Date: 08/27/2024
Name: Clifftop Vista & Ranger Falls Loop Trails
Distance: 5.7
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Total Climbing Elevation: 1,345
Type: Loops X 2
Notes: With continued cooler weather in the mountains with 63°F to 76°F temperatures, we enjoyed some new and old trails in the Cliffside Recreation area northwest of Highlands, NC. Parking on US 64 North, we hiked a short distance up Skitty Creek Trail and then onto the Clifftop Vista Loop Trail, both being new to us. The first 1.4 miles of these trails were mostly up a fairly steep grade. However, these trails were in fairly good condition. As we approached the highpoint of the Clifftop Vista Trail, we took a very short spur to a collapsed shelter that had the only clear view of the hike looking at the valley to the east. Too bad it has not been maintained since it appeared to have been a very nice structure at one time. We continued our hike on the familiar Ranger Falls Trail. The grade up to Ranger Falls is much less steep, but it is well used with significant exposed roots. Unfortunately the lack of rain made Ranger Falls just a trickle. While not a lot of wildflowers, we did see a very nice beaver dam on Skitty Creek and encountered an old homestead with several apple trees with ripe fruit. This homestead also showed extensive visits by bear feasting on the ripe fruit including that of numerous Elderberries. Overall this trail is easy to moderately difficult. This hike could be lengthened by 0.7 mile by hiking around the lake on the Cliffside Loop Trail. We took a brief visit to Dry Falls on our return drive to Clayton. TODAY'S HIKERS: Heather & Toby, Carey Estes, Edwin Pruitt, Roger Willis, Shelia Getman, Linda Shultz, Londa Sprinkle, Jack Treadman, Ken Pardue, Matt Henderson, Jim Driggers & Mike Bell.
AllTrails Link: Clifftop Vista & Ranger Falls Loop Trails Near Highlands, NC
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