3 minute read
Adventure Out
Waterfalls and Wildflowers
by Peter McIntosh
On this adventure we’re heading over to South Carolina to a pair of charming little cascades called Cedar Creek Falls and Blue Hole Falls. Cedar Creek Falls is accessed via an easy walk, 1/2 mile each way, partly on a gently descending gravel road and partly on a trail that follows an old road bed. Blue Hole is a little tougher since getting to the base of the falls involves a steam crossing, (feet will get wet) and a steep scramble down the side of Cedar Creek.
From the trailhead at the intersection of Forest Service Road 744C and FS 2658, we walk past a gate and around an easily negotiated blow down and descend gently for 1/4 mile. You can see the remnants of a controlled burn here from a few years back. Soon you’ll come to some granite boulders, (vehicle stoppers) and here you take a right, still descending gently. The sound of falling water is now within earshot. There are several side trails on the left, which I’m sure lead down to Cedar Creek, but we continue on along the primary trail. Just before the
Astor
Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com
Cinqfoil
trail dead ends at Cedar Creek, look for a trail that drops down to the base of Cedar Creek Falls. It looks tougher than it is since there are lots of sturdy Rhododendrons to hold on to. Or if you have trekking poles, even easier. There in front of you is Cedar Creek Falls, not a grand cascade by any means but beautiful just the same.
Now to get to the base of Blue Hole, you’ll need to cross the creek. There are a couple of safe places to do this but don’t try and be tricky, hoping to keep you feet dry by crossing to close where the water drops off. And if you’re alone, don’t try it at all. Blue Hole is a sluice of water plunging into a nice swimming hole at the base. Since it’s not much of a hike to get to these two water features, you can bet they’re popular during the warmer months, especially on weekends. Now one thing that impressed me on my visit was the abundance of wildflowers. There were Astors, Bloodroot, Cinquefoil, Flox, Violets and Wild Iris. I love Wild Iris. Bring a wildflower book and see how many flowers you and identify. It’s a great way to spend a spring afternoon. Happy hiking!
And here on display is my poem for May: Spring is here so don’t be a whiner, Let’s go for a hike in South Caroliner. We’ll see whitewater, o’re the rocks it will zoom, And be greeted by colorful wildflowers in bloom.
Getting there: From Hwy 441 and Hwy 76 E in Clayton, go east on Hwy 76 for 10 miles. Turn left on Chattooga Ridge Road and go 5 miles to the intersection with Whetstone Road. Turn right and go 4.1 miles to Cassidy Bridge Road on the right. (Pay close attention from here!) Go 1 mile to graveled Rich Mountain Road on left (Forest Service Road 744 - not well marked, only a small 744 visible). Turn left and drive 3.5 miles to Cedar Creek Road (FS 744C) on right. Turn right and drive 2.5 miles to FS 2658. Park here without blocking road.
To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment, please visit his website at: www.mcintoshmountains.com
