RATtreks

Upper Sill Branch Falls 11-02-2010

I recently went on a day hike with my new friend Dave Aldridge to the Upper Sill Branch Falls which are located in Clarks Creek inside the Sampson Mountain Wilderness area. Although there is not much water flowing right now, it was still a great day to be in the woods and any day in the Sill Branch area is a good day. Due to the cold morning temps we waited until 10 a.m. before heading out. The sun was up and it was a beautiful day. Even though many of the colors have already gone and bunches of leaves are already on the ground, there is still so much beauty to see. To me, even the faded colors are awesome especially when they are in contrast to the evergreen trees and blue sky around them.

Meatgrinder Ridge showing Fall colors

This was the first trip with Dave since we met him and his friend Lou this past January over in the Rock Creek area. He is a fellow waterfall and Nature lover and an overall great guy. His years of service in the Air Force and retiring from the Coast Guard make for some interesting and funny stories. He shared some of these as we hiked up the Sill Branch trail towards the falls. The rest of the time we were busy comparing notes and discussing the many places we have been or want to go. It was not long before we reached the turn off to the Lower Sill Branch falls (North Fork) but, since that was not our destination we followed the South Fork instead.

Trail leading up South Fork of Sill Branch

Dave had been here previously and was unable to find the way to the Upper Sill Branch Falls, instead ending up following the South Fork trail which leads UP to the road on Rich Mountain above. I was happy to show him the secret ‘ninja trail’ which leads to the bottom of the upper falls. This trail used to be awesome but due to the pine bark beetle damage of recent years it is much more difficult,  not to mention some storm damage from last year. It is still passable, one just has to take more time climbing over the many blow downs that have now taken over. It did not take long to reach what we call the ‘UmBa Ba GumBa’ place where we always say hello to the mountain. This is where you get a good view of the MonkeyHead Rocks over on the MeatGrinder ridge across from you. You can also see Sampson Mountain peering out from behind the ‘volcano’ . The colors to me are still incredible this time of year.

Looking around the 'volcano' to Sampson Mountain

Following the trail towards the upper falls, we continued negotiating over and around the blow downs, passing by the many cascades found there once the trail meets back up with the North Fork of Sill Branch.

Cascades along North Fork of Sill branch

Cascades along North Fork of Sill Branch

The weather was a perfect. A combination of sunny and cool made for good hiking. It is only about 2 miles to the upper falls so it did not take long to get there. You can’t really see them as they are hidden behind the trees until you get right up on them,  but you can’t miss them. There was a cool breeze coming off the falls despite the small amount of water that is flowing right now. I had not been here since the ‘stealth-pack incident‘ in April of 2009. I made sure I still had my pack this time ! We hung out at the upper falls for awhile, taking some pics before eating our lunch and making our way back the way we came.

Dave at Upper Sill Branch Falls

Upper Sill Branch Falls

Upper Sill Branch Falls

It did not take long to reach the vehicle and I was back home by 4 p.m. so this entire trip only took about 6 hours yet we took our sweet time while hiking. I enjoyed being out in the woods, getting some exercise, and finally getting to hike with Dave. I expect more trips with him in the near future, weather permitting. The Fall is my favorite time of year but sadly it does not last long and leads to the cold season where I don’t get out as much. Stay tuned for the next adventure,,,,,,

Tree near the Upper Sill Branch Falls