RATtreks

Rocky Fork and Big Branch Falls – 12-18-2010

There were no major trips taken this weekend due to my being infected with some alien germ that had me feeling quite sickly. That and the below freezing temps with plenty of snow and ice in the mountains, however, I did manage to drive to Rocky Fork and take some photo’s of the many waterfalls and cascades found near the road there. The road was still solid ice and I almost wished that I had taken my four wheel drive instead of the car, but luckily I did not have any trouble. Starting at the upper falls first, I made my way down the creek stopping at each set of falls and cascades. The water level was very high so it was a good time to be there.

Upper Rocky Fork Falls

Upper Rocky Fork Falls

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Rocky Fork to WhiteHouse Mtn. Cliffs aka: Stonehenge – 12-11-2010

I knew when Bol’Dar and I first climbed to the summit of Whitehouse Mountain in Rocky Fork and were unable to descend down to the clifftops of what we call ‘Stonehenge’ on 10-19-2010, that we would be back there soon. This time we would be accompanied by our friends Melissa aka ‘Fireball’ and Dano. I had not formally met Dano before and Bol’Dar had not actually met Mel or Dano, so this was going to be a great hiking venture. We all met at Hairnt-quarters around 9:30 am and was at the trailhead and hiking up the snow covered road by 10:30 am . On our last trip here in October, the leaves were alive with Fall color and it was actually very warm and sunny. On this trip however, it would be quite the opposite, as it was cloudy and around freezing with snow covered trails that got deeper the further you went up. The creek was roaring even more so than the last time and the snow covered terrain made it a pleasing environment to hike and get some decent photos. There are several large cascades along Rocky Fork Creek as you make your way up the old road behind the gate, not to mention the lofty,  jagged cliffs that tower above you on the left side. You can’t help but stop and take pictures of every one of them every time so, please allow some extra time when hiking there !

Whitehouse Mountain and Cliffs (aka: Stonehenge)

It was a chilly start to the hike, not to mention the many frozen ice formations we passed as we made our way up the old road beside the creek. It was easy walking the road but we were soon to take a right and head up the unmaintained trail that goes up and around to the backside of what is called Whitehouse Mountain.

Ice Formations

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