The waterfall was right on the side of the road. The water level was a little low, but it was pretty in the early morning light.
Another husky was roaming around here and Alex got to meet him and get some sniffs in.
Then we continued to our next stop at the Jerry Miller Trailhead in the Shelton Laurel of Pisgah National Forest. Jerry Miller Trail (#286) crossed Big Creek on a footbridge and there was a scenic cascade just upstream.
The trail then swung around to the Whiteoak Flats Branch drainage.
Rosebay rhododendron was blooming along the trail.
We also spotted some spiderwort.
Following the creek up, we soon came to Whiteoak Flats Falls. It's visible from the trail, but the view was mostly obscured by summer foliage.
There was a nice rock outcrop just off the trail to take a break, though the view was blocked here too. I scrambled down to the creek for a decent view.
The Forest Service claims a 100-foot high waterfall here, but it's not even close and there was a lot of downfall over the falls.
The trail continues on past Whiteoak Flats and eventually meets up with the Appalachian Trail, but we turned around after the falls.
Our next stop was the Hickey Fork Trail. This trail starts with another footbridge, this one crossing East Prong Hickey Fork.
Alex did not like this bridge at all, but eventually we got him across. He was proud of himself after crossing and wagging his tail. Hickey Fork Trail swung around to the West Prong drainage and followed this creek. We spotted some clubmoss growing in large clumps.
In just about 1.2 miles, there was a sliding waterfall but nowhere to get a good view. It was possible to get out to the top and look down.
Just upstream was West Prong Hickey Fork Falls, a very scenic waterfall.
We had lunch here at the base and waited for clouds as the sunlight was not cooperating.
We spotted a large crayfish in the water below the falls.
Just as we were leaving, some clouds rolled in so I could get some nice pictures.
Then we made the hike back. So Alex didn't have to cross the bridge again, I rock-hopped the creek with him.
From here, we headed into Hot Springs and had an early dinner at Trailside Bakery. They had a nice covered outdoor seating area so we could dine in the shade with Alex. After dinner, we then set up camp at Laughing Waters. It was still really hot out so we took Alex for a scenic drive along NC-209 south of Hot Springs. There were a couple nice overlooks to stop at and get some pictures.
Some yarrow was blooming along the roadside.
As the sun began to set, we headed back to camp in the shade and went to bed. It had cooled off enough that it was comfortable for sleeping.
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