Mountaineer Falls

There is a blue blazed loop trail that goes from the AT around by the top of the falls and over to the shelter and back to the AT which we used to check out the top of the falls. They are only about 20+ feet high but are still worth seeing when there is water flowing over them. Most pictures I have seen of these falls have very little water on them so I would not complain too much of the lack of clouds this day. After looking off the top we went down to where the AT crosses the creek below them and took some pics from that angle. We met a nice lady hiker and her dog while we were hanging out there.

View from top of Mountaineer Falls

Smalls falls just above and seen from top of Mountaineer Falls

Mountaineer Falls

It seems Dave had an ulterior motive to bringing us to this area as he was wanting to see if there was any trails leading down this stream as he had discovered a ‘mystery falls‘ on a recent trip to the Twisting Falls area that was fed by this creek only a mile or so below the Mountaineer Falls. Research had revealed that there was most likely no trails and it would be a bushwhack from hell to get to the top of those falls from anywhere yet this did not sway Dave (or us as it turned out) from looking. It did not take much investigation to figure out there was no easy way down this creek and it would be way too rough to even try it so we decided the next course of action would be to go back the way we had came and cross the ridge over into the next hollow known as the Slide Hollow, as there is a ridge just before that hollow that would lead down to another unnamed creek that the Mountaineer Creek would eventually join before making its way down to the ‘mystery falls‘. There is a trail shown on the topo map and we did find it, but it has been a long time since anyone has traveled this way and it was quite overgrown in places.

Mountaineer Falls

Mountaineer Falls

Mountaineer Falls

Being given a false sense of security by some orange and pink flagging (never, I repeat, never, follow these !!!) we headed down this trail of doom not knowing how it would end up but having a feeling that it would not be good. It was not that bad in some places but it did have its bad spots until we eventually were able to find the unnamed creek and the place where the Mountaineer Creek joins it. At least at that point we were sure of where we were ! This was a flat, open area that was very swampy where the creeks came together.  Just over from it we found the old road continuing further down the mountain, where we discovered a large area of deep sawdust. This was truly in the middle of nowhere and trees had overgrown it for some 30 or more years and we were all very surprised to see so much sawdust still there in one place. We would later learn by Dave talking to an older local man that there was once a portable sawmill there back in the logging heyday that had long since been moved out. It seems this was a common practice back then as this local person had a job of moving them when he was a young man. This was very interesting and informative. We also learned from this person that there is a much easier way down to the end of the ridge where one can more easily make it over to the mystery falls ! This would end up being the old forest road we took that morning to access the AT by as it continues on down the ridge and is in great shape where it ends just parallel to where we wanted to be. Too bad we did not know that before we bushwhacked down into this overgrown laurel hell.

Orange flagged 'trail'

Old sawdust pile found in the large open, swampy area where the two creeks converge

Remains of an old bridge long after the boards rotted away leaving only logs and nails

Pretty purple flowers

I am not sure why we kept going after the sawdust pile as the trail disappeared into more laurel hells from that point on where I had to crawl on my belly to get through them. Maybe it was the fact that we had come so far already and were really not that far from where the falls would be but, either the going got too rough or we became too tired or perhaps it was the thoughts of knowing we had to climb back uphill through everything to get back that made us stop. Plus it was getting late in the afternoon. We had hoped to find the connecting trail over to the Slide Hollow in hopes that would be a much easier loop back but it became obvious that it was not going to happen so we stopped for a long break before heading back up the long, overgrown route we had came down on.

More pretty purple flowers

Back on the AT

It was slow going back and it had became quite sunny and warm making the trek even harder. It was a long way back to those orange flags and I was one happy hiker when I finally seen the last one where we had started. Dave and I had to stop many times on the way up so Bol’Dar was the first to make it there.  We took a long rest and snack break once we were back to the AT trail intersection was.  After this the walking was so much easier. It makes one appreciate a well maintained trail for sure. It was less than a mile back to where the AT crosses the old forest road we used to shortcut down to there that morning and we could look down that road and see how nice a road it was and after checking the map we could see that would be the way to go to find the mystery falls for sure. Of course we regretted doing the bushwhack but was too tired to complain however, it was decided at that time that Dave would no longer be able to make the decision on where we would hike to without [as Bol'Dar put it]: “first submitting a plan to the planning committee, so the medical committee and the grievance committee doesn’t need to get involved retroactively” !  Maybe one day we can get the time and energy to try once again to locate the top of the mystery falls, but it wont be any time soon and I expect it will be a fall or winter trip. For now, I will rest and try to recover from this exhausting trip while the next adventure is planned.

To see more pics of the Mountaineer Falls, please visit our Photo Gallery here.

Compression Falls (Photo by Dave Aldridge March 2012)

Twisting Falls (Photo by RAT April 3, 2012)

The week prior to this trip, Dave Aldridge and Bol’Dar had gone to the Compression Falls without me as I was unable to go that week so, I opted to bypass them on this trip and seek the Twisting Falls instead. Besides, I can easily go to Compression Falls anytime like everyone and their brother does each weekend ! We were also interested in a new waterfall that Dave had discovered the week earlier that was seen way off in the distance on the other side of the river high above the Twisting Falls. He happened to see water in the trees and used his zoom lens to get a view of a small part of them. They seem to be well over 200 feet high with parts that free fall plunge farther than you can see. We hoped we could find these feeder falls as there is no information about them that we could find.

Top portion of the 'Mystery Falls' as seen across the Elk River Gorge

Zoomed shot of upper portion of the 'Mystery Falls' (this is at least 100' plunge, photo by Dave Aldridge)

After driving to the trail head for Compression Falls, we parked at the old barn there and took the forest road that goes straight ahead (instead of going down the STEEP trail to the Compression Falls) that eventually leads 5 + miles to Elk River Falls.  In a short time you will find a trail dropping sharply off the right side that leads down the STEEP hill towards the river. Dave showed me the mystery falls and I was mesmerized by them. I guess I now have a new ‘quest’. The top part where the long free fall plunge is,  comes right out of thick laurels far away as it drops off the top of the mountain located across the river but, it seems to have two more parts that stair step down until it finally reaches the river which would make the total height of these falls to exceed 400 feet. The trail was very well traveled so there are plenty of people who know how to get down to the Twisting Falls vicinity. I am also told that some rafters use this trail as a ‘portage’ around Twisting Falls instead of roping them across the rock cliffs but, I can`t imagine packing a kayak up that hill. It only took a few minutes to reach the bottom and the first thing I could see was the awesome lower part of the mystery feeder falls where it meets the river. The sun was too bright for good pics but I enjoyed seeing these falls immensely.

Mystery Falls (Photo by Dave Aldridge)

Lower part of the 'Mystery (feeder) Falls'

The trail ended at the Elk River on a long, flat, beach-like area and it was quickly apparent that we were just above the Twisting Falls. A glance down the river revealed what I call the ‘Wasp’s Head Rock‘ that sits high above the actual falls where the portage is. The kayakers actually rope their boats across the narrow ledge that sits just under this very unique triangle shaped rock. I can`t help but wonder how it got that shape. First we would check out the mystery falls before exploring down river to see if we could get to the Twisting Falls. The water levels were up so there would be no going down the side of the river and due to the slanted rock sides and laurels I do not think it would be possible anyway.

Looking down river towards the top of Twisting Falls

Slanted rocks near the top of Twisting Falls

After checking out the mystery feeder falls and surrounding area, I proceeded down river photographing the various shelf falls and looking for a way to get down to the Twisting Falls. You could see the top of them dropping off the edge of the world just below us but getting there without crossing the river would be tricky. I found a small ninja trail hidden in the laurels (as ninja trails tend to be) and made my way around and down to the next and largest set of shelf falls (ones I have seen videos of people jumping in from)  and it wasn’t long before I found myself able to get out on the large slanted rock where I seen the ‘rectangle rock‘ earlier. This gave me a good view of the ‘Wasp Head Rock’ and the surrounding cliffs. It was too risky to venture out to the top of the falls. I could see Dave still back at the mystery falls taking pics so I had to backtrack some to get his attention and coax him into following me. From there the ninja trail continued higher and higher becoming quite narrow in places and skirting above and below huge, super steep rock cliffs. This was definitely some of the steepest and roughest terrain I had been on in a long time.

Looking down at one of the larger 'shelf falls' from above on the ninja trail

Left side of the 'shelf falls' as seen from closer up

Right side of 'shelf falls' as seen from closer up (many videos are online of people diving into this swimming hole)

After carefully climbing across the steep side hill above the sharp drop offs and under other rocky cliffs, we eventually came out on top of a tall cliff well above the top of the falls. There are numerous rock obstacles that one must find a way above or below to get by. There was a huge ravine that Dave called ‘The Grand Canyon’ that we had to find a way around the top part of in order to continue on if we were to have any hopes of getting a view of the falls. Of course getting a view from down at water level would require going down the ravine which we opted to save for another time. Dave waited on top of the cliff while I found the way over and once I got the view of the falls from the sweet spot I went back and got him.

Dave feeling a bit uneasy after negotiating the terrain seen behind him !

This was a rather risky venture as one slip here could mean certain and serious injury but I knew it was within Dave`s capability and soon we were sitting in the sweet spot with our tripods setup, taking pics of the Twisting Falls from a cliff perched high above them. This was an angle I had never seen a picture taken from before. I could even see the permanent ropes left there that are used by rafters to ‘portage’ their boats around and by swimmers to climb back up the rocks after diving) This was worth all of the effort although I still wanted to get down to the water level for a close up shot but, I am sure I will do that later when I come back to show all this to Bol’Dar. (He is really going to love this place)

Looking over the 'rectangle rock' near the top of Twisting Falls

Dave looking down into the ravine as we made our way above and below the towering rock cliffs

View of Twisting Falls from high above them (Note: this is zoomed some)

This spot was very awesome and we remained there taking pics and eating our lunch for as long as we could but it soon became time to move on. We had to decide whether to go back the way we came or continue on this ninja trail and find another way back to the road far above us where we had started. I voted to continue on as I hate backtracking and I wanted to know where this trace of a trail led to. Dave was not in a hurry to go back either so we packed up and continued following this treacherous little trail which led in and round more rock cliffs and continued to gain more elevation.

Twisting Falls

Twisting Falls

Twisting Falls

Twisting Falls

From there the trail more or less disintegrated but I was sure if one was to follow in the direction it was going and fight your way through the growth and rocky terrain that it would eventually come out in the draw beneath the power lines and maybe even over to the trail that leads down to the Compression Falls, but I seen no signs of recent travel in that direction and looking up, it seemed doable to climb up and follow the ridge to the road we knew was up top above us.

Compression Falls as seen from high above

Compression Falls as seen from high above

Compression Falls as seen from high above

There was some blue flagging going that direction but there was easier ways to make our way to the top but I kept seeing them as I switched back each time.There was more large rocky areas that we had to maneuver around but it was no trouble and it got easier as we continued climbing higher towards the top. It was steep and it had become quite warm and the sun was baking us as we huffed and puffed our way up the steep ridge but soon enough we started seeing trash and signs of being close to the road (including a refrigerator door) and then there it was. We came out in the curve of the road not far from the trail we had taken down. I could actually see it from there. I made it up first and was glad to finally be on level ground again. I waited on Dave to finish his climb and then we both made our way back the short distance to our vehicle. We decided that neither of us had the energy to go down to the Compression Falls and back so I will have to do that another time. We decided instead to go by what is called ‘Trashcan Falls’ on our way home. When we got back to the vehicle, we met a nice, older guy, a local who we had some good conversation with before we departed on our way.

Some of the rocky areas we had to climb around on our way back to the top

Looking back at Compression Falls as we started climbing up the ridge

Blue flagging found along the ridge

Old barn found at the trail head of Compression Falls

It was a nice scenic drive from there over to highway 321 where we parked at the trail head for the Trashcan Falls. You can actually see these falls from the road so it is a very short walk up to them. I am told they got their name due to there used to be trash dumpsters on the road right there at the trail that leads to the falls, hence they were known as ‘Trashcan Falls’. The dumpsters are no longer there. I can not believe I have driven by these falls for so many years and never even knew they were there. They are very nice and as one makes his way up past each level of them you realize there is much more of them on the top part where a large pool resides just before it starts dropping down the multi-level falls before going through a large tunnel under the highway where it then spills into the Watauga River. This is apparently a favorite swimming hole for the locals and there is a very nice campsite just on the other side.

Trashcan Falls

Trashcan Falls

Trashcan Falls

Trashcan Falls

Trashcan Falls

Dave standing on upper part of Trashcan Falls

I took what pics I could despite the very bright sun as we started at the bottom and worked our way to the top. I will definitely have to come back here on a more cloudy day to get any decent shots of these falls. By the time we got to the top part of the falls, we were very hot and was ready for something cold to drink besides the water we were carrying. We hiked the short trail back down to the vehicle and proceeded down the road to the next local country store. A nice cold drink made the drive home more enjoyable. We arrived home well before dark. I can’t wait until our next adventure.

For more pics of all these waterfalls, please visit our Photo Gallery here.

Upper Dick Creek Falls

That is pretty easy to do and once accomplished the road walk is more or less level and easy hiking. There are only a few large mud holes to negotiate around but those are quickly and easily bypassed by going through the trees on either side. These do dry up in the summer months and become even easier to get around. The road is never gated to my knowledge and one can take a high clearance vehicle here if you have one you do not care much about. I used to drive my old `71 Chevy 2WD pickup to the campsite beyond the Lower Dick Creek Falls all the time some 20+ years ago. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day and the hike up the Dick Creek Valley was really nice. It did not take long at all to reach the intersection where you have to bear left to go towards the waterfalls. (MUCH shorter and easier than climbing the steep hill from Rock Creek park) After that it is a short straightaway to get to the Lower Dick Creek Falls where we only stopped for a short time since once again the main goal was to reach the Upper Dick Creek Falls so we would stop back there on our way out.

Reflection of trees and blue sky in one of the many mud holes along the old road

We proceeded on the creek trail over to the large campsite beside the grassy field and then on to where the road crosses the creek to find the hidden ninja trail we had discovered on the first trip to the Upper Falls. Following that trail I nearly passed the place where you have to cross the creek to find the start of the left ridge and had to once again backtrack to find it which shows how easy it was for us to miss it the first time. Once I found it we made our way through the short laurel patch, and climbed up the short rise to get on the left ridge, it was smooth sailing as before all the way to the upper falls. In a short amount of time we had covered the less than half mile to the large rocks that mark the turn off to the falls. I led the way down the nifty ninja trail to the falls and watched as Dave and Lou (and myself) were in waterfall heaven.

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls (Photo by Dave Aldridge)

Like a kid at a carnival with a pocket full of coupons, Dave set up his tripod and began taking photo`s of the falls despite the bright sunlight as we made our way across the base of the falls to the huge rock slabs on the other side. Getting the best pics of the falls and surrounding springs that form small falls on the right side, we spent a lot of time there before I climbed up the tricky right side so they could get a shot of me on top of the falls. I also wanted to get a shot of them standing on the large rock slabs to show just how large they really are. Once this was done, Dave and Lou went back the way we had come, climbing back up the left side in order to safely reach the top of the falls.

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

It is just as awesome up there due to the small falls and cascades that drain in to the golden pool just before going over the edge of the falls. We took some more time there taking various photo`s of that and the ‘corkscrew‘ before eating our lunches on the large flat rock on the top left side (right side if you are standing on top looking off them)  of the falls.

Small falls and golden pool just above the top of the Upper Dick Creek Falls

The 'corkscrew' part of the Upper Dick Creek Falls as seen from above

Dave and Lou on the huge fallen rock slabs at the base of the Upper Dick Creek Falls

Eventually it came time to leave which is always hard to do from a place as nice as this but, we wanted to have time to get back out and stop at the lower falls before it got too dark. This is where it got very interesting because while Dave and Lou was photographing the falls from the bottom, when I climbed up the right side, I had done some exploring of the area there which I did not take time to do on our first trip the week before. I went down the right side to see if there was an easier way to climb up around the steep rock sides on the right side of the falls. I had not gone out of sight of the falls when I found a really good trail on an old log road grade complete with pink flagging. It appeared that it had seen some traffic in recent years so after telling Dave and Lou of my discovery they informed me that when they were there a few days earlier trying to find the falls and aborted their mission from the laurel hells of creek level, that they had climbed up the steep hill to this trail they had seen from below. I am not sure why they did not follow it to the falls but they did follow it out of the valley and advised me that it would come out back near where we started. I was all for going that way and that is exactly what we did.

Small springs flowing off the right side rock wall of the Upper Dick Creek Falls

colorful rocks where the small springs flow off the ride side of the Upper Dick Creek Falls

Larger of the small springs that flow off the right side rock walls of the Upper Dick Creek Falls

We followed the newly found trail out the right side and it was a very nice trail on what used to be an old logging road. I am sure it continues beyond the top of the falls and I will explore that one day to see if any more falls or nice cascades exist in that hollow which eventually leads to near the summit of Unaka Mount near the Pleasant Gardens area on top. I got a nice view of that area from the log road on our way out. There was a well traveled trail after a ways that led down the steep hill to the valley floor below. I knew from being there last week that it would be a great way (and most likely the best way)  to take back but,  Dave wanted to show me the way they went a few days before and to show me a piece of metal that had some humorous graffiti engraved upon it at a campsite near the end of the valley. I agreed and we followed the old log road although it did end up passing through some overgrown  places where the laurels had taken over but it was not that bad and soon we were at the end of the ridge and round the point where it would gradually taper down to the valley floor slightly up at the head of a large draw. I could remember hunting here when I was a younger lad and knew about where I was. Following the draw out a short ways to the main valley we came into a campsite and sure enough there was the piece of metal that boldly stated something about a one ‘Chris Hopson‘ !!!

New trail found on right side of falls

View from the new trail of the summit of Unaka Mtn. near Pleasant Gardens

Continuing out the valley we immediately seen an old road to the right that had high sides which formed a sort of ‘burm’ which intrigued me. It looked very familiar.  I followed it to see why it was there and it led me right out to the large opening/campsite at the end of the road across the creek where we had started ! What a find ! I can not wait to show this to Bol’Dar ! This is definitely an excellent way to get to the upper falls although still very hidden and very hard to find if you are not familiar with the route. I will most likely continue to go up the left side and come back the right to make a loop as they are both very awesome places to see and would give you the big picture. We rested there and talked about our awesome adventure before heading back across the creek and down the road to the grassy field where we would take the creek trail over to the lower falls to try and get some good late afternoon pics of them.

Old road that led us back to the starting point

The light was still a lot brighter than it was the week before and getting any really good shots was just not possible. I did show Dave and Lou the small falls that are located back in a hidden area just above the Lower Dick Creek Falls as they did not know they were there.

Small falls located just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls

Small falls just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls

Small falls just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls

Small falls just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls

They are very nice so we spent some time there before making our way down to the lower falls which I think are one of the prettiest waterfalls in East Tennessee and definitely my favorite one to photograph. I spent some time to meditate while I was there.

Lower Dick Creek Falls

Lower Dick Creek Falls

Lower Dick Creek Falls

Lower Dick Creek Falls

Lower Dick Creek Falls

After getting what pics we could there it was getting late afternoon so we packed it in and headed back down the road through the Dick Creek Valley, back by the mud holes and small creeks until we reached the end of the road where we had to find a way through the woods and back across the creek to reach the new stone bathroom at the end of the grassy field on the private property so that we could get back to the concrete bridge where we could cross the North Indian Creek to our vehicle. We got back long before dark and a few minutes later we were drinking ice cold sweet tea at the ‘Friends’ restaurant in Unicoi discussing what an awesome adventure it had been. I know I will be going back to the Upper Dick Creek Falls again soon to show Bol’Dar the new found trails but we do have a few other new adventures on ‘the list’ that we will try and do first. Until next time,,,,

Lower Dick Creek Falls (Photo by Dave Aldridge)

For more pics of these and other falls, please visit our Photo Gallery here.

Big Stamp area looking towards Little Bald

Doug was running a few minutes late but we were still on top of Big Bald by around 10:30 am. I had seen some patches of snow on the Tennessee side of Little Bald on my way to Spivey Gap so I did expect to see some on top. It was a sunny but chilly morning and there was some fairly strong winds blowing which made it much colder. Gloves and head gear were required. There were some small patches of snow on Big Bald but not much. We began the trek from Big Stamp and soon found ourselves standing at the place where a wildfire had been started not long ago by a hiker who’s camp stove got out of control. It was windy on the summit so we did not stick around there long and made haste to get off the exposed bald and down into the tree line. The views were incredible as always.

Big Bald (notice the small spots of snow near the base)

Looking towards Mt. Mitchell (North Carolina) from the Big Stamp area

It did not take long to reach the shelter known as the Carolina Condo where we left a new trail register and had a snack break. Doug always fills his water bottles here as it is the best (and coldest) water I have ever drank on the trail. From there it is only another 1.7 miles to the summit of Little Bald. There are three false summits between there and Little Bald but we soon found ourselves climbing the real one which always knocks the wind out of me but it sure beats the much longer and much steeper climb from the Spivey Gap side ! The summit of Little Bald (aka Big Harry or El Grande Chi Chi) is one of my favorite places. We had our traditional lunch break on the rocks on the North Carolina side then checked out the view from the Tennessee side before it was time for Doug to head South to do his section as I headed North down the steeper side to see what was waiting for me to do.

Summit of Little Bald

Old tree that stands at the look off on the TN. side of Little Bald

View from the old tree look off on the TN side of Little Bald

There was still some small spots of snow on the colder Tennessee side and the wind was still blowing rather hard making it very cold despite the deceiving warm looking sunshine but the lower in elevation I went, the less the wind was and the warmer it became. I warmed up by digging out the many water bars that are on my section. There was a lot of limbs and debris to remove along with a few blow downs that I was able to remove by myself and I took pictures and noted the ones requiring a chain saw which I sent in to the Carolina Mountain Club and they have already since then been removed from the entire section.

Stacked rocks along my trail section on Little Bald Mountain

Gnarly tree growing over a rock on Little Bald Mountain

I met a large group of people hiking UP the mountain from Spivey Gap and it seems they had already hiked down there and were on their way back. I was investigating something off the trail and was high on the ridge looking down on them when they went by which I think kinda startled them. By the time I made it to the top of the upper relo, I was out of the strong winds and it was much warmer although I could still hear it roaring high on the mountain above me. I met a nice young fellow out for a long distance hike who goes by the trail name of  ‘Sir Hikes Alot‘. We talked for awhile before he continued North as I resumed my trail clearing. I stopped to dig out a small spring and make a ‘sit log‘ there before moving on down to the A.T. Rock where I took a lengthy break and ate a snack.

Blow down on Little Bald

I was making good time so I was down to Whistling Gap by 4pm. I took another break there in anticipation of the long climb from there up to High Rocks. That pull always kicks my butt and this day would be no exception especially after working all night and getting only a couple hours rest before heading out to the trail. Also the thoughts of going home with just enough time to shower and eat before another work shift would begin made me feel even more tired. It was going to be a long night but it is always great being in the woods.

The AT Rock

Blow down near Whistling Gap (note freshly cleaned out water bar !)

It took me awhile to trudge up the hill to High Rocks but I eventually made it. I opted to not climb up the blue-blazed  trail to the top of the rocks so I took a few pics as I slowly climbed below them and soon was descending down the steep steps on the North side. I remember when there was not any steps here.  I did get a few views from there which I stopped to enjoy before continuing down the steep and rugged hill.

Colorful Fungus

The trail as it passes beneath High Rocks

Looking back at the trail that passes beneath High Rocks

I was happy when I reached the lower relo where the walking becomes much easier and it is smooth sailing from there all the way to almost the end of the section with the only roughness being the rocky area just before the hemlocks at the bottom. I recalled many memories of when I worked with the Konnarock Crews to help build the lower relo when we would spend a week at a time in the woods meeting many people from all walks of life, many of which I have made lifelong friends with. I stopped to admire the small Spruce Pine tree that was in the center of the chosen route of the new trail that I was told had to be dug up and killed for the trail but, I refused to allow that and I spent some time carefully digging the little sapling up and relocating it to a safe place just above the trail where it is now still living and doing well. This was also the place where my friend Bol’Dar was nearly killed by a falling dead tree that Jack Springston had lightly touched with one finger.

View from North side of High Rocks as seen on the way down

View of Flattop Mountain from North side of High Rocks as seen on way down

I was very tired by this time and I don`t remember much of the last mile out to the car but I was happy to see the rock bridge at the end. I was happy the trail was now clear and that there were not any serious blow downs and the sawyers would have it easy this time on my section. Although I was unable to clear the water-bars from Whistling Gap to Spivey Gap, I was elated to learn the saw crew did them for me when they went back to clear the trees a week or so later. My next trip will be to repaint the white blazes as it has been 4 years and they are definitely in need of repainting. Hopefully I can get back up there soon to take care of that. With the unusually warm weather patterns we are having and with Spring coming so much earlier this year, I fear the weeds will be growing sooner and will be much thicker this year unless it gets really dry and hot. Clearing the annual growth in late May or sometime in June is one of the hardest tasks I have to do on my section. I have been doing this section for over 21 years now.

Large campsite at Spivey Gap

Upper Dick Creek Falls

We chose to start at the Rock Creek Park Area which was still closed for winter and also due to removal of hazard trees. (There was quite a mess there from that). This is the longer and more difficult route to get to Dick Creek as it requires climbing uphill on the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail to Dick Creek Gap and then downhill on an old forest road to Dick Creek and up to the falls. This means you will be going uphill both ways ! There is a shorter and more level route which I actually prefer going in to Dick Creek from the Limestone Cove side which I consider to be much easier but, I was needing some exercise so I did not mind going the uphill way on this day. We left Hairnt-Quarters around 9:30 am and were making our way across the Rock Creek park before 10:30am. The gate being closed does add some extra distance but the park is level and easy hiking.

Gnarly Tree in Rock Creek Park

Once you reach the back end of the park you will find the trail-head for the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail leading across the creek on a wooden bridge. This follows a small creek until the trail gains elevation and begins the climb up to Dick Creek Gap. It is a narrow but nice trail with some switchbacks and was recently part of a controlled burn so it does not take long to reach the gap. This is a perfect place to ‘snack early and snack often’ as we like to do so we enjoyed a relaxing rest beside a large mud hole full of tadpoles. After this we said goodbye to the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail and descended down the hill on the old forest road that leads to Dick Creek.

View from the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail (looking back towards Unaka Mtns and Rock Cr. Park)

Old stump along the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail

Of course this is the easy part and in no time you find yourself at the bottom in the Dick Creek Valley. The trail soon becomes a waterway for the many creeks that flow into the valley and this will lead you to the actual Dick Creek where you will cross it just before reaching the main forest road where you will go to the right. It is not far from there to reach the Lower Dick Creek Falls where we discovered someone had cut the growth out to make a road that people have been driving on all the way to the falls where a large campsite has been cleared right at the top of the falls. This was somewhat disturbing.  There was a primitive table built on a tree there and some trash in the area. We even found what we called a ‘redneck blue-blaze‘ ! We did not spend much time there as our main goal was to find the upper falls so we followed the creek trail (you can take the road instead if you wish) that leads over to the largest campsite beside the grassy field where we used to camp at so many years ago. There was even more trash there along with lots of damage to the field done by off road vehicles.

Looking down on the Lower Dick Creek Falls

Bol'Dar`s shadow trying to have a beer !

Knowing that the upper falls are a ways upstream from there, we continued onward,  anxious to see if there was any kind of trail leading up the creek. The road goes beyond the field a ways where it crosses the creek and more or less dead ends at a camp site although many years ago it continued well beyond there and used to have a gate just on the other side of the creek crossing. There was no visible trail on the left side of the creek so we crossed the creek to the large opening at the camp site there to rest and study the maps. This is where it gets tricky as there are no visible trails leading upstream from this point. Keyword being ‘visible’ as many times there are hidden trails or remnants of old trails hiding just beyond sight. With this in mind we decided to cross back over the creek and make our way through the heavy growth on the left side to see what was there. There was a faint old trail there but it was all but gone and after fighting our way through the laurels and growth we found ourselves high above the creek  at a large rock where we had to climb down to creek level near a vertical dirt bank on the left where the hill had caved in which forced us into and across the creek to the right side.

Old stump found along the high ridge trail on the way to the upper falls

There we could see above us (on the right side of the creek)  a large saddle leading into the valley so we followed it on a fairly good trail for a ways until it appeared to also disappear into the creek and laurel hells. There is no way to simply follow the creek as it is nothing but solid laurels that are impassable. We also noticed we were getting higher above the creek and could then see an even higher ridge on the other side (left side)  that looked very good if only we could get there. Unfortunately crossing the creek and climbing up there was not feasible at any point due to the laurels and sheer steepness of it so this left only one choice which was to go back and try and find where that ridge began and cross over to it. This was also easier said than done but after two trips up and back and checking out a false hollow on the other side of it, we ended up just above the vertical dirt bank where we had started and found the point of the ridge we were looking for. Crossing the creek there and going through a very short but sweet laurel patch, we found a small (but steep) rise where we climbed up to it and discovered a very nice open ridge on the left side of the creek. This was the one we were looking for that we had seen from the other side. We proceeded to follow this which quickly gained a lot of height above the creek just as we had seen from the other side.

Looking down on Dick Creek from high above on the left side ridge trail

The left ridge is mostly open and was actually very pleasant to hike on with hardly any obstacles. It keeps gaining elevation slightly as it follows high above the creek. We could hear and barely see several of what seemed to be very large cascades down below that will be fun to explore at a later time. Since it is only just over a half a mile or so from the road to the upper falls, it was not long before we spotted a rocky area ahead and as we approached them I saw my first glimpse of what I knew was the falls. They were much larger than what I had anticipated from the two pictures I had seen of them. I found a nice little ninja trail that went just below the rocks leading down to the base of the falls. This was a place of incredible beauty and we were jubilant to finally be there.

Ninja trail that leads down to the upper falls

Following the ninja trail down to the upper falls

lower part of the ninja trail almost to the base of the upper falls

Standing at the base of the upper falls

These falls are amazing and what I call ‘bonus falls’ because they are like getting four waterfalls in one, each of which can be photographed separately and each would still look awesome all by itself. They seemed to be about 35 to 40 feet tall and the colors of the rocks there are vivid and different than anything I have seen before. It was a warm and sunny day so it was hard to get any special pics and the sun was shining directly on the left side yet shaded on the right which also made it hard for a novice camera to photograph. I am sure I will be back here soon and hopefully on a cloudier day while the water levels are still up. We spent some time here enjoying the alluring beauty while making our way slowly over to the right side taking lots of photo`s as we went along.

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

There are some HUGE rock slabs that have apparently broken off the right side and fell down into the bottom of the falls most likely from the creek eroding underneath them over the years. From the discoloration of the rock walls above them, it has not been that long ago since this happened. These make a perfect stage to stand on to view the falls. After hanging out on them for quite a while, we found a way to climb up the right side to get on that level which leads easily to the top of the falls. This short climb was a difficult one and not recommended for everyone but it is easy to go back the way you came on the left side and continue up the left ridge to the top of the falls instead and not risk being injured in such an inaccessible place.

Left side of Upper Dick Creek Falls

Left side of Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls (find Bol'Dar)

Right side of Upper Dick Creek Falls

There were a series of springs coming down the right side making small falls which were a pleasure to see. I am assuming these dry up in the summer months. After the tricky climb up beside those, it was indeed easy to get around to the top of the falls where I crossed the creek and found a couple more small falls just upstream. One of these had a large pool with a bottom of gold. I have not seen a more yellow color ever before. We also discovered that one of the main falls forms what I call a corkscrew just before it goes over the edge of the falls. This was very cool and I tried to get some good pics but the bright sun made this impossible.

Smalls falls and gold pool at top of Upper Dick Creek Falls

Small falls and gold pool just above Upper Dick Creek Falls

Dick Creek just above top of upper falls as it goes into 'the corkscrew'

The 'corkscrew' part of the Upper Dick Creek Falls

The 'corkscrew' part of the Upper Dick Creek Falls

Side view of part of the Upper Dick Creek Falls from the top

There is a large flat spot on the solid rock top of the falls where we hung out and ate our lunch looking out from the top of the falls. Truly an amazing place of seductive beauty that I am sure to come back to often now that it has been discovered. This is another one of those places that I am glad there are not any perfect trails or easy visible access as it limits the traffic and impact on such a pristine place. There was little if any sign of man, no trash whatsoever, which is rare. So many waterfalls are affected by those few who do not respect Nature and think they can just leave their trash there instead of leaving it the way they found it for others to enjoy.

Bol'Dar atop the Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

Upper Dick Creek Falls

We stayed as long as we could but eventually we knew we had to leave since we still had to not only hike back out of there but we also wanted to stop for a bit at the Lower Dick Creek Falls and then there was that long hill to climb back up and over, not to mention going back down and then out the park. Going back the way we came only this time above the rocks instead of below them, we made good time down the ridge and were back at the creek crossing in just a few minutes where we crossed and followed the other side and came out on a hidden ninja trail that quickly led right to the large open turnaround just across the creek at the end of the road where we had started. Too bad we did not find that then ! We crossed the creek and hiked back down the old forest road back to the field and the large camping spot where we got back on the creek trail which we took over to the lower falls.

Lower Dick Creek Falls

Lower Dick Creek Falls

Lower Dick Creek Falls

Lower Dick Creek Falls

There are some really nice falls hidden back in the laurels just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls so we climbed down in there to check them out and get some pics before moving down to the lower falls. I love these small falls and they are proof that size does not always matter.

Small falls located just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls

Small falls located just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls

Small falls located just above the top of the Lower Dick Creek Falls

The lower falls are in my opinion one of the prettiest falls in East Tennessee. The colors of the rocks and surrounding plant life are very unique and are a real pleasure to photograph. We spent awhile here taking in the awesomeness of this exquisite place before moving on down the road back towards ‘the hill’.

Switchback on the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail

Rattlesnake Ridge Trail

Swimming pond in Rock Creek Park

Bridge and small cascades at upper end of swimming pond (Rock Creek Park)

Back down the road to the turnoff and across the creek , the watery road leading towards the hill did not seem bad for the first part but, the last part makes up for it as it seems to go on and upwards forever. I was dragging along pretty slowly until I finally caught up with Bol’Dar at the gap. We took a break there to rest up and reflect on the awesome upper falls we had found earlier. The sun was starting to set so it was soon time to move on. At least it would be all downhill from there. After a short while we were at the bottom and walking back through the park and decided to check out the swimming hole pond. I love the reflections that can be photographed there. A few minutes from there and we were back to the gate and vehicle, this time before dark. Another killer day in the woods with a great discovery. I am sure I will be back soon.

For more pics of the Upper Dick Creek Falls, please visit our Gallery here. To see the Lower Dick Creek Falls , please go here.

Upper Wilderness Falls

It was a bright sunny morning (which would not be good for picture taking) as Bol’Dar and I started our journey at the Longarm Branch Trail-head passing by the Lower Longarm Branch Falls around 10:30am or so. There was an ample supply of water flowing due to the recent rains so we anticipated all the falls to be very nice on this day which is always a plus. Although it makes the many creek crossings more difficult, it is well worth it to have the extra water which makes multiple cascades and waterfalls much nicer. Each time we crossed the creek, I couldn’t help but remember back 20 years ago when I used to drive my VW bug up this road all the way to Bumpass Cove not to mention the many motorcycles, jeeps,  and trucks over the years before the floods washed all the bridges and drainage pipes  out.

Lower Longarm Branch Falls

We were in somewhat of a hurry to get to the top of the Upper Wilderness Falls before the light went flat but, we could not resist stopping at many of the beautiful cascades and small falls on our way up the Longarm Branch Trail. Despite all the stops, it did not take too long to cover the 2 miles up the rocky hill to the base of the Upper Longarm Branch Falls which were flowing very well compared to the last couple of times I was there. We found a ‘fireball‘ wrapper laying in the road on the rocky hill just before the falls,, I had to wonder, could it be ?? Nahh, surely not ! We ate some lunch at the falls and tried to get some pics during some passing clouds that were few and far between and with the sun shining right into our faces there wasn’t much we could do about that. We continued on the trail which goes above the falls and decided to climb down to the top part of them from above to enjoy the high water levels. It is really cool place at the top of the falls as there is quite a bit of falls well above what you can see from below as is the case with so many waterfalls.

Cascades along Longarm Branch

Upper Longarm Branch Falls

Upper Longarm Branch Falls (as seen from the trail above)

Continuing on the Longarm Branch Trail beyond the top of the Upper Longarm Branch Falls, we came across a mud hole with some frog eggs all ready to soon become tadpoles. It seems winter is ending sooner this year and signs of Spring are already showing earlier than ever before with record setting temps. At the next trail junction there was a spring bubbling right out of the ground. This is always a good sign for high water levels. Another half mile or so we came to our turn off that leads down into the Devil Fork Valley which means the uphill was finally over. Taking this turn off we made good time down to the place where we had to leave the trail and go off-trail through the laurels which would lead us to the top of the Upper Wilderness Falls.

Part of the Upper Longarm Branch Falls (that can not be seen from the bottom)

Approaching the drop off at the top of the Upper Longarm Branch Falls (find Bol'Dar)

Looking over the drop off at the top of the Upper Longarm Branch Falls

It is not far down to the falls but with no trails (old or new) and completely hidden in laurels, I can see why we, or no one else ever found these falls before. As the draw went through a short laurel hell, and narrowed down towards the edge of the dropoff where the vertical part of the falls are, I was in awe at the rock formations and different levels of the upper parts of the falls, as there is at least 80 or 100 feet of falls before it goes over the edge and at least another 60 to 75 feet or more of more vertical fall after that. This was truly an amazing waterfall and I was loving it. It is a bit steep and a dangerous place to be and is definitely not for the faint of heart. Luckily there are plenty of laurels to hold on to ! We spent quite a bit of time at the top half of the falls taking pics of the various levels (since it could not all be photographed in one shot) before making our way to the edge and then down the precarious cliff on the left side (our left) to get to the bottom.

Cascades at the top of where the Upper Wilderness Falls start

Looking down the steep slope at the first section of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Another section of the Upper Wilderness Falls as we make our way down

Another section of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Same section with some delay

Water crashing into a huge log on its way down the upper part of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Next section below the log on the upper part of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Last section of the upper part of the Upper Wilderness Falls before it plunges over the edge and drops over the vertical part

It is very rocky and nearly vertical not to mention wet and slippery but, being very careful there is a way to get down to the bottom of these falls. I took a series of pics on my way down to try and capture the moment. We could now begin to see the lower part of the upper falls and they are stunning. Much taller than I recall seeing from the location I was at on the steep climb up the middle falls during my first trip to this area, as the trees hide most of the falls from there but, now I was up close and personal and they were huge. I tried to get a shot where you could see the entire falls and I did get some but there is just no way to see them all at one time they are so tall and the upper half is pretty much hidden when at the bottom. They are definitely well over 100 feet. I hope to bring Dave here in the near future so he can accurately measure them with his hypsometer. We hung out for awhile at the bottom but the sun was starting to set so we had to move on as the hardest obstacle was still yet to come which would be climbing down the steeper and nearly vertical middle falls.

Last part of the upper section as it drops over the edge of the vertical part of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Side view of the lower part of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Side view of the lower part of the Upper Wilderness Falls

RAT and the lower part of the Upper Wilderness Falls (Photo by Bol'Dar)

Lower part of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Lower part of Upper Wilderness Falls

Lower part of Upper Wilderness Falls

It is not very far between the two falls but there is no trail and it is rugged terrain with some of the steepest ridges on each side that I have ever seen. As I traversed along the lower edge I could look up and see the set of rocks and unreal steep ridge (from the other side this time)  that I climbed up to from the bottom of the middle falls the  first time I was there. All of these falls are unique and gorgeous. What makes them extra special is the fact they are hidden and inaccessible where Mother Nature can protect them from those that would otherwise trash them. It is this reason that the name ‘Wilderness Falls’ was chosen.

Looking towards the Middle Wilderness Falls from the base of the Upper Wilderness Falls

Yes it is VERY steep !!

Making our way along the steep slope toward the top of the Middle Wilderness Falls

As we made our way towards the top of the middle falls, I kept looking back at the upper falls and could see less and less of them as in a short distance the laurels and trees seemed to consume them until eventually they almost completely disappeared. It was already getting darker down in this deep hollow and as Bol’Dar made his way ahead, I could see the Longarm Ridge and Sampson Mountain glowing in the sun beyond the darkness of the ravine we were in as we neared the top of the middle falls. There was a nice set of cascades between the two falls but it was hiding in the laurels and I did not waste what little daylight we had left to go down to them. (Go go gadget zoom lens !)

View of Longarm Ridge and Sampson Mountain

View of Longarm Ridge and Sampson Mountain

As we neared the top of the falls, the slope was so steep we could barely stand on it. Knowing we did not want to be near the actual top of the falls and due to the laurel growth, we had to veer uphill slightly towards the rocky spine of the edge in order to find a way down the falls. We knew this was going to be extremely steep and risky.  As we came out on the spine, it became lighter and there was some more decent visuals of the Longarm Branch Valley, the Longarm Ridge, and Sampson Mountain. Then we fell off the edge of the world. Yep, straight down. There is no other way. This is definitely an extreme descent and I can not recommend this for anyone as it is very dangerous. I would suggest coming to the middle falls from the bottom and not trying to come down them from above. We slowly and carefully made our way down, finding what places we could to get a foot hold and something to hold on to in an attempt to keep three points of contact with the earth at all times. We could soon see a glimpse of the top of the middle falls and the tall, rocky ridge looming above on the opposite side.

Approaching the spine of the ridge

Dropping off the edge of the world !

Looking back at what we had just came down

About halfway down this perpendicular hill, we found the one and only level spot to stand on where we rested our whoa-nelly gears and took some pics of the part of the falls we could see and the ridges and valleys out in the distance. This was entrancing to say the least. From there it did not get any easier but actually became more vertical. We could now begin to see some of the valley floor below the middle falls. Even though steepness can not be captured with a camera, the pics I took of looking back up from where we had just came down did indeed show it to be very steep. Now imagine it steeper and you might get an idea of how it really is.

Bol'Dar standing on the only level spot to be found

Making our way down to the bottom of the Middle Wilderness Falls

Bol"Dar descending down the Middle Wilderness Falls

Slowly getting closer to the bottom while passing through wet, vertical rocks

There are several rocky outcrops on the way down that one must maneuver around in order to reach the bottom. It was wet and very slick and still covered with leaves which made this even more difficult. One slip here and you would not stop until the bottom and it would not be a good result. We made our way down further, meticulously choosing each step and each handhold as if it could be our last (because it could be) and soon we could see almost all of the falls. The middle falls are at least 100 feet tall, maybe more and they are stunning. The light was fading fast so it was becoming hard to get any usable pictures but that did not stop me from taking them anyway.

Almost to the bottom of the Middle Wilderness Falls

RAT`s final 'slide for life Bear Grylles style' descent to the bottom of the Middle Wilderness Falls !(notice the dark slide mark!)

There was more vertical rocks near the bottom and the last part below them seemed to be straight down. Both of us ended up loosing our footing and doing a ‘slide for life’ for the last drop to the bottom of the falls. Luckily we survived with minimal injuries. Bear Grylles would have been proud. This was my third trip to the middle set of falls and this was the most amount of water I had seen on them yet which was very cool. The wind and mist coming off the falls was strong and I had to keep wiping the water off my lens to take pics. This is one of,  if not my most favorite falls to be at, ever. It is an unreal place of beauty and I did not want to leave but the light was fading and we wanted to get some decent pics of the lower falls so we had to make the decision to move on.

Bol'Dar standing at the base of the Middle Wilderness Falls

Middle Wilderness Falls

Middle Wilderness Falls

Middle Wilderness Falls

Middle Wilderness Falls

Middle Wilderness Falls

Middle Wilderness Falls

The water continues falling from there over multiple drops until it reaches the largest one of the lower falls. It is unique and is just as awesome as the others only not as tall.

View of the Middle Wilderness Falls from the next drop below them.

Small falls just below the Middle Wilderness Falls

Top view of the smalls falls just below the Middle Wilderness Falls

Bol'Dar standing at the largest of the smaller falls just below the Middle Wilderness Falls

Largest of the smaller falls just below the Middle Wilderness Falls

Largest of the smaller falls just below the Middle Wilderness Falls

Largest of the smaller falls just below the Middle Wilderness Falls

Just downstream from those is what we call the Lower Wilderness Falls. These are equally as nice and about the same height. We used up the last of the fading light trying to get pics of these before hiking out the rest of the Wilderness Valley back to the Longarm Branch Trail where we still had to hike back down to the vehicle hopefully before dark.

Top of the Lower Wilderness Falls with the Middle Wilderness Falls in far background

Lower Wilderness Falls

Lower Wilderness Falls

Lower Wilderness Falls

Lower Wilderness Falls

Lower Wilderness Falls

Lower Wilderness Falls

There are a few more really nice cascades below the lower falls all the way back to the Longarm Branch Trail but that requires going down the  creek which we did not have time for so we picked up the pace and took the easier way down and out the valley knowing we were not going to make it out before dark. We hiked the last mile or so out in the dark which made the last two creek crossings a bit tricky,  but it was a great day to be in the woods and our adventure had been phenomenal. I can’t wait to get back here soon to show Dave the Upper Wilderness Falls.

For more photographs of these and many other waterfalls and mountains, please visit our Photo Gallery here.

Waterfall found way above the Lower Higgins Creek Falls

The water level was not quite as high as it was on the last trip here but it was not low by any means. I was trying out my new  ‘muck boots‘ so crossing the creek was not an issue for me and since Bol’Dar is very good at rock hopping, he had no issues either. We made our way across the double crossing and pushed through the growth until we found the old abandoned log road and followed it up to the base of the hidden falls. Bol’Dar was definitely impressed with these magnificent falls.

Waterfall hidden below the Lower Higgins Creek Falls

We hung out there for quite awhile before climbing up the steep right side to reach the Lower Higgins Creek Falls. The feeder falls coming down the right side there were not as big as before but were still flowing. Looking back towards the top of where the hidden falls are, it was easy to see why they are indeed hidden ! We made our way past them to the base of the big falls where we crossed over and began the super steep ascent up the left side back to the old road high above us.

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

From there it did not take long at all to reach the top of the falls and see the several higher falls and cascades that you can not see from the bottom of the falls. After that we crossed the creek after which we came to the turn off to the Birchfield Camp Branch but we kept going up the Lower Higgins Creek Trail which crosses the creek again (due to the old road being washed out) before climbing another hill where we found Dave and Lou. They were way down deep in the laurels at one of the two waterfalls we had come to locate. We descended down to join them there where we found a very nice set of waterfalls with another even nicer one just above it. There was some laurel hells to negotiate to get to each one of them, but once this was accomplished a decent view of the falls could be obtained. Each of these waterfalls had their own unique qualities and were a pleasure to photograph despite their being located down a steep ravine and being buried in laurels.

First set of falls located well above the Lower Higgins Cr. Falls

Waterfalls located well above the Lower Higgins Cr. Falls

Next set of falls located even further upstream from Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Next set of falls located even further upstream from Lower Higgins Creek Falls

After spending some time at each falls getting what pics we could we slowly made our way back up the steep bank to the old road trail above. From there we returned the way we had came as we decided there was not time nor reason to continue further up the mountain to Bearwallow Gap but instead I had planned on taking Bol’Dar to the Birchfield Camp Branch Falls and then follow that trail beyond them to the ‘hidden lake’ below Frozen Knob and Higgins Ridge. Since it was downhill from there, we made it back to the turnoff to the Birchfield Camp Branch Trail in just a few minutes. Dave had planned on going to the pond with us but Lou was already having some knee troubles so Dave accompanied him back to their car while Bol’Dar and myself crossed the creek just below where the two creeks converge, and proceeded up the Birchfield Camp Branch Trail towards the falls and hopefully to the pond.

Hiking back down the Lower Higgins Creek Trail

Square rock in Birchfield Camp Branch

Just before we reached the falls we encountered a strange little bat with an unusual light colored head and orange colored underside, flying around in broad daylight. It kept circling around between us and every other lap it would dip down and skim across the surface of the small pool of water in the creek where we were standing. I have never seen this before and I am unsure if it was drinking water or what but, it gave a whole new reason (in my mind)  to treat or filter water even when you think it is safe to drink. We watched this for several minutes while trying to photograph and video the whole process (not very successfully I might add) before we continued on past some cascades to the Birchfield Camp Branch Falls. There was still enough water flowing to make these falls highly enjoyable so we took some time there to take in their beauty and get some pics.

Bat flying over my head

Birchfield Camp Branch Falls

Birchfield Camp Branch Falls

I am glad we got a good rest there as the trail from that point on was steadily uphill and much farther (or so it seemed to me) than any GPS or map shows. The trail condition was very good considering no vehicles or horse traffic has been there in many years and it looked as if not much foot travel is done there either. It is a really nice valley and the trail gains some good elevation constantly, not only up the mountain but also going high above the creek in places. It seemed to go on forever and after the earlier climbs up all the steep sides of the hidden falls, the Lower Higgins Creek Falls, and then the climb up to the two newer falls and climbing up from them, my granny gear was about gone before we ever reached the pond. Just about the time I was feeling out of energy, the trail leveled off for a short ways and we came upon something that energized us both to the max ! Sitting on the side of the trail right there in the middle of nowhere on the old forest road that had not seen any vehicle traffic in at least 30 years, was one of the oldest trucks I have seen in a long time. It had obviously been there for many years but still sat tall and proud like it was just parked there the day before.

1939 GMC Cabover Truck

1939 GMC Cabover Truck

After some investigation we could see it had an extremely long frame which was definitely typical of log trucks used back in the day. I also discovered later (on our way back from the pond) a part of the hood located a ways above it, which revealed it was a GMC.  It had been there so long, it had likens growing on it and looked just like the rocks it was hiding behind. The GMC and shape of the hood also aided in my research of finding out what year, make, and model it was. Come to find out it is somewhere between a 1936 and 1941 GMC Cabover. They made several different models and styles all used for different applications. You can see some of those HERE.

Bol'Dar and RAT posing in the old truck

After checking out the truck for a while, we used our newly found excitement to power our way on up the trail which became steep again, until we came to the creek where we had to cross it and could then see we were nearly at the top where the pond was.  We could see the last stretch of hill and the dense growth that we knew had to be the pond. It was uphill every step of the way until we reached it, stepping out of the thick laurels to the level road that goes around the pond. At last!

Last stretch of hill leading to the pond

The Pond aka Birchfield Camp Branch Pond aka The Hidden Lake

We could hear the water roaring in the spillway pipe located out in the lower end of the pond where we came out at,  just over from the small metal wheel that controls it. I must assume a small boat is needed to be trucked in there when it is needed to drain the pond or adjust the amount of water flowing out of it. (yes there is a nice road (gated) to this place that starts way down in Rocky Fork some 5+ miles down the mountain).

The pond

The pond

The pond

The pond

It was really nice to finally be at the pond. It is an awesome place and I had not been there in at least 20+ years. We spent as much time as we could walking around it and hanging out taking pics. We walked to the opposite end where the Birchfield Camp Branch starts and flows into the pond  just behind Frozen Knob but, there is no view of the pond from there due to the growth. We spent as much time as we could enjoying the beauty before the sun started setting low in the sky which was our clue that we had to leave. It was a long 4+ miles back to the car but at least it would all be down hill. We took our last looks and photo`s before bidding the pond goodbye and began the long descent down the Birchfield Camp Branch Valley hoping we could make it out before dark.

The pond

The pond

Reflections on the pond

Reflections on the pond

Reflections on the pond (black and white)

It did not take near as long to hike down the entire valley past the truck, and an assortment of mossy logs, cascades, odd rocks and rocky ridges, as it did to climb up it. We were back at the Birchfield Camp Branch Falls in no time. From there it was just another short ways back to the Lower Higgins Creek and down past the falls there and out to the car. Of course we did not make it out before dark and the moon was already high in the sky when we reached the vehicle but what a wonderful waterfall filled day it had been. The hidden lake was just icing on the cake. I am sure we will be returning to this area again in the near future, especially since Dave still wants to experience the pond. Until next time,,,,,

To see more photo`s of these and many more waterfalls and mountains, please visit our Photo Gallery here.

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

We got an extra early start due to my working until 5am and wanting to stay up rather than try to get 2 or 3 hours sleep (which seems to make it harder to get up)  so, we met at Hairnt-Quarters around 8 am and after a short stop at the ‘Friends’ restaurant in Unicoi  for a light breakfast, we were at the trail-head by 9:30 am. There used to be an old house there but it burned many years ago.  There was two guys there cutting a sycamore tree up to make a custom door header for a house near there and come to find out one of them was born and raised in the old house that used to be there so it was in his family. He was a nice guy, a veteran,  recently back from Iraq and it did not take Dave long to learn that he was also a Mason. We also learned some very useful knowledge of a secret waterfalls that are hidden just below the Lower Higgins Creek Falls but can not be seen or accessed easily from there and, since I was familiar with the area he explained the secret route to me. There is an old log road that is well hidden on the other side of the creek which can only be accessed by crossing at just the right point and doing a short bushwhack and he described them as very tall and having cut a deep crevice in the rocks with a huge pool at the bottom. This I had to see so I was very thankful for this new knowledge. Since our first destination was the Birchfiled Camp Falls near the top of the mountain, we decided to go there first and stop at the Higgins Falls on the way back down and I felt that I could possibly negotiate down the steep cliffs on the other side to reach the hidden falls and then take the secret log road back out instead of going all the way back down the mountain and coming back up the log road to find the falls.

Lower Higgins Creek Falls (as seen from the trail above)

The water level was really high due to recent heavy rains for the past few days so crossing the creek was very difficult as there were few rocks showing and they were far apart but I managed to successfully keep my feet dry the entire day. There was a lot of water coming out of places that there is normally not any water making nice waterfalls and cascades, some of which were running right down the trail. It did not take long to reach the old baby blue #5 and the top of the Lower Higgins Creek Falls. There are a few sizable cascade-like drops above these falls at the top that can not be seen from below and they are all impressive. Not far after this and another creek crossing where a bridge used to be is the turn off to the Birchfield Camp Trail. This is where the Lower Higgins Creek and Birchfield Camp Creek  converge together. This was also a difficult crossing to make. From there it is only about two or three tenths of a mile up to the falls. There were some nice cascades along the way. These are not the tallest falls you have ever seen but, they are very nice and well worth the effort it takes to see them. After getting some pics of these I investigated further up the trail to see what the condition was like as this trail leads directly to the hidden lake on top of the mountain just below Frozen Knob. It is sometimes call Higgins Pond but only because Higgins Ridge leads to it as the water from the pond actually is the source of the Birchfield Camp Creek and not Lower Higgins Creek. I hope to walk this trail to the pond as soon as possible.

Birchfield Camp Falls

Birchfield Camp Falls

Birchfield Camp Falls

RAT standing on the large downed tree above the Birchfield Camp Falls

After Dave and Lou finished enjoying and taking pics of the Birchfield Camp Falls we made our way back down to Lower Higgins Creek and proceeded back down to the top of the Lower Higgins Creek Falls. From there we made our way down the super steep trail that goes straight down the bank there to the bottom of the falls. We stopped to take pics at different levels on our way down until we all ended up at the bottom. The water was so high that it was not an easy task to get across the creek to the other side and the feeder falls on that side below the falls were really kicking as these are normally dry. They are fed by two ponds located on Rich Mountain near Chestnut Knob above.

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

After enjoying the falls and the several smaller falls below them, I went a little ways downstream and found the top of the hidden falls that we were told about that morning. There was no getting down the right side that we were on as it is a vertical cliff drop so I found a place where I thought I could jump across to a large, moss covered rock in the middle, and hopefully from there  jump to the other side and then make my way down the rocky cliff on the other side to reach the bottom of the hidden falls. It was a risky venture and I looked back to see Dave and Lou shaking their heads as if to say ‘Don’t do it!” but I lunged across the roaring chasm anyway. I made it safely across and got some decent pics of the Higgins Creek Falls and the feeder falls from that side.

Lower Higgins Creek Falls (with view of feeder falls coming in on right)

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Lower Higgins Creek Falls

There was no way they were coming across the creek there, so as they climbed back up to the road high above, I made my way down the other side to find the safest way to the hidden falls. I found my way down rather easily and when I seen the falls I was speechless as they are amazing. My first view was from the top and to the side of them.

Hidden Falls found below the Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

They are at least 30 to 35 feet tall and have cut a narrow chasm far back into the rock which hides them. There is a cave-like area halfway down before they drop the rest of the way. It is no wonder why these are not known by many and I have not seen any pictures of them ever before. Here is a photo with me at the falls to give you a better idea of their height:

RAT standing on the hidden falls below the Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Here is a short video of these falls:

I spent a long time here enjoying these falls and trying to get photos of them while I waited on Dave and Lou to get there. I seen them when I first got to the falls high above on the trail there and gave them the 2 thumbs up and a loud ‘hairnt scream’ so they tried to get across the creek much further down but with the really high water levels that was not an easy task. I eventually found the secret old log road which was hiding behind some laurels just after the bottom of the hidden falls so I went to find out what had happened to them.

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

Hidden Falls below Lower Higgins Creek Falls

I did find them way downstream where they were trying to find a good place to cross. Since there was none, I told them they might as well get wet as the hidden falls were well worth it but, they crossed on a slippery log where Dave made it all the way across and then fell backwards in the creek ! The one time I did not have my camera ready ! Dave was pretty wet after that point and had to keep moving to keep warm but we all went back up the old log road to the hidden falls where they could enjoy them as I had done earlier before it came time to get out of there and get Dave into a warmer place. I climbed up on the falls so Dave could get a picture of me there for size comparison while he also checked the height using his Hypsometer. Looking back we could see not only the new hidden falls but the Lower Higgins Creek Falls above them in one view.

Mossy log in the Lower Higgins Creek just below the hidden falls

Going back was much easier than going in, aside from the creek crossings to get back to the road but, that was completed successfully and we were soon crossing the blue plywood bridge at the trail-head and back into a warm vehicle. It had been another awesome day in the woods and having seen a new and well hidden and mostly unknown waterfalls,  I was quite content and could not wait to come back again to show my friend Bol’Dar.

Lower Higgins Creek (not too far from the trail-head)

To see the complete set of photo`s for al these falls and more, please visit our Photo Gallery here.

Splash Dam Falls

Depending on your ability and the adventure level desired, you can carefully climb down this rock to a lower part of it where you can get a different angle on the falls but in order to get a full shot of the falls you will need to get further away from them which is a bit harder to do.

Splash Dam Falls

In order to get downstream from the falls for better picture angles you will need to climb up and over the steep, rocky area just to the left of the falls. You can go further up and climb up and over the ridge and find the way down but there is a secret ‘ninja trail‘ just over the rock beside the falls. (This is very steep plus it is slick and usually leaf covered  and can be dangerous so it is not for everyone) There are more than one narrow ledge here so you must pick and choose carefully to take the best ones. There are some small cave-like holes in the cliffs here so don’t forget to say hello to the resident gargoyle if you see him! Choosing correctly will take you over and down to the first draw where you can get a decent shot of the falls.

Splash Dam Falls

After that it is not hard to find the way further downstream where you can get even better although more distant pics of the falls and the shelf-like cascades below them. Too bad the sun was directly in our lenses making any chances of getting decent pics impossible. This means yet another trip back to these falls but my friend Bol’Dar has not been here so will hopefully come back soon and on a cloudy day.

Splash Dam Falls

After getting what pics we could and realizing that no clouds were coming, we decided to do a short but very steep climb up between the rock cliffs to the ridge above to make our way back to the hobo camp and take the easy way out to the AT from there. There is a nice flat spot on top of the ridge with a good view of the river below. Once back at the AT we went back the same way we had come and since it was still early we thought it would be a good idea to hike up the one mile or so on the AT to the Jones Falls. You can hear them long before you get to them and during winter you can see the top part of them where the brown colored rocks are showing through the trees.

Small part of Jones Falls as seen in the distance

It did not take long to reach the side trail to the falls. Due to the considerable elevation gained in the one mile climb, it was noticeably colder and we found a pile of snow at the base of the falls. The breeze coming off the falls definitely had a bite to it. There was not as much water coming off the falls as there was last time I was here but it was still very nice to be there since it is such a unique and beautiful area.

Jones Falls

Jones Falls

Jones Falls

Jones Falls

There were a few light clouds that did appear but it was still too bright for my camera to do any good but this gave me more time to just sit and enjoy the beauty of the falls. We both climbed up to where the big rock is that is the landmark of the Jones Falls to get some pics of the free fall found there not to mention the ‘rooster tail‘ just above it. I remember the first time I came here, we climbed above the falls and found the small falls located just above in the laurels there and then took a huge shortcut which required many map skills to get back down the other side back to the parking lot where we started. I will never forget that trip.

Jones Falls

Jones Falls

Jones Falls (upper part where brown colored rocks that can be seen from distance before you get to falls is located)

Jones Falls (upper part)

Jones Falls (upper part)

It was getting late afternoon by this time and our fingers and feet were starting to feel the cold due to not moving much so, much like the water from the falls, we descended down to the Elk River with plans of stopping at the Elk River  falls there before heading home. Going back down did not take long at all and we  soon found ourselves admiring some fresh beaver handiwork although I have never seen any beaver dams in the immediate area.

View of Elk River from where connecting trail to AT comes out

On the way back I talked Dave into taking the old trail that follows the crest of the hill just above the river. Parts of this trail are good but other parts have grown up and are narrow and slanted so this was quite a workout to get all the way back to the Elk River Falls at the end of a day. This trail did go over an impressive cliff with a great view of the river gorge with the falls way off in the background. It went down steeply from there and disappeared for awhile in some laurel hells but soon got better as we neared the other shortcut trail coming in from the right that is in good shape the rest of the way to the falls.

View from a cliff high up on the old trail (you can see Elk Falls in the far distance)

More beaver work found on the old trail

Elk RIver Falls (aka Big Falls)

I did manage to get some better pics of these falls than I have gotten in the past as the light was a bit better than before. I was able to play with the camera settings and use a cpf filter (hand held) to try and get some different effects:

Elk River Falls (taken with an auto setting)

Elk River Falls (taken with a manual setting)

Elk River Falls (taken using a manual setting with a cpf filter held in front of the lens)

Elk River Falls

Elk River Falls

Elk River Falls

We were also greeted by a really nice little stray dog that was really wanting to go home with someone. I gave it the only food I had which was a candy bar but it was glad to have it. We hung out there for awhile and then finally mustered up the energy to climb the steep trail along the rocky cliffs beside the falls stopping at the top of the falls for just a moment before heading home.

Stray Dog

Top of Elk River Falls

Top of Elk River Falls

It is hard to believe that some people actually dive off the top of these falls but I have seen it done. Many have died doing so. One juvenile boy drowned while swimming (he did not dive) near the falls as the current of the falls took him down and his leg became tangled in some fishing line. It took more than a day or two to find his body. This is not a place to play around as it can be very dangerous so please use extreme caution and good judgement when visiting places such as this.  I have seen kayaks go right over the falls before which seems safer than jumping but you will not catch me doing either one !

Looking off the top of Elk River Falls

Looking off the top of Elk River Falls

Although the total miles hiked was only about 4+, I still felt tired as if I had hiked much farther. This was probably due to my lack of sleep and the extra effort required to hike the old trail back to the Elk Falls. It is always wonderful to be in the woods anytime and this day was no exception. I am sure I will be back here soon to try once again to get a decent pic of the Splash Dam Falls.

Odd car seen on road to Elk River Falls (1974 SAAB ??)

For more photographs of these falls and many more, please visit our Photo Gallery here.

Upper part of Painter Creek Falls

It was a frosty but sunny morning when we arrived at the large steel gate that is connected by an ample supply of barbed wire and there was still some dusting of snow in places, but the sun was already shining brightly which gave the illusion of warmth but, the air temperature at the falls would be very cold all day especially when sitting still taking pictures. The private property and structures found there are very nice and it is quite understandable why the owner would want to protect it against anyone who would not respect it. It is very well cared for and the forest trail that begins on the opposite end is also in great shape. You have your choice of taking an old road that circles around or the trail. We took one in and the other out. There are also several nice bridges that cross over the creek, that is, until you reach the end of the property and cross over the boundary into the National Forest Wilderness Area. The trail continues from there but is much more primitive and it is not long before is starts to disappear in places. There are several blow downs of all sizes to be encountered as one makes his way up the creek trying to follow what was obviously once a very nice trail. It completely disappears in several places only to reappear again and become fairly nice for a ways before disappearing again. There are many nice rocks, trees, fungus, ninja log walks, and cascades along the creek and we started seeing some ice formations and snow as we slowly gained elevation progressing up the long, narrow valley.

Ice along Painter Creek

Cascades on Painter Creek

The route goes straight for a ways passing by the North Fork of Painter Creek on the left where the direction then starts to veer to the right as it then passes by Hell Hollow, also on the left. There is a decent size creek coming in from there which does come from Sampson Mountain however, not to be confused with the Hell Hollow that is on the other side of Sampson on the Clarks Creek side. Continuing further around to the right, and then straightening out, still trying to follow the old trail that continues to come and go, the next landmark would be the Big Sugar Hollow, also on the left. It is only about another half a mile from there to where the creek splits as the South Fork goes off to the left and the main Painter Creek is to the right which is where the base of the falls begins.

Rusty barrel near a cascade on an unnamed water source that comes into Painter Creek (probably remnants of the moonshine making era)

Painter Creek

Just before you reach the base of the falls, you will notice the rocks become much larger and prominent in the entire area. I was busy negotiating around these and taking pics of the confluence where the two creeks come together when I noticed water high in the trees above. It was apparent that we were at the falls although there is really no way to see all parts of them at any one time. Even as close as we were to them, they are well hidden behind the laurels and trees. I noticed that Bol’Dar was making his way up the left side towards the various upper parts of the falls which looked to me to be a very difficult and dangerous way to go and I am still unsure exactly how he got across the creek just below the upper part of the falls where we met up later. Dave and Lou set up at the very bottom of the first set of falls as I began my climb up the right side. I stopped at each level of the falls (as there are several that make up the 200 feet of falls) with Bol’Dar always just above me, and I could not understand why Dave and Lou was not coming up. The bottom part of the falls is a two part drop with the upper half being the tallest of about 30 to 40 feet tall and very impressive.

Large boulders along upper Painter Creek

Convergence of Painter Creek (right) and the South Fork of Painter Creek (left)

Looking towards the base of the falls from the convergence

Painter Creek Falls hidden behind laurels

After getting some pics from that angle I climbed higher to the base of the upper half and it was even more impressive from there. I could see Bol’Dar now high above me on the left side of an unbelievably steep hill. I kept looking back at Dave and Lou still wondering why they were not following me.

Lowest part of Painter Creek Falls (the base)

Lower part of Painter Creek Falls

Lower part of Painter Creek Falls

Climbing higher to get above this part of the falls I could then see a spectacular and even taller part of the falls that was a narrow, twisting, snake-like cascade falls that was amazing all by itself. I spent some time there just taking pics and enjoying the beauty.

Next section of Painter Creek Falls

Next section of Painter Creek Falls

Next section of Painter Creek Falls as seen from the side as I climbed higher

Above this section the falls more or less disappeared behind a pile of huge rocks but you could then see the upper part of the falls which is the largest and highest section and also is the part you normally see in any Painter Creek Falls photos that are currently available. Bol’Dar was already there above the large rock looking down at me ! I got some side view pics of the cascade falls as I climbed up to join him there. Looking back, I could no longer see Dave or Lou. It was during that climb that I could see what was hiding behind the left side of this rocky area, a very scenic stair-stepping part of the falls.

Stair-step like falls found above the twisting cascades and below the huge rock

Stair-step falls above the twisting cascades and below the huge rock

Climbing higher past these large rocks, I could then see there were even more huge boulders, each more extreme in size, not to mention there is a greater distance to the base of the highest part of the falls that can not be seen until you reach this point. From there I had to climb back up on the right side through the laurels and trees in order to get past that level which brought me out near the largest rock of all that completely hides the upper part of the falls and the entire base below them. There is a really nice falls dropping about 25 feet hiding behind this huge rock anomaly that was beautiful.

Large rock at top of the stair-step part of falls with view of upper falls above

Short, almost level part of creek just above the stair-step falls

Next part of the falls just above the stair-step section

Part of falls above the stair-step ones (these come out from behind the highest and largest rock at the base of the upper falls)

I eventually joined Bol’Dar atop the yacht sized rock to take in the breathtaking view of the upper part of the falls. They are at least 120 feet high. We spent a considerable amount of time there checking out and photographing the falls. It was much colder there with the strong breezes generated by the falling water and we could hear pieces of ice falling down the falls from time to time. We climbed nearly to the top of the falls before deciding to go back to the bottom to see what happened to Dave and Lou. (Looking down on the ‘yacht rock’ was scary from up there) We found them still at the bottom where the creeks converge and we informed them that they were not seeing hardly any of the falls at all that they would need to climb up if they wanted to get the views and recommended that it was well worth the effort. Bol’Dar volunteered to lead them up the safest route that we had found up the right side. I opted to go exploring up the South Fork to see if I could find the falls that were listed for there.

Upper part of Painter Creek Falls

Upper part of Painter Creek Falls

Lower part of the upper Painter Creek Falls

Upper part of Painter Creek Falls

Upper part of Painter Creek Falls

lower section of the upper part of Painter Creek Falls

Upper part of Painter Creek Falls

There was really no trail leading into that hollow but it was not too hard to find my way around the huge rocks and downed trees that are strewn along the way. Not far into the adventure I came across two huge trees that were uniquely growing over the rocks there with somewhat of a trail going beside them and some large rocks. The growth pattern of these trees was very gnarly and awesome. I continued around and over more large rock formations and blow downs gaining some elevation until I could begin to see some rock cliffs high above me on the right side. The route I was taking beside the creek was impassable at this point due to laurels and downed trees so I followed the path of least resistance up the right side bank towards the cliffs. This took a minute as I climbed higher and closer to them. I could then see the adjacent cliffs on the other side. Once I reached the base of the cliffs I could then see the magnitude of them as they are quite tall. I could also see matching cliffs only not as tall on the other side. Following the base of the cliffs I could then see that the two cliffs were coming together to form a ‘Vee‘  which is typical of where waterfalls are located. This fueled my adrenaline so I quickly found my way to the cliffs end at the Vee where indeed is where I found the South Branch falls in all their glory.

South Fork of Painter Creek (as seen from the convergence)

Cool looking trees growing over the rocks along the way to the South Fork Falls

Cool looking trees growing over the rocks along the way to the South Fork falls

Continuing up the South Fork Branch of Painter Creek looking for the falls

Making my way up to the base of the cliffs with view of the upcoming V

View of part of the cliffs (looking left upstream) as I reached the foot of them

View of other part of cliffs (looking right from where I came up to them)

Standing under the cliffs looking upstream towards the V

The falls are the only thing that separates the two cliffs as they have carved their mark between the two to form a narrow falls of about 20′ or so high. There is a small pool at the bottom and they are a very unique set of falls that I would definitely recommend seeing if ever possible.The tall rock cliffs are just as impressive if not more so than the falls but, the two combined are just spectacular. I was glad I made the extra effort to climb up there.

First view of the falls on the South Fork of Painter Creek

First view of the falls on the South Fork of Painter Creek

South Fork of Painter Creek Falls

South Fork of Painter Creek Falls

South Fork of Painter Creek Falls

South Fork of Painter Creek Falls

South Fork of Painter Creek Falls

After hanging out there for what felt like a really long time and watching the sun starting to drop as it was now becoming late afternoon, I let out a few loud ‘hairnts’ to see if perhaps the others could hear me and proceed to my location. After another several minutes I decided I better get back and find them to see what was going on. It did not take me long to make it back down to the split in the creek at the base of the big falls and no one was there. They were all still up at the upper part of the Painter Creek Falls but before long I could see them making their way down the steep hill. Once they were back I was overly excited to tell them about what I had found and they became infected with my enthusiasm as well, however it was decided that there was not enough time left in the day to go there and still get out before dark so that trip was put off until another time. We then began the 2 mile return trip back to the vehicle.

Cliffs on the adjacent side of the South Fork Falls

Cliffs on adjacent side of the South Fork Falls

Cliffs on adjacent side of South Fork Falls

Walking back below the cliffs

Obligatory Initials tree photo (found at South Fork Falls)

Of course it did not take anywhere near as long to get back as it did to get there and before we knew it we were back at the property boundary where the wilderness area stops and the private property begins. We did stop to check out some cascades and I wanted to look closer at where the Hell Hollow and creek  and Painter Creek joins but we did make it back to the old homestead property and our vehicle before dark which is always a good thing.

Ice along Painter Creek

Ice along Painter Creek

It had been a wonderful day in the mountains and I was very pleased to have finally gotten to see the most awesome Painter Creek falls after waiting for so many years to do so. Seeing the additional falls on the South Fork was just icing on the cake. Many thanks to Gene and Tom for allowing this to happen. I can not wait to return again to go back to the South Branch of Painter creek falls to show the others what they missed.

Swirly spot found on Painter Creek

Tree with a face !

To see more photo`s of these falls please visit our Gallery HERE and HERE.