7/22/2014 Opossum Creek Falls Trail, SC

HIKERS – Geri Barrios, Wayne Barrios, Phil Brownrigg, Cup Gales, Stephen Gales, Tim Hale, Bill Hunt, Kim Johnson, Mike Jones, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Trushna Nadig, Sandy Robson, Vic Robson, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Pom Sinnock and Carole Wintle.

TRAIL INFO. – This is a beautiful woodland trail leading down to the Chattooga River and up Opossum Creek to the Falls. The trail is well maintained and the terrain is gradually downhill to the river and then goes up to the falls including some rock hopping across a creek near the falls.

Total hiking distance today – Approximately 5 miles with a moderate difficulty level.

Directions: From Clayton, GA: Take highway 76 East to the Chattooga River and continue another couple of miles to Orchard Rd. on the right. Follow this road to the dead end and turn right on Battle Creek Rd. and continue 1 mile to Turkey Ridge Rd. on the right (gravel) Drive 2.3 miles to the trail head parking on the left. Walk back up the road a bit and you will see the trail to the right (marked).

From Westminster, SC: 1. drive west on US 76 for 13.3 miles and turn left onto Damascus Church Road (Oconee County S-37-96). Long Creek Fire Station will be on your right after this turn.
2. Drive 0.9 mile and turn right onto Battle Creek Road (Oconee County S-37-102).
3. Drive 1.9 miles and turn right onto Turkey Ridge Road (FS 755, which is gravel). The sign at this turn only shows FS755 so it is easy to miss.
4. Drive 2.3 miles to the trail head parking on the left. Walk back up the road a bit and you will see the trail to the right (marked)

Another great day for a hike! Partly Cloudy and warm with temperatures ranging from 72 to 81 degrees F.

WILDFLOWERS: White Bee Balm, Wild Hydrangea, Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis, Joe Pye Weed, Rattlesnake Plantain, Bear’s Foot, Spiderwort, Wild Potato, Trumpet Creeper Vine, Beggar Lice, Wood Aster, White Baneberry / Doll’s Eyes.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Cardinal, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker, Crow, Blue Jay, Goldfinch.