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 21, 2025
OCONEE STATE PARK WATER WHEEL LOOP
Description:
Knowing eyes will see that this hike is not on our directory of hikes, but it is a hike our very own Jon and Nancy Young have recommended. It’s nearby, and short (4 miles), and that’s a good thing given how cold it is expected to be. The water wheel adds a bit of history and we’ve departed from the OSP parking lot (near the Foothills Trailhead) for a number of different hikes so not difficult to find. We start by heading towards the water wheel…
Directions: (GPS: 34.86316, -83.09811)
Meet, pool, and depart as usual from KKEPA at 830A and/or Walhalla at 9A. Oconee State Park is on the right about 11 miles NW on SC28/107. The Park fee is $5 for youngsters; $3.25 for kids over 65, and free for those with an SC parks pass. On entering the Park, bear right at the stop past the fee station, then straight at the next stop. Continue about a mile to the parking across from the FT entrance. It speeds entry to the Park if cars without passes have their cash combined and ready before the gate. There are facilities in the park, but not at the trailhead, so Walhalla is the better choice.
Expect to return early afternoon.
Directions: Click here for directions and details.
THURSDAY JAN 23, 2025
WATTACOO
Description: Ashmore Heritage is a 1,125 acre Preserve located in Greenville County. There are several options for hiking in this area. We usually hike the 2 mile (beautiful) lake loop plus another 3 out and back along the West Fork of Wattacoo Creek, via Oil Camp Trail, for an easy/moderate 5 mile total. More details on the link below
Directions (GPS: 35.0818,-82.5840)
Meet at Holly Springs (SC11/US178) in time for a 915A departure.. This requires leaving KKEPA by 840A OR Walhalla by 830A. From Holly, follow US11 (& 276) 14 mi to Persimmon Ridge Rd, on the left, just past Wildcat Falls, Park 0.8 mile up Persimmon; trailhead and sign about 100 yds beyond. No fees or facilities. Expect to return by 230PM.
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].
