May 29, 2007
| Today’s hike was on the Chattooga River Trail from Burrell’s Ford Campground to Big Bend Falls on the River and back to the Foothills Trail and up to King’s Creek Falls approx. 8.5 miles loop.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Linda Johnson, Bob Magee, Wanda Miller, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This trail segment allows you to hike along the “Wild and Scenic Chattooga River” for most of the way. The river views were especially nice with the mounds of Mountain Laurel in full bloom on both sides of the river. On our return trip to the Burrell’s Ford parking lot, we took the Foothills Trail and made the side trip up to King’s Creek Falls. Directions: From Walhalla, take SC 28 north to SC 107. Turn right onto SC 107 and follow for 17 miles to Forest Service road 708 (Burrells Ford Road). Travel about 2 miles or so down this gravel road and park in the campground parking lot . Another great day for a hike! Sunny and mild. Temperatures from the mid 60’s to low 80’s. Hiking distance – approx. 8.5 miles WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Mountain Laurel, Galax, Partridge Berry, Indian Physic, Milkweed, Euonymus, Yellow Root, Indian Cucumber Root, Solomon Seal, Tall Bluet, Dog Hobble, Hawk Weed, Swamp Azalea, Bluet, Ragwort, Daisy Fleabane, Catawba Rhododendron, Golden Alexander, Cherokee Rose, Jack in the Pulpit, Meadow Rue, White Violet BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Red Eyed Vireo, Carolina Wren, Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Pileated Woodpecker, Crow, Phoebe, Oven Bird, Towhee, Hooded Warbler, Cat Bird, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Yellow Throated Vireo, Black and White Warbler |
 We first walked from Burrell’s Ford Campground Parking Lot down to the Chattooga River. |
 Nice river views all day! |
 The white flower spikes of Galax aphylla. |
 Typical views along the river. . |
 The trail passes by several huge rock walls. |
 We found this Sweet Azalea (Rhododendron arborescens) blooming on the riverbank. |
 Our lunch spot for the day! The beautiful cascades of Big Bend Falls. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Crossing the logs below King’s Creek Falls. |
 Even with the drought, the falls is beautiful! |
 A nice place to enjoy a long break from hiking. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r kneeling) Wanda Miller, Donna Presley, Bob Magee, Tony Presley (l-r standing) John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Carole Wintle, Linda Johnson, Jack Jacobi, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker, Bob Presley. |