Adventure Out

Adventure Out - Chattooga Cliffs Trail by Peter McIntosh

On this adventure we’re going to beat the July heat by hiking along the headwaters of the Chattooga River above the Bull Pen Bridge in North Carolina. This is a famous bridge among Chattooga River lovers. It’s an old steel trestle often referred to as the “Iron Bridge.” The view from the bridge is splendid looking north up the river into an area called the Chattooga Cliffs. And if you’re on the bridge you can look over the railing down to some remarkable water worn potholes. And if you want a closer look at this natural stone and water sculpture, you can access it via a side trail near the western end of the bridge. Do take time to check it out but please be careful. These rocks can be deceptively slippery. Now on to the trail. This somewhat rugged foot path follows the western side of the Chattooga River upstream intersecting a pair of loop routes. (You’ll understand quickly that the cliff mentioned in the trail’s name are on the opposite side of the river.) You could follow this path all the way to a parking area at Whiteside Cove Road but many spots along this section are blocked by fallen trees which can make your hike tricky and ticky. On this trip we’re going to take the first loop option, which leaves the river and returns to Bull Pen Road just up the hill from the parking area. Sometimes this section is called the Chattooga Loop Trail. Starting out from the Iron Bridge, the trail is streamside with a lot of access points. This is a popular trail for trout fishermen and there are countless opportunities to scramble down to beauty spots along riverside. Soon the footpath then leaves the river and ascends a little way and then just a bit further returns to the waterway. In some places the river is flowing swiftly through rock boulders and at other times there are quiet still waters and nice sandy beaches. I have lots of favorite places along this trail and there are lots of places where you can access the river to cool your toes. Not too far in you’ll come to the side trail on the left, leading uphill continued

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

and away from the river, back to the road. You can explore a little more of the trail if you want, and you can also skip this loop trail and just go back the way you came in. I’ll bet you see some nice side spots you missed on the way in. And keep in mind that this hike is about the journey and feel free to find your own special spot to stop and soak up the magic of the upper Chattooga River. Happy hiking. As our sweet mountain summer saunters by, here’s my poem for July: With water nice and cool like it came from a fridge, We start our hike from the famous “Iron Bridge.” It’s just the thing to give you a lift, A riverside hike anlong the Chattooga Cliffs.

Getting there: From the intersection Hwy-64/ NC Hwy-28 in Highlands, North Carolina drive through main street until the road turns into Horse Cove Road (just past Mountain Fresh Grocery on the right). Drive for 4.5 miles down into the cove via a series of hairpin turns. Continue until you come to an intersection in the road with a wooden mileage sign. Turn right onto “Bull Pen Rd.” for 3 miles to the trailhead at the Chattooga River and Iron Bridge. There is parking along the roadside and at the trailhead.

To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com

And to learn more about how you can help protect the Chattooga River: www.chattoogariver.org