Steels Creek Waterfalls

Sunday morning, we checked out of the hotel and headed towards Jonas Ridge on NC-181. Turning on FSR-228, we drove down the gravel forest road to the trailhead for Steels Creek. After getting our stuff together, we set off on Steels Creek Trail (#237). Since we were planning on doing some creek walking, we hiked in water shoes today. In about a half-mile, we came to the first crossing. Although the water level was a little low, it was just easier to wade than try to find a spot to rock hop. Across the creek, we picked up the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and hiked eastbound following Steels Creek upstream. In about a half-mile we came to the short, but steep side path that leads to a view of Steels Creek Falls. Using a rope, we were able to safely scramble out on the big rock for a couple of pictures of the waterfall and then headed back up to the trail.

We continued on the MST for less than another half-mile and then got off the trail near a campsite and started creek walking upstream. It was less than a quarter-mile and mostly easy creek walking to the base of Beverly Hillbilly Falls. As we approached the falls, some huge boulders blocked our view. The most challenging part of the hike was scrambling up to the top of the boulders.

From here it was a great view of the waterfall. After some pictures, we headed back. At the MST, we turned right and continued up the trail past the campsite and then a steep climb up a ridge on some switchbacks. Near the top, we could see Beverly Hillbilly Falls through the trees. We continued a short ways further on MST and scrambled down to the upper section of Teacups Falls.

Similar to Steels Creek Falls, this waterfall tumbles down through some short drops around rocks covered in potholes, then a long slide down to a deep pool. We could only see the upper cascades and potholes from this part, so we found another path to the base. This path had a lot of briers so we had to be careful getting down. At the base, we could see the lower slide, but not the upper part with the cascades and potholes.

Looking downstream from here, there were some cool cliffs and enormous boulders on the creek before the top of Beverly Hillbilly Falls.

Back at the MST, we started heading back. We continued past the first crossing of Steels Creek to where the MST crosses Buck Creek. The new NC Waterfalls book indicates several waterfalls upstream, but there’s no trail, so we had to creek walk. It was a slow-going creek walk as there were a lot of downed trees and rhododendrons making the wade difficult. Although the book said the first waterfall was close to the MST, it was a little further than I expected. We went a total of about 0.4 miles and still hadn’t reached it, so we gave up and turned back. As we made the last crossing back over Steels Creek, I spotted a little toad right along the creek.

After a picture, we crossed and headed back to the trailhead. Back at the car, we started driving home, making a stop in Morganton for dinner at Las Salsas.

Linville Gorge Waterfalls

This past weekend, Sandy and I headed to the mountains for some waterfalls. I had recently gotten the new edition of NC Waterfalls by Kevin Adams and we wanted to get some new ones from the new book. We originally planned to head to Brevard, “Land of Waterfalls”, but all the campsites and hotels were booked solid, so we stayed in Marion and went to Linville Gorge instead. Saturday morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and then headed north on US-221 towards the Blue Ridge Parkway to get English Falls. We pulled off along the side of the parkway near milepost 322. From here, we walked a short ways north on the parkway past the guard rail and then headed into the woods. There was absolutely no trail and the shrubs were dense, so the going was extremely slow. We made our way down to the creek near the top of the waterfall and crossed then had to make it down past some cliffs to the base. We got around the first set of cliffs and found a very steep path down. We looped around the cliffs to head towards the base but there were more cliffs in the way. As I was walking, I heard some buzzing and realized I hit a hornets’ nest. Screaming and running, I got away with only a couple stings. This would not a be a good place for a medical emergency. We then got around the lower set of cliffs and finally made it to the base of English Falls.

It’s a beautiful waterfall, though the water was a little low today. After a couple pictures, we slowly headed back up. We drove a little further on the parkway and got off at Linville Falls. This is a popular area and the parking lot was full, so we had to park along the entrance road. We started off hiking the short Duggers Creek Falls Trail. A bridge crossed the creek just below the waterfall and we could see it from here.

I scrambled down to creek level for a picture. The waterfall is pretty neat – it’s small but flows through a narrow gorge. The water level was low so it didn’t look its best today. But the rosebay rhododendron were blooming all around.

Next, we got on the Plunge Basin/Linville Gorge trail and first hiked over to the Plunge Basin Overlook. This is the only Linville Falls overlook that I had not been to. The overlook provides great views of the falls from high on cliff face above.

Far below, we could see people swimming and relaxing around the base of the falls. After a couple pictures, we headed down into the gorge. Even in low water, Linville Falls is a spectacular waterfall.

We sat on the rocks and enjoyed the view for a while, getting pictures from different angles and then started making our way back. I got a picture from further down the river with a large boulder and smaller cascades in the foreground.

From here, we got on the Kistler Memorial Highway (Old NC Hwy 105) and drove south along the western rim of Linville Gorge. Near the start of the road, there were many other cars parked at the cabin and various trailheads. As we drove further south, the other traffic lightened and soon we were the only people around. We stopped at one point for great views of the southern end of the gorge.

It was about 10 miles on this very bumpy and steep gravel road to FSR-106 where we turned right. We followed this road for about 2.5 miles to the end, just past a couple of radio towers. Parking right before the gate at a campsite, we continued on the gravel road for about a half-mile and turned left onto an unofficial path at a tree with light blue paint that headed down via switchbacks. We came out at some cliff faces with nice views of the Black Fork Gorge.

Continuing on, it was less than a mile to Still Falls. This waterfall has a very small watershed and was essentially a wet rock. The cliffs surrounding the falls were pretty cool though.

We didn’t stay long as there wasn't much to see and made our way back. Back at the car, we drove a couple more miles south on Kistler Memorial Highway and pulled off along the side of the road. Heading into the woods, we followed an old path that led down towards Yellow Fork. The hike was gradual at first, but progressively steeper. As we followed a ridge down to the gorge, we entered an open area where there was no shade. The hot sun and heavy humidity made for a strenuous hike, though it was at least short. Near the edge of the gorge, we turned left and climbed down a rickety ladder and scrambled down into the gorge at the base of Yellow Fork Falls.

Like all the waterfalls this weekend, the water level was a little low, but it was still a really nice waterfall. In higher water, I think this one would be spectacular. We relaxed for a bit in the nice cool gorge and then made the strenuous hike back up. We finished up the drive through the gorge and headed back to Marion for dinner. We were both exhausted and went to sleep shortly after arriving back at the hotel.

Craggy Gardens Rhododendron

This past Saturday, I headed to the Craggy Gardens area of Blue Ridge Parkway for some hiking and to see the rhododendron blooms. For Memorial Day, Sandy and I had gone to Roan Mountain, perhaps the best place to see rhododendron blooms, but it was too early back in May. So this was a great opportunity to see the beautiful rhododendron flowers. I met Justine and the others in Chapel Hill and we drove out towards Asheville. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, it was 15 miles or so to the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area. Our plan was to hike the Snowball Trail (#170) into the Big Ivy area of Pisgah National Forest. We stopped at the picnic parking area, but then drove back down to the trailhead by the gated Stoney Fork Road. We hiked a short ways on MST, then turned right to follow the yellow-blazed Snowball Trail. Initially, the trail headed straight up the side of Snowball Mountain. Fortunately, it was a little chilly at this high elevation and there was a nice breeze to keep us cool for the hike up the mountain. The summit of Snowball Mountain is forested, so not much in the way of views. We then continued down the other side and headed up the next mountain – Hawkbill Rock.

It was a bit of a scramble up to the top and then a side path led to an overlook with great views of the valley below. We had a quick snack break and then continued on. Eventually, we went down from Hawkbill Rock to Snowball Gap and then back up Little Snowball Mountain. There was an interesting mushroom growing along the side of the trail, but I'm not sure what it was.

The trail skirts around the summit of Little Snowball and continues on to a false summit where the fire tower used to stand. Along this area, we saw some beautiful flame azalea blooming.

At the end of the trail, was a small open area where the lookout tower used to stand. This tower was slated for demolition, but a concerned citizen bought the tower, dismantled it, brought it down the mountain and reconstructed the tower. Now all that remains are some cement structures where the tower once stood.

These blocks made a nice seat to eat lunch. And there were a lot of daisies and other wildflowers blooming at the spot.

After lunch, we made our way back. I quickly ran up to the summit of Little Snowball Mountain to make sure there was nothing else here – there wasn’t, just a very overgrown campsite. Then we made our way back towards the cars.

It was mostly uphill on the way back, except for the last stretch coming down from Snowball Mountain. On one part of the trail, a mother bird flew out of her nest right next to the trail. It wasn't hidden very well. I got a quick picture of her babies and then continued on.

Back at the cars, Justine and the others were camping and heading further west. I had to be back to Raleigh for Fathers’ Day, but wasn’t quite ready to leave the mountains yet. I stopped at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, planning to hike along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail for a bit. The views here were very nice looking into the valley below.

High above, I could see Craggy Pinnacle towering above. It looks very scenic, so I drove a little further to the View Craggy Dome parking area. From here, I made the short hike up to Craggy Pinnacle. It’s a popular trail and many other people were on the trail and overlooks. The beautiful Catawba rhododendron were blooming all over the mountain.

A few trees were here, very gnarled and twisted from the harsh conditions at this high elevation.

Although it’s uphill, it's an easy gradual slope and I stopped several times for pictures, including a lovely tunnel of mountain laurel.

I first went to the upper overlook at the summit of the mountain. With 360° views, this is one of the most scenic places on the parkway.

Just past Craggy Gardens, I could see Snowball Mountain, Hawkbill Rock, and Little Snowball Mountain and figured out where we had hiked earlier.

In the other direction, I could see the might Black Mountains towering in the distance. I then headed down to the lower overlook, which had nice views as well, but not as spectacular as the upper overlook.

After that, I started heading back to the car. From across the parking lot, I could see Craggy Dome towering above at more than 6000 feet high.

After a couple more pictures, I started making my way home.

Grotto & Arch Falls

Thursday was my last day in Bozeman. After work, I headed south back into Hyalite Canyon, but this time heading to the trailhead for Grotto Falls. A lovely trail followed Hyalite Creek upstream to this waterfall.

I presume there is a cave behind the waterfall, but the water level was really up today so I couldn't really see it. I stopped here to get a couple pictures, but wasn't ready to head back yet. A map at the trailhead indicated Arch Falls was just a little further up the creek. So I continued on the trail to try and find this waterfall. Looking across the gorge, Twin Falls was visible in the distance.

This gorgeous double waterfall was very high. But it was hard to find a good place for a picture and I’m not sure how to get closer. A Forest Service sign indicated that it was a location for ice climbing, so there must be a way. But the creek level was way up today, so no way to cross. I didn't really have time anyway. It was just a short ways further to Arch Falls.

I had to climb down a steep cliff to the base of this amazing waterfall. Although only 15 or 20 feet high, the water cascades down and flows under a natural rock arch. I’m so glad I continued on to see this one – I think it was my favorite of the week.

It was really cold down in the little ravine with this waterfall. The fast moving water created a natural air conditioning. I climbed back up and started making my way back. There were lots of lovely little trout lilies blooming along the forest floor.

Unlike the trout lilies in North Carolina, these didn't have the trout-patterned leaves. I think that they're Glacier Lilies.

It was just a little further back to the car and back at the hotel, I started getting packed up to head home in the morning.

Another Hike up the M

Wednesday, I had a dinner to attend after work, so not a lot of time for hiking. I headed back to the M and this time took the easy way up, or at least started that way. In about a half-mile from the trailhead, I turned right on College M Shortcut (#512). Again today, I enjoyed seeing the countless wildflowers blanketing the mountainside as I hiked up the mountain.

Unfortunately, the wildflowers bloom due to the lack of shade and it was another hot day today. Along the shortcut trail, there was a rock outcrop that provided some shade for a short ways.

Soon I made it to the M and stopped for a break to enjoy the view.

After a quick break, I started heading back down, staying on College M Trail (#511). Near the bottom, I turned right on Bridger Foothills Trail (#534) and went a half-mile or so to see some more wildflowers.

Heading back, I stopped one more time to see some beautiful lupine, then finished the hike back at the trailhead.

Then I headed into town and met my coworkers at Feast for dinner.

Hiking the College M

After work Tuesday, I headed to the “M” – perhaps Bozeman’s most popular hiking spot. I thought College M was a strange name for a National Forest hiking trail. Driving towards the trailhead on I-90, I saw the giant M on the side of the mountain and realized where the name came from. When I was here in February, the mountains were covered in snow and it wasn't visible. I parked at the trailhead, which was almost full and got ready. As I started hiking, there was a split and the sign indicated the easy way and the hard way. Of course I had to take the hard way. Gaining 850 vertical feet in a half-mile, this trail was exceedingly steep. The high temperatures and bright sunshine in Bozeman didn’t help. There was almost no shade on the trail. Although it seemed longer that it actually was, I made it to the top in about 20 minutes and stopped for a rest on the bench.

The views of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley from here were just phenomenal. Looking up, I saw a guy on top of the M. He whipped out a parachute and jumped off, paragliding down to the valley.

Now that's something you don't see every day. Well, maybe in Bozeman. Telling coworkers this the next day, they didn't seem to think it was too uncommon. After this, I started heading back down, taking the easy way this time. Beautiful wildflowers were blooming all along the trail.

The penstemon were particularly beautiful. But the most abundant were the arrowleaf balsamroots.

There must have been thousands of these pretty yellow wildflowers blooming on the mountainside.

As I was heading down, a storm rolled in.

In a matter of minutes, I could no longer see Bozeman - it was getting slammed with rain.

Fortunately, I was heading down so I picked up the pace, making it back to the car just as the rain was starting here at the Bridger Range. By the time I drove back into Bozeman, the rain stopped and I had dinner at Copper Whiskey, then returned to the hotel for the evening.

Palisade Falls

This week I headed to beautiful Bozeman, Montana for work. The last time I was here was in February and there was limited daylight. But this week, the sun didn’t set until after 9 so I tried to get out and see a little of the area after work each evening. I arrived at Bozeman at 1 local time and headed to the office. Getting off at about 5, I decided rather than going straight to the hotel and checking in, I would head south into the Hyalite Canyon area of Gallatin National Forest to see Palisade Falls. The drive in was absolutely beautiful. After passing the reservoir, I turned left on the gravel road and went about a mile to the trailhead for Palisade Falls. It was just a short hike on a paved trail to this stunning waterfall. The water tumbles down around eighty feet over some beautiful volcanic basalt cliffs.

I got a couple pictures and then started heading back. On the way back, I saw a couple hiking up and thought the guy looked very familiar. Turns out it was my coworker Mark and his girlfriend, also heading up to the falls for an after work hike. Back at the car, I started heading back, making a quick stop at the Hyalite Reservoir. The views over the lake were just stunning.

Despite high temperatures in the upper 80s, snow-capped mountains were visible in the distance. After a brief stop, I headed back to into Bozeman and checked in to the Holiday Inn Express, my home for the week, and retired for the evening.