Smoky Mountain Outing - Day 1

This was my second year participating in the 4-day hiking outing that our group puts together.  They choose the Bryson City Area which is close to the Smoky Mountain National Park.  It's been a very long time since I was in this area.  My stay with the group was even better this year, I guess mainly because I new more hikers.  I choose a suite balcony room at the Fryemount Inn.  Most of the group stayed at the main lodge.  I liked the fact that my room was out of the main building and I had some conveniences that the others did not...ie AC, TV, small kitchen. It was a bit costly, but I'm glad I chose it.   I thought when I booked the room that possibly Pam or Buddy would be with me....as it turned out, either of them came along.  I did however, hitch a ride with Nancy Carhuff.  She was meeting some of the other hikers earlier the first day for a run on the Nantahala River.  I wanted to just tag along and reminisce....ended up taking pictures for the group.

Both of the photos where at the last fall before take out...now called Nantahalla Falls, but was once known as Little Wesser.  There were 9 of the ducky boaters from our group.  A very pleasant day....loved hanging out around the river taking pictures, visiting the shops and restaurants while the others played in the water.

We arrived at the Fryemount Inn around 3:30 where most of the others that were attending had already checked in or was out for a brief hike at Deep Creek.  A quick shower and we gather for our social/happy hour/greeting time.  It was nice to see some folks I missed from last winter's hike (we were in Florida).  Bill briefed us on the many hikes in the area and we all signed up for the hike we were doing for the next day as well as the time slot for breakfast (included in price of room).  Ready for a good nights sleep and excited for the adventure tomorrow.

Fish Hatchery to Sloan Picnic Area

Another easy hike of 6.6 miles today with warm temps.  This is another section of the foothills trail that has no special features other than a few distance waterfalls.  Trail is well groomed but narrow in several sections with a few muddy crossings during a rainy period.

What out....he might bite that finger!

Jeanne

Licklog & Pigpen

Description: From the parking area you will hike the Foothills Trail for .5 mile and turn left onto the Chattooga Trail where you will get two waterfalls for the price of one. You will find the 25-foot stack of Pigpen Falls and the two-tiered, 80-foot Licklog Falls are much prettier than their names imply. Interestingly, these two falls are among five waterfalls you could visit by hiking the entire Chattooga Trail, which should emphasize the steep and wild nature of this terrain. Even so, this is an idea area for a family outing. .  Total hike for our trip today was 5.6.

 

Height: Pigpen is 25 feet. Licklog’s first level is 30 feet and second level is 50 feet .

Difficulty: Easy

Creek or river: Licklog Creek

USGS Quadrangle: Satolah and Tamassee

Directions to falls:

From Walhalla go North West on SC 28 for 8 miles, 6.5 N. on SC 107 to Cheohee Road (on right). Park there and join the Foothills Trail where it crosses 107.

NOTE: For a shorter hike of approx. 1 mile to just see the falls, visit sctrails.net for directions.

Pigpen Falls (also a great picnic area)

Along the Chattooga River - also another great place for a picnic or camping

Wet leaves make for a slippery board walk

A closer pic of Licklog

A far away few of Pigpen Falls

Lower White Water Falls

The forecast today was for hot temperatures again and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.  I new it would be a bit cooler though in the high country and when water is near by it's always seem cooler.  Another slow turn out but still a great hike.  We hiked 5.5 miles on this one with lunch on the rocks at the iron bridge.  It felt really nice to kick off the hiking shoes and soak me feet in the cool water.

We've had a few newcomers to join us these two hikes.  Most of the regulars have worn there name tags....it certainly does help.  Bill had a chance to go over a few hikes we will be doing at our annual fall outing in the Smokies.  So anxious to go, but yet I'll be going by myself again.   Pam has backed out and Buddy feels I would enjoy it better without worrying about entertaining him.  I would welcome either one, but at least I won't have to share my bed and can be on my own schedule.

Chris, Jeanne and I soaking out sore feet.

Yellow Branch

The beginning of the 2014-15 hiking season is here.  The weather is still a bit warm so there was not a big turn out for this hike.  It was great for me since it's been since February since I've hiked and until now I haven't been very active.  I have put on a few pounds so I'm anxious to get back out in the woods to see if I could drop a few.

We enjoyed a easy 3 mile hike and on the return enjoyed our usual picnic at the shelter area in the parking lot.  Yellow Branch access area is on approx. 6 miles northwest on Hwy 28 on left just before the entrance to Stumphouse Tunnel and Isaqueena Falls.

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!