March 25, 2008
| Today’s hike was on the Chattooga River Trail from Licklog Creek northward along the Chattooga River. We hiked 4 miles or so up the trail and had lunch on the river bank and returned for an 8 mile total hike. A great section of trail with excellent views of this National Wild and Scenic River.
HIKERS – Chuck Crisp, Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Bill Hunt, Linda Johnson, Dick Metzgar, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Pom Sinnock, Faye Sisson, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This is a very nice section of the Chattooga River Trail with many nice views along the river and some very nice forest trail walking through stands of giant trees. It is sad to see so many of the magnificent Eastern Hemlocks in decline due to the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Directions: From Walhalla, SC take Highway 28 north and bear right on Highway 107 next, turn left (west) onto Village Creek Road and drive 1.75 miles to Nicholson Ford Road. Turn right and drive 2.1 miles, passing the Bartram/Foothills trail overnight parking area and Pribyl Road, while enroute to the intersection of Thrift Lake Road (private) and FS 2603(a fork). Veer right onto 2603. The parking area is .15 of a mile ahead. The trail begins at its northeast corner. Another great day for a hike! Fair and chilly with temperatures ranging from the mid-20’s to the low 50’s. Hiking distance – 8 miles Difficulty – Moderately easy with mostly gentle hills and some nice flat stretches. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Trailing Arbutus, Yellow Round-leafed Violet and Yellow Halberd-leafed Violet BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Red Eyed Vireo, Pileated Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, Wood Thrush |
 Getting ready at the parking lot. 25 degrees! |
 A little more than a half mile into the hike we view Pigpen Falls. |
 We have many opportunities to interact with the beautiful Chattooga River. |
 Lunchtime on the banks of the river. . |
 Typical view along the river. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Looking down the river from the trail above. |
 Many great photo-ops! |
 Roaring whitewater! |
 Taking a break on the way back. |
 The sign board back at the parking lot. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Donna Presley, Bob Presley, Doug Russell, Carole Wintle, Bruce O’Connor, Tony Presley. (middle ladies) Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Linda Johnson, Faye Sisson, Wanda Miller, Jeanne O’Connor. (Back)Pom Sinnock, Dick Metzgar, Joe Raguckas, Wayne Miller, Bob Thompson, Chuck Crisp, Vic Robson, Bill Hunt, Dan Ross. |