TUESDAY APRIL 23, 2024
RAVEN ROCK in KEOWEE TOXAWAY STATE PARK
Description:
Gather and depart from KKEPA at 845AM, heading over to Toxaway. This hike offers a fine combination of creek, lakeside, small falls, rockery, and natural bridge encounters plus a fine vista from the Raven Rock overlooking Lake Keowee. We usually lunch there.
Directions: Click here for directions and details.
THURSDAY APRIL 25, 2024
CHINQUAPIN and GLENN FALLS near Highlands, NC
Description:
We did not get to do this one a few weeks ago so will try again. Meet, pool, and depart from Walhalla at 845am (!). We will first hike to the vistas totals about 4 miles. Once back to the parking area, we head down for the series of Glenn Falls…each about 60ft tall…along a mile of increasingly steep grade, moderated by stairs.
Directions: Click here for directions and details.
TUESDAY, MAY 28: LAKE JOCASSEE BOAT SHUTTLE TO HIKE
On Tuesday, May 28th, we’ll hike the Foothills Trail from Horsepasture River to Hilliard Falls. This hike includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Jocassee starting at the dock in Devils Fork Start Park (DFSP). You must sign up in advance for this hike. This is one of our most interesting hikes and not to be missed. We have limited room on the pontoon boats so reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
This 7.4 mile hike is rated moderate. The most strenuous part is near the beginning where the trail ascends a steep set of natural and wooden stairs. The remainder of the hike is mostly moderate with a few strenuous sections.
The cost is $50 per hiker. To reserve your space, call Jocassee Lake Tours at (864) 280-5501. Mention the May 28th hike with the “Blue Ridge Ramblers”. They also can be reached at JocasseeLakeTours.com
We depart via pontoon boat from Devils Fork State Park promptly at 9am for a scenic 30-45 minute boat ride to the trailhead on the Horsepasture River. After hiking to Hilliard Falls, we get a tour of Lake Jocassee. Expect to return to DFSP between 3:30pm – 4:30pm.
If you wish to carpool, meet at Keowee Key by 8:15am, as you will need time at Devils Fork State Park to load your gear on the boat, and walk from the remote parking lot. I understand the park fees are waived on Tuesdays. If that has changed, the park fee is $8 per adult, $5 per senior, or free with a SC Park Pass.
In case of rain, we have a rain date of May 30th.
The boat will stop at a waterfall after the hike so we can take a refreshing swim. I usually just swim in my quick dry hiking cloths and leave a dry change of clothing in the car for the ride home. So pack accordingly. You can leave things on the boat. Consider sharing a cooler with some beverages and snacks for the boat ride home.
If you have any questions, call Susan Hehir at (917) 597-2281 or email [email protected].
Directions: Click here for directions and details.
2024 FALL OUTING: FRYEMONT
Our fall hiking outing will be held September 24-27 at the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City, NC. It is an oldie, but goodie. BOOK YOUR ROOM BEFORE 3/18/2024 FOR LOWER RATE.
The Fryemont Inn is a bit dated, but they serve delicious breakfasts and dinners which are included in the room fee. They have been recognized by travel magazines for their trout and prime rib. They have a wonderful lobby and balcony for games and gathering. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this popular event…including non-hiking spouses.
From the Fryemont Inn we will hike the Smoky Mountain National Park. You can cancel up to a week before we arrive for a full refund.
The Fryemont Inn is closed for the season until April 19, but you can still make reservations online at: fryemontinn.com (Identify yourself as a member of the Blue Ridge Ramblers group in the comments section.) They are offering us 2023 prices if you book before 3/18/24.
All rooms include breakfast and dinner. Although pets are allowed in the Balcony Suites, they are NOT allowed on the trails in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Check-in after 3 pm; check-out is 11 am. Note, they have not updated the rooms, and there is no TV in the rooms (except the Balcony Suites and maybe the cottage). The Wifi still only works in the lobby, but 5G is available in Bryson.
We meet at 9:30am each morning and arrange car-pools for at least two hiking options (long and short). Refer to the “Special Hikes” section of our web site for a description of some hikes.
We will enjoy Happy Hour each day on the large front porch or at one of the local breweries. Non-hiking spouses can enjoy the local bookstores, arts and craft galleries, a historical museum, a scenic train, rafting, a local brewery, and the casino in Cherokee. For more about Bryson City: https://www.greatsmokies.com/downtown.html
Hikers can order a box lunch by contacting the restaurant in advance. There are other restaurant options for lunch in Bryson City.
Questions? Contact Susan at (917) 597-2281 or [email protected].
BRR Library
Planning to do some hiking on your own? You can borrow a book from our hiking library. The library offers many different books about hiking in NC, SC, and GA. From our home page click on “Resources”. The bottom half of the page lists the different books available. A big thanks to those who donated to the library: Nancy Carkhuff, Michael Gauderer, Bill Ebeling, and others. To request a book contact the librarian at: [email protected].