August 6, 2019
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Today’s hike was on the Ranger Falls Trail at the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area. First, we did the nearby short trail to magnificent Dry Falls. Both falls were quite impressive with much water flowing due to the heavy rains the previous night. HIKERS: Jenny Bell, Mike Bell, Ray Clark, Joe Collins, Renee Corbett, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Bruce OConnor & Jeanne OConnor. TRAIL INFO. – Dry Falls is one of the most spectacular and beautiful waterfalls in the United States. A short hike from highway 64 down to the falls with the trail taking you behind the falls with a cool mist in the air. The Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is just down the road with a nice lake loop with other trail options. We hiked up to the beautiful Ranger Falls. We hiked part of the loop after the falls which rejoins the initial part of the trail not knowing whether the loop was complete. The trail can be quite wet and slippery in places with several shallow water crossings. With some short steep elevation changes we rate the Ranger Falls Trail moderately strenuous. Total hiking distance today was 3.4 miles. Directions: From downtown Highlands, take highway 64 toward Franklin. Dry falls is a couple of miles down the highway on the left. For the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, continue another mile or so and look for the sign. Turn to the right and drive to the pay station for payment with half-price fees if you have a recognized pass. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and mild with temperatures ranging from 69 to 75 degrees F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Flowering Spurge, Arrowhead, Rattlesnake Plantain, Mt. Hydrangea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Queen Ann’s Lace, Coreopsis, Beggar Lice, Blue Lobelia, Red Clover. FAUNA OBSERVED: Spotted Dusky Salamander?
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