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 APRIL 15, 2025

RAVEN CLIFF FALLS and GUM GAP in CAESAR’S HEAD STATE PARK

Description: Raven Cliff Falls is one of the most photogenic in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Most of the 2.2 mile Gum Gap trail is also the Foothills Trail. All is well developed, blazed, and on easy to moderate terrain. Direct return from the platform makes for an easy 4.4 mile hike. Most hikers will backtrack about 0.75 miles, rejoin the FT, and continue about 1.5 miles on mostly moderate terrain to the junction with the western end of Naturaland Trust Trail to follow it down steeper, partially staired terrain for about 0.25 miles to the swinging bridge above Mattews Creek. The bridge provides views back to the observation platform. Lunch on, or by the rapids, under the bridge and return via Gum Gap/FT for a total hike of 8 miles.

Directions: (GPS: 35.11566, -82.63831)
Depart from the US11/178 Mart at Holly Springs at 915am. That requires leaving KKEPA by 845 or Walhalla by 830.

THURSDAY APRIL 17, 2025

PANTHERTOWN SOUTH

Description: The great thing about here is that we can always re-route if need or want to; there are so many trails. But starting from the Saltrock Trailhead and sticking to the script, head downhill east on #474 and south on #490 to Wilderness and Frollictown Falls. Then head east taking a right on the trail past Frolictown Falls. Then, keep right on #449 and cross Panthertown Creek…which in high water can require boots off. Right after the creek, take a right on the Great Wall Trail #489 then left on the Big Green Mountain trail #487 uphill for 3/4 mile to the overlook on the left shortly past the summit. At this point you can either take a shortcut down a steep faint path, or you can backtrack to Granny Burrell Falls, a nice spot for lunch. Continue on the trail to Mac’s Gap Trail #482 where you will take a left across the creek then another left on Panthertown Valley Trail. Take a right on the Salt Rock trail to the overlook and then back to the car.

Directions: (GPS: 35.16783, -83.03989)
Gather and pool separately from either KKEPA or Walhalla. Both groups depart at 830am. Reassemble at Sloan Bridge Picnic Area.No fees or potties after Sloan. Expect to return about 3P.

See link below for more detail.

Directions: Click here for directions and details. 

=======================

TUESDAY MAY 13, 2025

HORSEPASTURE TO CANE BREAK – LAKE JOCASSEE HIKE

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, we’ll hike the Foothills Trail from the Horsepasture River inlet on Lake Jocasee to Cane Break which includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Jocassee with a stop at a waterfall.   You must sign up in advance for this hike. The rain date is May 27.  The cost is $50 per hiker. This does not include a tip.  However, there is no fee to enter Devil’s Fork State Park on Tuesdays.

This is one of our most interesting hikes and not to be missed.  We have limited room on the pontoon boat so reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

To reserve your space, call Jocassee Lake Tours directly at 864-280-5501 and make your reservation.  They will ask for a credit card number to hold your spot.

On hiking day we depart via pontoon boat from Devils Fork State Park PROMPTLY at 8:30am for a scenic 30-45 minute boat ride to the trailhead on the Horsepasture River.  After hiking east across the peninsula we are picked up by boat at Cane Break (shortly before the Toxaway suspension bridge). Expect to return to DFSP between 3pm – 4pm.  

If you wish to carpool, meet at Keowee Key by 7:45am, as you will need time at Devils Fork State Park if you have to go to the farther parking lot by the beach. Park at the far end of the parking lot marked for cars.  If it is full, there is more parking by the beach.  Most of the lot is reserved for boat trailers.

This 8.5 mile hike is rated strenuous by the Foothills Conference, however 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.  It is a beautiful hike, which takes us through a wild garden of blooming Mountain Laurel.  It ends at the Toxaway River on a 225′ suspension bridge, the longest on the Foothills Trail.   

Some would argue the best part of the excursion is the cocktail party on the pontoon boat ride home.  So pack accordingly.  You can leave things on the boat.  Consider sharing a cooler with some beverages and snacks for after the hike.  You will have the option to go swimming as well.  I recommend swimming in your quick-dry hiking cloths and bringing a dry set of cloths for the car ride home. 

Check the website after 7am the morning of the hike for rain cancellations. 

If you have any questions, call Susan at (917) 597-2281 or email [email protected]. 

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].