5/21/2019 – Yellow Branch Falls – Stumphouse Tunnel – Issaqueena Falls – SC

Today’s hike was on the Yellow Branch Falls Trail and Stumhouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls and a small section of the Blueridge Railroad Trail.

HIKERS: Mike Bell, Jenny Bell, Mary Camp, Ray Clark, Joe Collins, Bob Drake, Jo Drake, Greta Driggers, Beth McDonald, Dick Metzgar, Tony Presley, Alex Purcell, Vic Robson and Betty Smith.

TRAIL INFORMATION – Our first trail today was Yellow Branch Falls Trail. This is a beautiful trail leading to a very pretty and unique waterfall. Next, we hiked at nearby Stumphouse Tunnel Park. We walked in the tunnel and then down to Issaqueena Falls and finally a small section of the Blueridge Railroad Trail Where we encountered a very large mud/water hole blocking the path with no practical way around it. We rate the hike mostly easy but very beautiful! If you do all of the trails you will have almost 6 miles but we had to cut the Blueride hike short.

Directions: From Walhalla SC, take Hwy. 28 north for about 7 miles and look for the Yellow Branch Falls sign and turn left into the parking lot. Stumphouse Park is across the highway just beyond the Yellow Branch Sign turn right.

Another great day for a hike! Clear and mild with temperatures ranging from 65-75 degrees F.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Carolina Wren, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cardinal, Blue Jay and Tufted Titmouse.

WILDFLOWERS ; Wild Hydrangea, Galax, Piedmont Rhododendron, American Euonymus, Fly Poison, Whorled Loosestrife, Partridge Berry, Mountain Laurel, Rattlesnake Weed, Solomon Seal, Indian Pink, Yellow Stargrass, Milkweed, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Black Cohosh, Lance-leaved Bluet, Wild Ginger, Dog Hobble.

Leaving the parking area headed to Yellow Branch Falls.

Right away we see lots of Piedmont Rhododendrons.

A beautiful woodland trail with footbridges where needed.

A lush moist forest

Wildflower – Indian Pink

We arrive at beautiful Yellow Branch Falls!

Beautiful and unique

Spectacular

Next, we take the very short drive across the highway to Stumphouse Tunnel.

Walking into the tunnel we see people with flashlights in the distance.

Here we are headed back out of the tunnel.

Lunchtime at the picnic shelter!