From there we dropped onto the Falls Branch Trail (#87) and entered the wilderness under dark, misty conditions, with bee balm blooming brightly along the path.
The trail began fairly level on an overgrown old road before steepening.
Heavy rain returned as we descended, thoroughly soaking us by the time we reached the falls.
The trail emerged downstream of the waterfall, requiring a creek crossing and a short climb up the opposite bank to the base.
Falls Branch Falls were roaring with the day’s rain, and the weather eased just enough for a few photos.
It was looking really nice today.
The rain held off for the return hike, though we were already soaked through. We continued a short way up the Skyway to Unicoi Crest and joined the Benton MacKaye Trail, heading deeper into the wilderness.
The first mile and a half followed a moderate, somewhat overgrown old road lined with more bee balm and a few Turk’s-cap lilies.
At the road’s end we turned right to stay on the singletrack Benton MacKaye, aiming for Bob Bald.
After about three miles the rain returned in force and erased any chance of views, so we turned around. It poured steadily the entire way back, leaving us completely drenched. At the parking area the rain paused long enough for me to towel Amaroq off before we started down the Skyway.
Stuck behind slow-moving bikers, we made a quick stop at Spirit Ridge, where a short paved trail leads to an overlook.
It was far too overgrown for any views that day (something that might improve in winter).
From there we returned to the cabin to pack up and prepare for the drive home the next morning.
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