North Carolina Bound

 

We have seen many of the good falls near Greenville so today we decided to head to Highlands North Carolina. We actually cut through Northern Georgia so again we landed in one state but visited 3.  Spoiler alert, we saw 6 waterfalls today. I had planned up to 8 but we got hungry and decided food was more important than another two falls. 

Our first stop was Bridal falls. Yesterday was all about walking and we logged about 8 miles whereas today was only 5.  One big difference, the falls were mostly more convenient. Bridal falls is literally 50 feet from the highway. It was one of two falls that we walked behind. It is not a super impressive fall but given the great views and no effort to visit, it is a high value fall.

Our next stop was Dry falls but the lot was full so we kept going another 3 miles and pulled off at Bust Your But Falls. This again was roadside. The falls are a bit up the road but you can see the falls from your car. We did walk out and take a closer look and I flew the drone. It started getting crowded so we decided to retreat being in COVID mode.

Returning to dry falls, we scored a prime parking spot. This fall has much more infrastructure and there is a $3 fee and well worth it. It is the honor system so we dropped our money in the box after completing the envelope.   They use the same form in all parks for all activities so you end up writing way more than you really need.  

From the lot you head down some stairs and ramps and in just 100 yards later you are rewarded with some nice falls. The path continues to the base of the falls and then you can walk behind the falls. 

The back of water is quite cool. Usually you only get to see the front so this is rather special. You can continue on to the other river bank and get the other side view. The sun was favoring the first side so we headed back across and snapped some more pictures before heading off.

Glenn falls was the final Highland falls. Glenn has 3 falls but only 2 are significant. The third is only 15 feet.  Our rental car was only a bit dirty but Glenn falls are 1 mile down a dirt road. We headed down behind a Jeep and eventually found a bunch of cars parked on the side of the road. The Jeep took the first available space but I headed on. About .25 miles later we found the parking dirt. There happened to be one space left which we scored. Always better to drive all the way in and then take the first available space heading out.

Glenn is pretty vertical. It’s 400 feet down to the first falls as well as .5 miles. All the way down we discussed that eventually we would have to come up. We got to the first falls and took pictures and then headed further down.

The trail has switchbacks and they have steep stairs in many places. The second falls were also quite nice but the viewing area was muddy and wet. After some pictures we started the long climb up. The area is about 3500 feet elevation so we can blame the shortness of breath on the elevation. We were moving a bit aggressively and passed many several groups including some younger hikers.

We eventually made it back and headed off to our last falls. Kings Creek Falls are in South Carolina. If the car had any spot that wasn’t dust covered from Glenn, It did now after the 2 miles of dirt roads on the each way to the falls.

Arriving at the parking area we found a trail map. I snap a picture of the maps just in case we need to use it later. Studying the map we were still a bit confused. The map had the you are here arrow and the falls but it had no orientation. I said we went to Kings Creek but the lot also was the access to Spoonager falls.

We puzzled a bit as we could see both destinations but just were not sure which trail was which. I saw two hiking looking dudes that had kayaks on their car so I did the one thing a guy is never supposed to do. I asked directions.  Thye recommended a particular trail to Kings Creek Falls. They also said we would find a sign on the trail. We took their advice and sure enough 50 feet down the trail we found a sign and knew we were on the correct trail.

Off we went and the further we went the worse the trail became. Based on our hikes, CC thinks that South Carolina does not do as much trail maintenance. Also the trails tend to be narrower and the surface less even. This may be the type of forest or or may be different departments and different philosophies but this trail did get pretty squishy.

As I said the trail got wetter, more slippery, and muddy, we knew we were close as we could hear the falls. The final stretch had us climbing over a massive fallen tree and the scrambling down wet rocks. In the end it was worth is. They were pretty amazing falls.

The way back went well and we decided to pack it in and eat. We headed off to Pickens for a second round of Bojangles. It was once again mighty tasty.  For those counting, we saw 13 waterfalls.  Not too bad for a quick get away.

We headed back Monday morning.  The weather was supposed to be great.  You know it is a low traffic area when your departure clearance is a direct climb to 7000.  We were soon direct Jesup Georgia for a planned fuel stop.  As I said the forecast was good VFR all the way.   On the approach to Jesup I noticed Jacksonville was starting to get some clouds.

Twenty minutes later we were in the air and I picked up my IFR home.  Weather was still marginal VFR and we had just 30 minutes to go.  The new weather came out and I started planning for an IFR arrival.  The wind was 20 knots down runway 5 so it would be a circling approach.  I requested direct to the 14 initial approach fix and was told I could have it but 32 was in use so if someone came the other way we would have to fall in line.

Sure enough just as I was to join the approach a slow poke popped up inbound on 32.  Approach sent us downwind so we got to fly past the airport and back around for a GPS 32 approach.  I had briefed both and was ready so it was not much work.  Also it is my home airport so I have practiced both many times.   We broke out at 1500 and had an easy circle to 5 for a smooth arrival.

Water and Walking

 

We got a late start Saturday, sometimes it's nice to just take it easy. COVID had cancelled hot breakfasts but the hotel had grab and go. We scored got some fruit and snacks for energy boosts between hikes.  It was a chilly morning in the 40s but with light winds and our jackets we were ready to explore.

Our first stop was Todd creek falls just North of Clemson University.  You know you are near Clemson when you start seeing random tiger paws painted on the road.  Looking at the paw prints, those are some huge tigers. When we arrived we were parked under some high tension lines and there was no apparent trail. Usually there is a sign or something but not this time. I looked at my notes and the Google map and confirmed that we were in the right place so we decide to press on.

The trail did not exist exactly where the map said it started but as we walked along the road I saw a sliver of dirt surrounded by high vegetation. I declared this the trail and off we went. The trail averaged about a foot wide at best but it was apparent that we had found it. Little clues like a board left where it was especially muddy and foot prints gave us confidence.

The walk was short, about .3 miles and we saw the falls as we rounded a bend. We had to hike down some steep dirt to get a good view but they were really nice falls and for a bit we had them all to ourselves. I put up the drone and soon a family appeared at the top of the falls to photobomb my shots.  This seemed to be a recurring theme as people wanted to stand in the falls rather than look at the falls. 

The Bush was high and thick but it had some really nice wild flowers.  It also had lots of prickly things and dew.  We were glad that we dressed appropriately.

After beating our way out, we headed to Waldrop Stone falls. These falls were much easier. First there were other cars and one of those sign boards marking the trail.  The trail was wide and mostly flat.  It was a short hike but these falls were busy. There were some college kids that were everywhere and basically blocking my photography.

I put up the drone which was challenging as there were lots of trees. After getting my shots Irealized that somehow I had stopped recording so Iredid the drone shots. By then the college kids had camped out on the falls and a group of families with kids had invaded to crawl over all parts of the falls.

We sat off to the side waiting, watching the stream and eventually the college kids left. The dad then yelled at the kids to move and let me get some pictures. I thanked him and a minute later we hiked out.

Our next stop was not about waterfalls though we did get a bonus baby fall. We headed up to the Raven Rock trail which is on Lake Keowee. This was a 4 mile hike to see the lake.

Heading out it seemed deceptively easy but then we started downhill. CC reminded me of the first rule of hiking, when you walk down you will eventually walk up. We kept going and then the trail headed way up and down and up. The walk was nice and after 2 miles we got a nice overlook of the lake.

The leaves are also starting to change so we did have splashes of color. Regardless on the way back around mile 3 of uphill we were both feeling it. Around mile 3.5 I saw some trash on the trail. It turned out to be a nice cell phone.

It was on and charged but locked. I picked it up and trudged on I figured the owner might try calling it but nothing so we decided to take it to the rangers. The visitor center was just off the trail head. I was holding the phone out as I figured the owner might be looking for it. As we approached the ranger center two masked ladies saw us and asked if we had found that phone.

I placed it down and said if she could unlock it, it was hers. Like Cinderella and the glass slipper, this lady had the magic fingerprint and we headed off to the car for our next adventure. We had a quick ride North to Reedy Cove falls. The map did not work quite right and took us near the falls but was suggesting a private drive as the final street.

We had just passed waterfall road so I took a chance and headed that way. The road went from paved to potholes to dirt and and then one car wide but we soon found a parking lot and signs telling you not to climb the falls.  After seeing the falls, not sure why you needed a sign because it was obvious.

These falls were a short walk along a flat route, which was a welcome change. There was a small observation deck that was packed when we arrived but you could walk below this on the flat rocks next to the stream. These were rather impressive falls both in height and flow.

I sent the drone up again and got some nice shots. I then made a nice landing and while going to pick up the drone was distracted by a film crew trying moving in who were trying step on it. I slid on some leaves and ended up on my rear end. Luckily as I slid I sort of sat down and neither my body or equipment was damaged.

We took a few more pictures but it started to get crowded. It looked like they were going to do a video shoot as they were packing in bikes, tripods, gimbals and other equipment. We hiked out and started for home. The breakfast snacks were gone and it was almost 4 and we still had not had lunch.  CC was driving so I searched ahead for food. I found a Subway, Burger King  and a local BBQ place. We decided on BBQ. Technically this was the first restaurant we had eaten at since COVID. No we did not throw caution to the wind. You order outside and can pay by sliding your card from a distance.

 

They had 4 picnic tables outside well spaced. It did not really matter as we were the only people there. They had sold out of chicken so I tried the ribs while CC had the pork sandwich. I shared my cornbread and Mac with her too. No pictures of the food. I must have been hungry as I dove in before getting any. 

Having accomplished our last goal we headed to the hotel for some rest and to recharge batteries. We were not super hungry so dinner was some tacos and a burrito from Taco Bell plus some noodles leftover from Friday. We did well today with 8.5 miles of walking.  

Fall Adventure

Like most people our travel has been reduced but after the success of West Virginia, we decided to take a quick hop to enjoy the Fall weather.  Flying yourself means that some days the weather or other factors means it’s not going to happen. It also means you have a lot more flexibility. I originally planned a trip to Greenville last weekend but the hurricane remnants meant rain was in the forecast.

I decided to shift a weekend and it was a good move. The weather was last weekend was safe enough for us to fly but our plan was to hike the mountains and it is much more fun when not pouring and muddy.  Friday morning we did wake up to some fog so we took our time getting going.  Also a nice thing, you never have to worry about missing your flight. We do have to file a departure time but our window is 2.5 hours and we can easily reset the time when needed.  It was a hazy flight but mostly clear and smooth.

We rolled out to the runway around 9:20 and though we were initially cleared pretty much direct, we soon had a reroute around airspace the military was using for practice. It only added a few minutes and we were soon on the ground in Greenville. Our rental car was waiting for us and we managed to travel in a contactless manner.

Our first stop was Wildcat falls North of Greenville.  Parking is roadside and there is a nice path. It is really a double header as there are some small falls roadside.  The path is about .3 miles each way and after an initial spur it is a loop.  Both river crossings were easy but the flow was low.  The hiking was nice as the temperatures were mid 60s under sunny skies.

Our next stop was Bald Rock. This had an even easier walk. The rock starts about 20 feet from parking area. Bald Rock is a rounded mountain top that is, as the name implies, rock. People have been marking the rock with spray paint for quite some time.  I did read that this is bad, I did not delve into the details but assume it interferes with the local eco system and leaches chemicals.  I decided not to debate the philosophy and just enjoy the setting though.

It has a high school/hippie vibe but it has great Mountain View’s and some charm. It also gave me a chance to fly the drone a bit. After a short walk we continued up the road and stopped at Caesars Head for the overlook. The lighting was not great so we headed on.  I have yet to get a good view from Caesars head.  I am starting to think it is highly over-rated.

We had skipped lunch because the timing of our flight meant there was no meal service. The FBO has given us some snacks but otherwise we had focused on sights over food. Luckily as we drove on we spotted a Bojangles and picked up two chicken biscuits. It may have been the hunger but they were darn good. They are technically breakfast items but served all day.  Refreshed, we prepared for the last falls of the day.

Our final waterfall was Little Brady falls. It was also a short walk in but before we could get to the main falls, the path crossed the river. Ok maybe stream but it was deep and cold. We decided to stay dry and instead enjoyed the rapids and a baby waterfall.

We called it a day and headed to the hotel. We are still in COVID  mode so we stayed at a Residence in on the first floor. Dinner was Thai takeout that was contactless and we watched the free movies while enjoying curry and noodles.