AXv2O11etY-Gyg_hh4jOrocx8_kLPd2aQ7iF_3gqbba5eX9JG4DJRtp73yDOxUyMl649zsE1lw8JzM8pyQn7JYB_eX/s320/IMG_8548.JPG" height="213" oda="true" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyCAm7FPmlulm1_KsEElWk53OhyphenhyphenBSyirqw99Pij1sT7dSJ3ze_HKAGolx-TvBAQyVEkQVSXR2DTJW8zfoCL3MV8iIxG-s2VxR3LvhQPBWICszCbbQs2_ir8JoCXaNTmy8p5wlO_ulvbp5/s1600/IMG_8543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyCAm7FPmlulm1_KsEElWk53OhyphenhyphenBSyirqw99Pij1sT7dSJ3ze_HKAGolx-TvBAQyVEkQVSXR2DTJW8zfoCL3MV8iIxG-s2VxR3LvhQPBWICszCbbQs2_ir8JoCXaNTmy8p5wlO_ulvbp5/s320/IMG_8543.JPG" height="213" oda="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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After hanging around a little while and watching them I decided to head to Drift Falls and catch up with them later. Stay on the trail in front of Turtleback Falls and follow it up the right side of the falls. The trail continues upstream and soon ends at Drift Falls.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PKda1Oy-emoOHtt-XbFHQHKLEz4fdmF4YcRB-Ks7TAT_QG1NG7AXv2O11etY-Gyg_hh4jOrocx8_kLPd2aQ7iF_3gqbba5eX9JG4DJRtp73yDOxUyMl649zsE1lw8JzM8pyQn7JYB_eX/s320/IMG_8548.JPG" height="64" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 294px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1348px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Ryan Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11644781205777008789noreply@blogger.com0