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This is where I will post my trip reports
- 2006-06-17 Shining Rock Wilderness, NC
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Shining Rock Wilderness, NC
Saturday, June 17th, 2006
Photos are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/551446239ogQCbr
My original plan was to hike the Summey Cove Trail in the Pisgah
National Forest, and explore around Courthouse Falls, Cody Falls,
Chestnut Falls, and Kiesee Falls.
However, on Friday I was checking out the USGS waterflow website, and
discovered that area to be unusually dry right now! Apparently the
remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto earlier in the week did not make
it that far into Western North Carolina.
According to the USGS data, the French Broad River near Rosman (which
is where all these creeks eventually flow into) is currently
measuring the lowest June waterflow since they started tracking the
data 72 years ago. If they don't get some good rain soon, I hate to
think what July and August will be like. I decided to save that trip
until some better waterflow.
With 90+ degrees forecasted for the upstate of South Carolina, I
decided to get away from the heat and head up to the higher
elevations. I was glad I did, because my journey into the Shining
Rock Wilderness turned out to be a great hike!
I arrived at the Black Balsam parking area and trailhead at 8:30am.
My plan was to hike the Art Loeb trail until around 12:30, at which
point I would turn around a come back. It was a nice cool morning
for mid June with temperatures in the 50s starting out.
My map shows a trail #108 heading off to the right shortly after
leaving the parking area. I somehow missed this trail and ended up
starting my hike on the Ivestor Gap Trail. After a little over a
half-mile there was a fork in the trail and I took the right fork,
which doesn't appear on my map but obviously headed in the direction
of the Art Loeb Trail.
I was correct in my assumption and ended up hooking up with the Art
Loeb Trail shortly before it climbs to the top of Tennent Mountain.
Although it is over 6000 feet above sea level, I am not sure if this
counts as "bagging a Southern Sixer", since it is just over a mile
from and only about 400 feet higher than the parking area. But since
I incorporated it into what turned out to be an 18-mile hike, I am
going to count it!
From Tennent Mountain, the trail descends to Ivestor Gap and enters
into the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. The "Shining Rock Wilderness"
sign at Ivestor Gap is the last sign you will see as trail signs and
blazes are not permitted in wilderness areas. A good map and compass
is the recommended way to navigate through the Shining Rock
Wilderness.
The Art Loeb Trail continues on by going around Grassy Cove Top
Mountain, down to Flower Gap, and up and over Flower Knob before
arriving at Shining Rock Gap. The trial is overgrown in many places,
which is surprising due to the number of people who travel it.
However, it is still easy enough to follow up to Shining Rock Gap at
which point things get a little confusing.
On my map, Shining Rock Gap is a 5-way trail intersection. In
actuality there are many more side trails leading to various
campsites. Since none of the trails are signed or blazed it is
difficult to determine if you are on the right trail.
I managed to pick the correct route to Shining Rock on my first try.
The last time I was here was with Hiker Mike three years ago, and we
ended up going around in circles a few times before finding Shining
Rock.
Shining Rock is a very impressive outcropping of White Quartz and a
very unusual sight. Plus there are some awesome views from the top.
From there I planned on continuing north on the Art Loeb Trail. A
quick glace at my map showed the Art Loeb Trail traveling around the
eastern side of Shining Rock, so I backtracked and ended up going
around in circles a few times before pulling out the map again.
On my map, the words "Shining Rock" show up on the opposite side of
the trail from where the actual peak is. So after my short bout of
stupidity I found the trail on the western side of Shining Rock and
continued on to Deep Gap.
I was hoping that the Rhododendrons would be in bloom and they were,
but I was pleasantly surprised and amazed by the number and variety
of different wildflowers I saw throughout my hike. This section of
the Art Loeb trail between Shining Rock and Deep Gap offered a
bonanza of different blooms, and some great views as well!
I arrived at Deep Gap at around 12:30, exactly four hours and
according to my GPS, 9.2 miles after I began the hike. From Deep Gap
it is only about 1.5 miles to the summit of Cold Mountain. I was
tempted to continue on, but I had a party to go to on later on in the
evening and knew it would be pushing things if I went any further.
I'll get to Cold Mountain someday soon, but it will probably be via
the shorter route from the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp.
On the way back I spotted a grouping of Yellow Lady Slippers that I
missed on the way to Deep Gap. I have seen Pink Lady Slippers
before, but this is the first time that I have seen the rare yellow
variety in person.
The climb back up from Deep Gap made me very happy with my decision
to skip Cold Mountain as my legs were really starting to feel the
effects of the long hike. Finally back at Shining Rock Gap, I
decided to take the easy way back along the Ivestor Gap Trail.
If you ever want to visit Shining Rock, which I recommend you do, and
want to avoid any strenuous climbs, the Ivestor Gap Trail is the way
to go. It does not gain or lose more than 100 feet of elevation the
whole way, and you still get some nice views to the west. My legs
were very grateful that the final miles of this 18-mile hike were
easy!
It was a beautiful day for a hike, as the temperatures didn't get
much higher than 70 degrees. Arriving back in Spartanburg to 90-
degree heat made me very pleased with my decision to tackle the
Shining Rock Wilderness. It was a very enjoyable hike!
Photos are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/551446239ogQCbrTuesday June 20, 2006 - 02:37pm (EDT) Permanent Link | 1 Comment - 2006-06-11 Green River Narrows
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Green River Narrows
Polk County, NC
Sunday, June 11th, 2006
Bring on the Rain!
With Johnny and Hiker Mike
Photos are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/551276059NnOSHm
Saturday started with me choking on dust clouds as I mowed my sorry excuse for a lawn. Boy do we need some rain here! No better way to bring on the rain than to go on a Sunday Afternoon hike on the hottest day of the year when there is a 40% chance of pop-up afternoon thunderstorms.
Johnny came up with the idea for an afternoon hike to the Green River Narrows, which are located in the Green River Gamelands of Polk County, NC. After a bunch of voice mail messages, I finally got in touch with Johnny and Hiker Mike on Sunday morning and we agreed to meet at 1:00 at the Zaxbys on Upward Road, off of I-26 in South Hendersonville.
As usual, I was about 15 minutes early and Mike was already there. Johnny arrived right on time and we loaded our gear into Mike’s vehicle and drove to the Pulliam Creek Trailhead on Big Hungry Road.
The Pulliam Creek Tail parallels Pulliam Creek with a nice gradual descent for most of the way. Evidence of a recent forest fire and many downed trees from this past winter’s ice storm were apparent. Fortunately, the trail is well maintained and mostly clear.
Pulliam Creek looks like it might have some nice cascades and small waterfalls, but they all would require some steep descents and/or bushwhacks to get to. We didn’t see any wildflowers except for a few clusters of Black Eyed Susans (I think that is what they are).
At about the 1.5 mile mark, the trail crosses over Pulliam Creek and begins a short uphill climb. At 2.0 miles the roaring sounds of the Green River Narrows can be heard. I saw a path leading downhill and thought it was the way to go, but Johnny instructed us to continue on a bit further, where we found the slightly more obvious path down hill.
This “trail” is about as steep as they come! I wouldn’t want to be stuck on this one during a good storm! You know it is a hot day when you find yourself drenched in sweat while traveling downhill.
From the Pulliam Creek Trail, I would estimate a descent of about 300-ft over less than a quarter mile. There are many ropes along they way to help out with the steep climb. The trail ends up at the spot where Pulliam Creek empties into the Green River.
This section of the Green River is known as the Monster Mile of the Narrows. With rapids with names like “The Gorilla”, “Go left of Die”, and “the Nut Cracker”, it is considered some of the toughest whitewater in the US and is only kayaked by insane extreme sports enthusiasts.
The water level was well below normal and we didn’t get to witness any extreme kayakers, but it was still an impressive sight.
Johnny, who was still recovering from a hangover resulting from the Tryon BBQ festival on Saturday, decided to hang out and take a nap, while Mike and I explored upstream.
Either by rock hopping along the banks, or taking some obvious trails above the rocks, it is fairly easy to head upstream checking out rapid after rapid. I kept hoping for some cloud cover so I could get some good pictures. I got my wish as dark clouds quickly covered the sky.
We headed back and woke Johnny up from his nap. I knew we would be getting wet very soon, but hoped it held off until we made it up the steep climb. But first, we had to snap a few shots with the better lighting.
The good thing about the incoming storm front is that it dropped the temperature by about 15 degrees in a manner of minutes, making for a much cooler climb. Thunder booms were crashing all around us as we made our way up the steep ascent.
I made it to the top first, and just when Johnny and Mike arrived, the skies opened up on us. The cool rain actually felt good after the strenuous climb and lasted for about 15 minutes. Johnny was struggling with leg cramps on the way back, so I used his recovery time to do a little off trail exploring of Pulliam Creek.
We eventually made it back to Mike’s vehicles and drove back to the Zaxby’s where we headed home our separate ways. There were still thunder booms in the distance and dark skies all around. I was sure hoping that some of these storms would hit Spartanburg. I hate watering the lawn, but I also hate watching it turn brown as it dies of dehydration. A good storm would solve this problem for a few days.
I thought I would get my wish as I drove through some torrential downpours along I-26. All the Sunday Afternoon bikers were taking cover underneath the overpasses, and the senior citizens were pulling off onto the shoulders. I continued my drive through the heavy rain, which fizzled out about a mile from my house.
Looking at the radar, I saw where the storm just missed my area on the southwest side of Spartanburg. I am sure Johnny won’t need to water his lawn today, but the fourteen drops that hit my house just didn’t do it for me.
Photos from our Adventure are posted here:
Tuesday June 13, 2006 - 07:35am (EDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - 2006-06-04 Spartanburg Scenes
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Amy and I spent a few hours exploring Spartanburg today.
We strolled around Cleveland Park, and walked a few sections of the
Palmetto Trail, including the brand new Rails to Trails section.
Nothing that I would go far out of your way to see, but it is still
great that downtown Spartanburg has so many nice places to take a
little stroll.
Photos are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/551054216DVHkDbTuesday June 13, 2006 - 07:33am (EDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - 2006-06-03 Twin Falls, SC - Above and Beyond!
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Twin Falls, SC - Above and Beyond!
Pickens County, SC
Saturday, June 3rd, 2006
With the Greenville Natural History Association
Photos are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/551030258RlTDKQ
I have been to Twin Falls, SC many times and it is one of my favorite
South Carolina Waterfalls. I have even climbed up to the top a
couple of times. But, I have never ventured very far upstream.
Several months ago, I went on a hike and met some members from the
Greenville Natural History Association and decided to join up. For
the $5.00 a year fee, I figured that even if I never went hiking with
them, I would at least receive their newsletter and hike schedule
from which I could gain some good hiking ideas.
They usually have about 2 or 3 hikes a week scheduled, but today's
hike caught my interest so I decided to join in for a group hike. I
am definitely glad I did!
The hike starts on the very familiar short trail to Twin Falls. I
had my tri-pod along, but when we arrived at Twin Falls I realized
that I forgot to take the little mounting plate that screws into the
bottom of the camera. Oh Well, I would just use my hiking pole as a
monopod for this trip.
From the base of Twin Falls, it is a steep climb up to the top.
After that, the trail is fairly level for most of the way.
The trail follows the route of an old Railroad line. At many places
there are still remains of the railroad tracks long abandoned many
years ago. I didn't count, but I think we crossed back and forth
over the creek about 10 times.
Steve, our hike leader has done this one several times before, so he
pretty much knew the way. For the most part the trail was easy to
follow, but there are some points where it gets a little tricky and
some minor bushwhacking is required. Some ribbons tied to the trees
also help out a bit.
Basically, just follow the creek upstream crossing it when
necessary. The water level was below normal today, so most of the
crossings were easy and it was possible to make a dry crossing over
all of them. If the water level was up, there would definitely be
some wet crossings.
The rocks were slick and several members took a fall in various spots
along the way. I had one minor slip and ended up with my left leg
submerged in ankle deep water.
There are many cascades and small waterfalls along the way, but near
the end we arrived at the base of a really impressive waterfall. I
am not sure if this one has a name, but until I find out, I am
calling it McCall Falls, because it is located just downstream from
Camp McCall.
This is a great hike that I figure to be about 3.5 - 4.0 miles one
way to McCall Falls. A steep climb from the base leads you to the
top of the falls and the lake at Camp McCall.
We met a couple camp employees here, who in a very friendly manner
let us know that we were trespassing. I am not sure where the Nature
Preserve ends and the Camp McCall property begins, but there are
currently not any No Trespassing Signs along the way.
Again, this is a great hike, but if you decide to go, please respect
the property and "Leave No Trace". I would also say, don't bother
with the final climb up to the camp. It looks like a nice place, but
nothing really spectacular up there. And if too many people start
entering the camp property they might decide to post it downstream
someday.
We returned back the way we came, except we took a different route
near the end, which took us a little further downstream from Twin
Falls. It was still a steep descent, but a much gentler grade that
the way we came up.
It was a great day for a hike and I really enjoyed the company of the
Greenville Natural History Association members. I will keep an eye
on their hike schedule and when I see something new and different, I
will most likely be joining them again for a hike.
The weather was beautiful, but as most nature photographers know, the
bright sun we had does not make for ideal photography. Plus without
the mounting plate for my tri-pod, I ended up with more than my share
of blurry photographs. But, I will be back!
Photos from our hike are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/551030258RlTDKQ
SCJackTuesday June 13, 2006 - 07:31am (EDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - 2006-05-29 Log Hollow Branch Falls and the mysterious trail #609
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Log Hollow Branch Falls, Screwed up Forest Service Roads, and the
mysterious trail #609
Pisgah National Forest, NC
Memorial Day Monday, May 29th, 2006
SCJack Solo Dayhike
Photos are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/550865693yrTsyk
I used Sunday to catch up on yard work, clean out the gutters, and
repair a clogged down spout. This left Memorial Day Monday free to
do whatever I wanted. I decided to head up to Pisgah National
Forest, north of Brevard, NC to explore an area of the forest that I
have yet to visit.
Of course I can never drive past Looking Glass Falls early in the
morning and not stop. Before 9:00am is practically the only time you
can visit Looking Glass Falls and not be faced with crowds of
people. It also happens to be the best time of day for photographing
it.
Continuing up US276, my plan was to check out the waterfalls on Log
Hollow Branch (pages 218 - 222 of Kevin Adam's NC Waterfalls Book).
His directions were right on!, I turned off US276 onto FR 475B and
had no problems finding the trailhead. Based on my National
Geographic, Trails Illustrated map of the Pisgah Ranger District, I
assumed this was trail #609.
I followed the trail for a little less than a quarter mile to a
wooden bridge over the small stream. From here it was about another
quarter mile of bushwhacking up the stream. At some points I was on
an obvious path, but the path would disappear and I would be
bushwhacking again. I eventually wound up at the base of this 50-
foot waterfall.
I can imagine this one would be very impressive immediately after a
good heavy rain, but with low waterfall it is just OK, and not worth
the bushwhacking. The sun was shining bright, making any attempt at
a good photo futile. I will definitely plan a return visit under
better conditions.
I bushwhacked back downstream to trail #609 and continued west to the
second bridge. You can see Log Hollow Branch Falls from here, but
short paths on either side of the creek will take you to this real
pretty waterfall.
On the left side of the creek, I noticed a ribbon tied to a tree and
a faint path heading uphill. Being the curious type I decided to see
where it goes. The path switchbacked uphill and headed upstream past
a nice cascade and eventually to another waterfall. The sun was
shining directly on it, so I didn't even bother to pull out the tri-
pod, but this would be another nice one in the right conditions.
I wondered if Waterfall Rich knew about this one. When I returned
home, I checked his www.ncwaterfalls.com website, and of course he
had been here, and apparently there are even more cascades upstream.
Another excuse to get back!
Back to the main trail #609, I noticed another path that headed
downstream next to Log Hollow Branch, and decided to check it out.
My map did not show any trail here, but the path was very obvious,
well worn, and easy to follow. There are no other significant
cascades this way, and after about 10 minutes I arrived at what I
correctly assumed was FR475B.
I decided to use some Forest Service Roads and eventually connect
back to Trail #609 and make a loop hike.
WARNING!!!!,
After proofreading this trip report, I have realized that things get
pretty boring from here. You may want to skip the rest and go
straight to the photos. If you insist on reading further, you should
at least pull out your Pisgah Map, so you can follow along here.
I hiked south on FR475B and hung a right on FR225. I passed by
Bennett Knob Road to the right, and immediately past that on the left
was another road. I assumed this was FR225A. Based on the map, I
thought this one might offer a nice view of Looking Glass Rock, so I
decided to check it out.
The road eventually putters out at a little campsite, but there were
no views to be had so I returned back. About halfway back, I
realized that I did not have my hiking pole anymore, so I returned
back to the campsite at the end of the old road. I didn't leave it
there, and I couldn't remember the last time I had it. I found it
leaning up against a tree at the start of the old forest road.
Continuing on FR225, I passed another road heading off to the right.
This one had a sign saying FS5045, Seniard Ridge Road. I didn't see
this one on my map, and decided to pass on checking it out for now.
A short distance later, I passed a sign for FS225A. I thought I just
hiked that one. Since I was there, I decided to check out where the
real FS225A goes, and it ends up at another campsite with a view of
Looking Glass Rock.
Back to FR225, I passed a sign for FS225B and decided to check that
out. This one definitely didn't seem to be going in the direction
shown on my map, and I was curious about the orange blazes on the
trees. I soon found out I was on the Cove Creek trail and confirmed
my suspicion that either someone screwed with all the Forest Service
Road Signs or that my map was incorrect.
Anyway, I got to a point where the Cove Creek Trail turned left, but
this forest service road continued on to the west. I hiked it a ways
and arrived at a NC wildlife clearing. Continuing on, the road
eventually crossed Cove Creek on an old wooden bridge and then
fizzled out. I tried to pick up the road again, but I couldn't find
any semblance of the path. I knew if I headed in a general northwest
direction, I would hit FR225, so I bushwhacked uphill. The terrain
soon got more difficult than anything I felt like attempting on a
solo hike, so I turned back and returned to FR225 the way I came.
I noticed a trailhead marker for the Cove Creek Trail at the same
gate as the FS225B sign, which further confirmed that my map was
incorrect. At least I was confident that I knew where I was.
Continuing down FR225, my plan was to connect with Trail #609 using
225D (according to my map). 225D in actuality is 225C according to
the forest service markers.
So I hiked uphill on 225C and arrived at the sharp hairpin turn, that
according to my map should be were it meets up with the mysterious
Trail #609. There was no sign of any trail here, but I thought maybe
they don't actually meet up. So I bushwhacked uphill hoping to find
the trail and didn't find anything so I gave up.
Back the way I came, I decided that I would hook up with Trail #609
using the Bennett Knob Road I had passed earlier. But before that I
decided to see where the mysterious Seniard Ridge Road went. The
nice well-maintained gravel road soon turned into an overgrown mess
that was heading in the wrong direction, so again I gave up and
turned back.
Back at Bennett Knob road, I hiked it for a ways carefully looking
for Trail #609, which should be a right fork. Maybe I was on trail
#609, so I continued on. Eventually I came upon a stream, which I
assumed was Big Bearpen Branch. I crossed the stream and lost the
trail. I could hear motorcycles in the distance, which I assumed
were coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway. I think I was at Big
Bearpen Branch, but much further upstream from where I needed to be.
My GPS proved about as useful as a one-wheeled boat trailer. I could
not pick up a signal with the steep terrain and thick tree cover. I
think I know where I was, but I am not certain. If I was correct in
my assumption, it would not have been wise to try to get anywhere
from there, so I returned back the way I came still looking for some
semblance of Trail #609.
I never found it, and by this time I had had enough, I would just
hike the Forest Service Roads back to my vehicle.
I was worn out by the time I got back. After hiking for about 7
hours and probably covering about 15 miles, my car was a welcome
sight. I had some very nice solitude. Other than a couple of cars
on FR475B, I didn't see another person all day long.
It was a different story on the drive home. US276 was packed and
there were probably about 40 vehicles parked and fighting for spots
by Looking Glass Falls. I was still curious about Trail #609 and the
mislabeled Forest Service Road, so I stopped at the Visitors Center
to inquire. That proved to be as useful as my GPS, as the forest
rangers had Memorial Day off, and the visitors center was manned with
nice, but not very knowledgeable volunteers.
Photos from my hike are posted here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/550865693yrTsyk
SCJack
Wednesday May 31, 2006 - 01:37pm (EDT) Permanent Link | 1 Comment
