Clemson East

Our planned hike for today was suppose to be to Jones Gap State Park but due to a winter storm threat, our leader thought it best to stay close in case weather turned on us. I have hiked a few of the trails in the Clemson Experimental Area, but not this one. It was a very easy and most of the trails were well groomed.

It turned out to be a pleasant day and good hike especially since my sister, Pam joined us. We followed a pleasant stream valley to, I think, Issaqueena Lake area on several trails, Bighole and Vic's Trail to Ant Hill loop and ended up at a small water fall for our picnic.

Sassafrass Mountain

Leaving from Holly Spring we headed northeast on US178 for 7.2 miles to Rocky Bottom, then beared right on Van Clayton/Sassafras Mountain Rd continuing for about 2 miles and Parked just down the road from the Kiosk and FT signs on the left. Our access was at the Chimney Top Gap entrance of the FT Trail.

Sassafrass is the hightest point in South Carolina for a summit of 3554 feet. Breath taking views on the observation platform just beyond the main parking area at the summit. We climbed 1000 feet with mostly moderate terrrain. For me, if was a tough hike.....just didn't have the energy and was cold.



Even Bill was tuckered!



Rabun Bald - Georgia

A nice ride over to Clayton, Georgia (45 mins)today took us over to Rabun Bald. This is a 6 mile in and out difficult hike on the outbound and easy on the return. At 4,696 feet, Rabun Bald is the 2nd largest point in Georgia. From the old fire tower atop the summit, there are grand vistas in all directions. On the return drive we stopped at Laurel "Wife said No Falls" for the photo moments.

Sloan Bridge to Hatchery

First hike of the new year and we head out to one of my favorite hikes of the foothills trail. This trail leaves parking area and enters trees to south side of Sloan Bridge picnic area then parallels East Fork Chatooga River. It's a easy 3.3 mile in and out. Passes a 6-ft waterfall that was especially pretty from the icy edges and icecycles hanging.