March 25, 2025
Author Archives: Karen Balcerzak
Medlin Mtn to Burrell’s Ford
Scaly Mountain
Dupont State Forrest
Rabun Bald
Russell Bridge to Lick Log
Rainbow Falls and Trail in JGSP
Winding stairs and Miuka Falls
Chimney Top from Laurel Access
February 20, 2025
8 hardy hikers braved the cold and hiked 5 miles up to Chimney Top
Tallulah Gorge
Glades Cave
Warwoman Dell
Opossum Falls
Sassafras Mountain from Chimney Gap
Todd Creek
Wattacoo
Water Wheel Loop in Oconee State Park
Round Mountain from Whitewater Loop
Ellicott Rock from Bullpen
Bald Knob on Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park
Laurel Branch from Russell Bridge
Bad Creek to Thompson River
Clemson Central
Blue Ridge RR Trail
Panthertown West
November 21, 2024
9 left Saltrock parking and hiked upper loop, all in about 8 miles.
Big Bend East on the Chattooga from Cherry Hill
11/12/2024
11 hikers trekked up/ and over fallen trees to Big Bend on the Chattooga River. 7 miles were hiked on a beautiful fall day.
Hidden Falls and Long Mountain via Oconee State Park
November 7, 2024
6 hikers enjoyed a beautiful fall day in Oconee State Park. Although several trees were down, we still managed to go around and up/over to continue along the path. Long Mountain and lunch by Hidden Falls made the 7 mile trek very enjoyable.
Karen’s Gallery
Tomassee Knob
October 31, 2024
8 hikers trekked through Oconnee State Park under gorgeous skies and beautiful fall colors.
Raven Cliffs at Keowee Toxaway State Park
October 22, 2024
12 hikers explored Keowee Toxaway with gorgeous fall foliage. Hike of 5 miles
Whiteside Mountain
October 17, 2024
5 hikers, 3 miles, Beautiful overlooks of Whiteside Mountain
Cheohee Rd to Chatooga River
October 15, 2024
Nine people, six miles, great to be hiking again thanks to FTC for clearing the trail.
Fryemont Inn
September 24-27, 2024
Thirty plus hiker enjoyed our annual hiking trip to Fryemont Inn located in the beautiful smokey mountains. We were hampered with rain most of the time, but still had loads of fun hanging with our hiking family. We were not able to do some of our favorite hikes due to rainy conditions, but some of the hikes that we were able to do were Alum Cave, Deep Creek Loop Noland Creek and Kephart Prong.
Janet’s Gallery
Long Creek and Raven Creek (Deliverance Rock)
September 19th, 2024
Led by hike leader emeritus, Carol Eye, 10 hikers trekked 5.5 miles over flat and extremely steep terrain. We battled many spider webs and observed snails, slugs and millipedes. And a beautiful view of the Chattooga River from Deliverance Rock.
Lower Whitewater Falls
September 10, 2024
Fourteens hikers enjoyed this first hike of the season. 5 miles with lots of smiles.
Horsepasture River in Gorges SP
Annual Summer Picnic 2024
JULY 30, 2024
35 hikers and significant others got together for good food and friendship.
Lake Jocassee Boat Shuttle
May 28, 2024
Another great trip with Jocassee Lake Tours! 15 hikers trekked 8 miles on the FT from Horsepasture River to Hillard Falls. After the hike, several folks jumped in the Lake for a refreshing swim. Until next year…….
Whitewater to Bad Creek
April 16, 2024
13 hikers trekked 5 miles on the FT. Spring flowers put on quite the show… We even had a few snakes share our delightful day with us. Our good friend, Carol Eye, was back hiking with us. Just a wonderful day.
Cheohee rd (107) to Pig Pen
April 4, 2024
Only 2 hikers today. They hiked 5 miles along the FT along the Chattooga River to Pig Pen Falls.
Sloan Bridge to Burrells Ford (and Medlin Mountain)
April 2nd, 2024
8 hikers trekked over 9 miles from Sloan Bridge to Medlin Mountain. Beautiful lunch spot along the Chattooga River.
Martin Creek
Hawkins Laurel
Whiteside Mountain
Glades Caves
Long Creek
Lee Falls
Bald Knob
Narrows North
January 18, 2024
13 hikers explored the beautiful Narrows North trail. We ventured down to the Chatooga and had lunch beside the Norton Mill Creek FALLS. A total of 6 miles of easy to moderate terrain.
Carol’s Exploratory Waterfalls Hike of Panthertown East
January 11, 2024
Eleven hikers braved the cold weather to explore new trails in the Panthertown Valley. What a magical day of snow lined paths, icicles hanging from the trees and waterfalls. Greenland Creek Falls, Halfway Falls and Carlton Falls to name a few. Mileage was undetermined, around 5 miles, but with many obstacles along the route, it seemed like a lot more.
Eastatoe
January 4, 2024
13 hikers trekked 5.5 miles along the Foothills trail. A Beautiful waterfall, pristine mountain gorge and plenty of sunshine and laughter made for a great day.
Ellicott Rock, NC
December 12, 2023
6 hikers trekked 7 miles along the beautiful Chattooga River.
Round Mountain
December 5, 2023
12 hikers trekked 5.75 miles on the FT with gorgeous views of Bad Creek project Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee.
PANTHER CREEK
11/30/2023
12 hikers enjoyed the ever challenging Panther Creek in Georgia. Multiple bridges washed out, wired hand holds up boulders and fallen trees made for a fun day!! The trek is 7 miles and it was met by lots of smiles.
CHAU RAM
Opossum Falls
November 14, 2023
Nine hikers trekked 5 miles to the Chattooga River. A lovely lunch besides the river after marveling at the beautiful Opossum Falls.
Tamassee Knob
November 2, 2023
Six hikers enjoyed a lovely fall day in Oconee State Park. It was a beautiful four mile hike.
Cedar Rock Dupont Forest
October 17, 2023
Twelve hikers enjoyed hiking through a lush forest seeing granite balds and gorgeous vistas. Lunch on the rocky shoals on a bold rapids made for a delightful day.
Little Switzerland Inn, Pisgah National Forest
September 5, 6, and 7, 2023
Thirty hikers enjoyed three days of fun hiking through the Pisgah National Forest at our annual Fall Outing.
Chinquapin and Glen Falls
Six hikers trekked six miles observing beautiful vistas, crossing multiple streams and multiple delights with the spring flowers. At the 4100 foot summit was a beautiful place for lunch.
Coldspring – Silversteps Trail
Nine hikers had a glorious day hiking along the Middle Saluda River. 7.5 miles, 1380 Elevation Gain along the Jones Gap and SilverStep trail. Plenty of challenge and spring flowers galore. One of our hikers made a contribution of a cute gnome to the hidden GeoCash. Until next year….