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.