RATtreks

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

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

Upper Rocky Fork Falls

Upper Rocky Fork Falls

The upper falls are hard to get a picture of without crossing the creek which wasn’t going to happen on this trip so I will leave that angle for another time. The creek narrows down to a small chute which drops about 5 feet into a deep, dark hole which many use for swimming during the warmer months. It is so deep the water always has a green appearance and the current has undercut the large rock face on the far side where you can actually swim underneath it. The creek actually splits just above there and there is another nice, small waterfall there as well.

Falls beside Upper Rocky Fork Falls

Rock Fork Creek (just above upper falls)

Just after the swimming hole the creek drops again, much wider this time, down a much larger set of falls. Perhaps these should actually be called the upper falls !

Lower Rocky Fork Falls

Lower Rocky Fork Falls

There are many more cascades to be found between there and the end of the road where the Rocky Fork Creek empties out into the South Indian Creek just below where the Devil Fork Creek also enters.

Cascades below Lower Rocky Fork Falls

Cascades below Lower Rocky Fork Falls

Cascades along Rocky Fork Creek (below falls)

Lowest set of cascades along Rocky Fork Creek (below falls)

After checking all of these out and getting what photo’s I could along the ice covered road, it was getting cold and dark, so I retreated to the warmth of my car and headed home. On the way I decided to stop at Big Branch since it was so close and the last time I was there to get a picture there was hardly any water. Not the case on this day, as it was ripping along quite briskly. The light was low but it made for some very good long exposure shots.

Big Branch Falls

After this I was feeling much sicker and the coughing was getting worse so I knew it was time for me to get back home to medicate and hit the bed. Unfortunately I was going to miss out on a very cool Christmas party this night. Hopefully I will get well enough for more trips soon.

You may see more photo’s of the Rocky Fork Falls in our Gallery.