Cane Creek, March 9, 2017

This hike is in Pickens County off Cleo Chapman to the end of Mill Creek Road.  Parking very limited as it is at a dead end road with houses near the trail head.  The trail wonders mostly along Cane Creek and is not marked very well making for a difficult navigation.  We only had a few wrong turns but always made our way back to the creek bed.  There were many areas where the Oconee Bells and other wild flowers were visible.  Some of the trail follows an old railroad bed and passes along a rock sluice.  With an added on mile to Mill Creek in the other direction upon our return, this hike made for a 5.5 mile hike.  There were so many trees down that it made for a moderate hike with all the ups and overs we had to encounter.  Thanks to Carol, for her navigation skills on the return, for if it hadn't been for her this hike would have been much longer. 

Sluice

Cane Creek Falls

Balancing on an old railroad rail

 Many, Many of these we encountered.

Even though it was about 45degrees this am when we started, it quickly warmed up to 72.  There were twenty five today including two new hikers.  

Devil's Fork FRIDAY Hike March 3, 2017

I did not hike my normal Thursday hike this week due to an appointment.  But since the Friday Hikers were doing the same hike, I jumped on the opportunity to hike and to meet some new folks.  This hike is in two sections.....a 1 mile hike on the Nature Trail and then a 2 miler or so on the Bear Cove trail.  Both hikes are in the State Park.  NOTE:  the fee for parking is now $5.  My SC pass had just expired and I'll glad I had a small stash of ones in my backpack.  The Friday Hikers tend to do small hikes and move at a casual pace - it was a nice change.  I did take a fall within the first 1/2 mile.  I was a bit embarrassed, since this was my first time with this group.  Just a scraped knee and a role over the embankment.  LOL

Oconee Bells in Bloom (early)

As it turned out, I knew two hikers....Arlene and Ron (Buttercup Boat)

Both these hikers are pretty regulars from The Blue Ridge Ramblers Group.  I call Ron that name because of his boat on lake Hartwell.  He also teaches the safety boat course's at the DNR.  Arlene's husband could not make the hike today.  Overall, it was a great, beautiful but windy day.  By the end of both hikes and my walk from one parking lot to the other, my Fitbit registered 5.6 miles.

Our view mid way on the Bear Cove Trail.

Elliott's Rock February 28, 2017

Fun group - our picnic area on the river!

Nancy and Lillie

Commissioner's Rock

 

 

Met the group today at the trail head so I could visit with Mom afterwards.  We entered the trail via Bull Pen Road (Fowler Creek) and hiked approximately 6 miles with multiple ups and downs.    Love to hike along the wild and scenic Chattooga River. 

Nine Times and Long Shoals

The last time we tried to hike nine times there was a horrific thunderstorm that came in after only a half mile or so into the trail so we had to abort.  Today was beautiful with pleasant temps.  Not far off Hwy 11 to Eastatoee Creek Road and Preston McDaniel Road, you will find the trail head.  It starts off with a steep incline for about a mile and then the trail veers off to the right for a loop. You'll take a brief connection along EPMcD and return via Cedar Rock to continue to reconnect to the loop.   There are several lookout crops along the way and a few more inclines.  The kiosh shows a waterfall on the loop, but never saw one that you could consider a waterfall.  This hike made for a good workout of 5.8 miles.

Photo by Bill E.

Photo by Bill E.

Photo by Michael G.

Most of of decided to stop off on Hwy. 11 at Long Shoals for a picnic on the rocks.

Hickorynut

Just off the trail this area was the old Hawkins homestead.  Thanks to Michael G. for the photo.

Great to be back hiking with this group.  It's been a few months since I've been able to get out.....holidays, mom, laziness, work etc. etc. etc. kept me in another zone.  It was a beautiful day with temps in the upper sixties and a light breeze - of course it's always chilly when we first get on the trail but not long into the hike the jackets start coming off. 

This trail is part of the Foothills trail and we access it from the top of Sassafras Mountain.  It's the second trail just south of the parking lot.  The signage says Foothills Trail to Table Rock.  The trail is marked with white blazes.  They (?) have cleared the summit a bit and installed a new tower so this opened up the views.  Another viewing area is the ugly modern platform they (?) built for viewing areas like Lake Keowee and Jocassee among some of the west, north, mountain ranges.  I will note next hike here who THEY are!

Photo courtesy of Michael G.

Galax - The leaves turn this color in the winter. Photo by Michael G.

The total miles we trailed today was 6.9.  We had a great view of Pinnacle Mountain about 3 miles in.  It is the tallest mountain contained entirely within the state of South Carolina.  It is within the Table Rock State Park boundaries.   We usually travel about 3.5 miles in before we turn around and head to our picnic spot at John Cantrell old homestead.