Hickorynut Mountain via Foothills Trail

Another awesome day for a hike with my sister Pam and the group.  I would love to get my other sister, Diane, out with us.  If she could only come up more often from Atlanta.  Maybe on her next visit, we can plan an outing.

Started out meeting Pam off Hwy. 11 then driving approx. 20 mins to meet the others to car pool up to Sassafras Mountain.  This mountain is the highest peak in South Carolina - elevation 3,554.  The view here is fantastic.  You can see all the lakes - Hartwell, Keowee, Josassee, and even Bad Creek, plus all mountains from Cashiers to Highlands and I'm sure many more.  The temp was just perfect - probably reached 60 by lunch. 

Pam enjoying a little break at the old Cantrell home place.  Sue is standing in the background - I'm sure asking, "Why does she need a break" lol.  You got to know Sue to understand, this lady doesn't stop....she's hiking everyday - in the woods or out through out the sub-division.  I admire her and I do believe she is older than Buddy.  She is also my Yoga, partner.  I say partner, because she got me started in the Yoga and Yogalates classes at the fitness center.



Not sure what we were looking for

This place was so inviting, we all came back for lunch.
 You should have seen Pam booking it up the trail so she could get her favorite ROCK chair.  Love it!



Our leader, Bill!



Just strolling along.....



Hickorynut Mountain - Awesome!



After the 5 miles up and back hike we enjoyed another view from Sassafras Mountain. Great Day!

Hidden Falls via Oconee State Park

Thursday, March 25th - Hiking adventure today led us to the beginning of the Foothills Trail.  Thirteen of us gathered at Oconee State Park with threats of rain.  Luckly, it was just an overcast day for the hike.  The trail gradually descends through woods and a small creek eventually feeds Hidden Falls.  However, the trail shortly departs from the creek to descend along the western and then northern crest of a small ridge.  Eventually, the trail bears back to the east and into an open cove to reveal the falls.  We haven't had alot of rain lately, so not much water was flowing down the falls.

This cascade fall is a total of 50-60 feet high. 

After our return to the park, we enjoyed a nice picnic by the lake.  Guess the 5.5 miles wasn't enough for us, so we took a little walk about around the lake.

Devils Fork State Park

Tuesday, March 13th traveled with group to Devils Fork State Park.  Just a short distance from my area.  I've lived in the area for many years and have never visited the park or Lake Jocassee.  Our first one mile was on the nature trail at the park taking pictures of the Oconee Bells blossoming along the creek beds.  A short distance away was the trail head to Bear Cove.  A mildly rugged dirt trail and various hard woods descent into a mixed forest. Just follow the white blazes and you'll make your way around part of the lake where you have a backdrop of the mountains. This is a nice 2 mile loop.  The lake was down a bit, but still beautiful and very cold.  A few brave soles where out there jet sking. 

Notes:  Weather reached 80 today.  The park is located off SC 11 approx. 13.5 miles from Walhalla.  Turn left on Oconee County S37-25 (Jocasse Lake and Devils Fork Rds.) and follow signs to park entrance.  Fee and facilties are available.  Also, nice area for a picnic.