RATtreks » 2011

Archive for April, 2011

Work Trip on my section of the A.T. – 3-1-2011

It`s that time of year again, after the snow finally melts enough to get up to the high country to do a walk through of my trail section to see what work needs to be done in preparation for the herds of thru-hikers that will soon be be trekking Northward. I usually try to get on the section in February but this past Winter has left plenty of snow so this was the earliest I could get up here. Many early birds have already came through. It seems they get earlier each year with some that left Springer Mountain Georgia as early as January 1st. I met my friend and fellow trail maintainer Doug Corkhill at Spivey Gap where I left my car and rode with him to the top of Big Bald where his section starts. It was a beautiful morning and we stopped at the Big Creek Falls on the North Carolina side to take in the beauty that the high water levels had to offer. I could see the incredible water flowing from the Spivey Falls on my way up but did not have time to stop and get any pics. I would try and check them out on my way home if I got out before dark. It is nice to be able to see some cool waterfalls when going on a trip of any sorts.

Big Creek Falls (North Carolina)

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Posted on 29 April '11 by RAT, under RATtreks. 1 Comment.

Buckeye Falls 2-26-2011

The Superbowl of waterfalls. Aside from the trip we completed there back on March 6-2010 when we climbed the left side ridge in order to get a view of the entire falls (when it was frozen), it has been at least 20 years since my last trip to the base of these falls,,,until now. After much planning (as this is not a waterfall you can just decide to go to on the spur of the moment due to the distance and difficulty of the terrain) we chose to make the trek on Saturday, February 26, 2011. It was also due to the current water levels being high, warmer temps with no snow and ice but no snakes!, and the schedules of those who were going. Despite many trips there over the years, I can’t recall ever being there when this amount of water was flowing so, I was looking very forward to this expedition although I knew it meant hiking in wet boots the whole time. We all met at Hairnt-quarters early, around 7:30 am as an early start is a must for this adventure as it is not the place to be in the dark and you want to have as much time there as possible. We arrived at the trail-head and was on the trail by 8:30am. You could see the first of many creek crossings from the vehicle but with the high water levels that day, it looked more like a river !

Buckeye Falls

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Posted on 19 April '11 by RAT, under RATtreks. 1 Comment.