BOOK YOUR RESERVATION NOW FOR THE 2025 BRR FALL OUTING AT FALLS CREEK FALLS STATE PARK IN TN. THE PRICE GOES UP AT THE VACANCY GOES DOWN. YOU CAN CANCEL UP TO 48 HOURS FOR A FULL REFUND. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.

TUESDAY JAN 14, 2025

Could not make it too much snow/ice so went to Ellicott Rock Trail, also on Bullpen Rd. But while we could hike it, see pictures once posted, near the river a tree blocked any further passage so we turned around. Still did 7.2 miles

GLADES CAVES (Nantahala National Forest)

Description:

From the parking area, start at the small brown trial sign on the right. Keep right and on the most worn trails, starting slightly uphill, then leveling; then down and back up a little right before the caves. Small springs flow through portions of the wooded trail. About a mile in, look for another small trail marked “Loop”. Continue right there for another half mile to the Caves, uphill on the left. The first is small but interesting. Scoot underneath the overhang to see how the rocks have slid into place over the years. Work around left of the boulders and uphill to a second cave…something the Cherokee Indians may have used. A flashlight or illuminating phone will
reveal more of the dark interior. After, backtrack directly to the parking for a 3 mile mostly easy
hike, or complete the loop adding less than another mile.

Directions: Click here for directions and details. 

THURSDAY JAN 16, 2025

ROUND MOUNTAIN WHITEWATER LOOP via Foothills Trail and spurs

Description: This trail links familiar sections of the Foothills Trail (FT) to create a loop of about 5.75
miles. It includes fine wintertime vistas of Lake Jocassee and Bad Creek, an encounter with the
iconic Upper Whitewater Falls, and with its headwaters. The terrain is somewhat moderate with some steep uphill as well as 270 steps at Whitewater Falls, with one steep descent of 600ft…eased by multiple switchbacks. More details on the link below

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Directions (GPS: 35.02339, -83.02117)
Gather, pool and depart at 8:45A from KKEPA . Reassemble for a 920A start from the gravel parking area, west side of NC 281, 10 miles north of SC11 on SC 130, (just past the gate to Bad Creek).

Directions: Click here for directions and details. 

2025 BRR FALL OUTING

Time for something new! The BRR fall outing will be held at Falls Creek Falls State Park in TN from September 8-11 (Mon-Thur).  The Lodge was recently built, has air conditioning, balcony’s/patios, and is beautiful!  Each room also has WiFi, a TV, and a small refrigerator.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend this popular event.  

Falls Creek Falls State Park is located in Spencer, TN (about a 4 hour drive from Seneca).  This lodge allows us to cancel up to 2 days before for a full refund.  We will reschedule for a later week in September or October if rain is in the forecast.  

Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The park is huge – encompassing more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades.

A complimentary buffet breakfast in their lakeside restaurant is provided to all guests staying at the lodge.  There are also electric vehicle chargers and a heated, waterside pool, located just below the restaurant. On the opposite side of the lake, guests can rent paddleboards and kayaks at the boat dock or enjoy the 18-hole golf course.  Happy Hour can take place around a nice fire pit.

This is a very popular State Park and will likely sell out so make your reservations immediately if not sooner.  You can get a full refund it you cancel by Sept 6 (48 hours before your reservation).  

A 10% discount is available for AAA and Seniors (over 62 years old) for the lodge rooms.  There are several lodging options – including cabins right on the lake with a fabulous view, lodge rooms, and camp sites.  The cabins are older – some have been renovated and command a higher price.  The prices go up as the vacancy goes down.  So make your reservation ASAP.  Here are approximate nightly prices with the senior discount right now: 

Lodge King Bed:  $172 – $192

Lodge 2 Queen Beds:  $181 – $201

2 BRM Cabins:  $300

Cabin on Water:  $333 – $369

Campsites: various prices

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner where we order off the menu.   All meals are paid for separately.  

There are a few Lodge rooms and cabins that allow dogs and cats.  Dogs are allowed on many (but not all) of the trails.  There is a $20/night charge for pets.  Be sure to let the reservation agent know if you require a pet-friendly room.   Campsites allow pets of course.

For reservations go to:

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/fall-creek-falls

Or call 888 867-2757.  (We don’t have a group code because we would lose the ability to cancel up to 48 hours before the event.) 

Trip Extentions:  A Mountaineering Bluegrass Festival is taking place there the weekend before our outing (Sept 5-7).  It includes music, vendors, food, crafts, and is open to the public.  The price of admission is your parking fee.

If you are more into country music, Nashville is only a 2 hour drive from  Falls Creek Falls State Park.

Please let Susan Hehir ([email protected]) know if you are planning to attend so she can send you the hiking plan, and rescheduling notification if rain is in the forecast.

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].