9 hikers and 1 pup hiked a part of the FT than none of us had ever hiked. It provided lush valleys, beautiful wild flowers and multiple bridge crossings. We continued on to Beech Falls for lunch and then headed back. Total mileage was about 6 miles.
Seven hardy hikers braved the cold trekking over 4 miles to beautiful Whiteside mountain and devil’s courthouse. Frozen streams, waterfall and icecicles made for a spectacular but could day.
Nine hikers hiked along the beautiful and yet challenging Carrick Creek Trail. A total of 2000 ft elevation gain made for a challenging but wonderful day. Half the group went only to Governors Rock at 2854 ft, and the other half made it all the way to the summit at 3157 ft.
Eight hikers trekked 7 miles starting at the Winding Stairs road up to the Cherry Hill Recreation area.
Thirteen hikers trekked 6 miles up to Round Mountain. It included fine wintertime vistas of Lake Jocassee and Bad Creek, an encounter with the iconic Upper Whitewater Falls, and with its headwaters.
Eleven hikers did a little of five miles through rolling hills and multiple stream crossings. A beautiful sunny day!
Thirteen hikers hiked 4 miles to a beautiful vista in Oconee State Park.
17 hikers enjoyed 5 miles on the Camp Branch trail down to beautiful Opossum Falls. One tired pup (aka Bandit) needed a ride up in a backup!!
November 1, 2022
Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in SC at 3554 ft. 11 hikers enjoyed this majestic view from the observation platform. Total mileage 5.8 miles
7 hikers hiked on a beautiful fall day to view the lovely 400 foot Raven Cliff Falls. Trekking on the Gum Gap and Foothills Trail brought beautiful views. Lunch by the swinging Bridge was perfect. Two hikers went on and braved part of the Dismal Trail.
Thompson River is heavily bouldered, bold and beautiful especially where it is joined at a bridged crossing. This is where our group of 12 had lunch under sunny skies. A trek of 7 miles with several climbs made for a wonderful day.
Eight hikers trekked 6.7 miles through lush foliage. The initial creek crossing was not as difficult because of low water. Thankfully, no one got wet. We hiked to the junction of the Holcomb, Overflow and Big Creek streams that form the west Branch of the Chattooga River. A beautiful spot for lunch was enjoyed by all.
16 hikers enjoyed a combination of creek, lakeside, small falls, rockery, natural bridge plus a fine vista from Raven Rock overlooking beautiful Lake Keowee. Sunny skies, warm temperature made the 5 miles fly by,
Thirteen hikers trekked along the Chatooga river making stops at both PigPen and Licklog Falls. We hiked mostly easy to moderate terrain of 5.5 miles. We saw a true scotsman on the way home sporting a hiking kilt!!
September 29, 2022
Fourteen hikers braved the cable crossing to get to Moonshine Falls. We also continued our trek down to Confusion Falls The only casualty was a hiking pole that decided to go downstream a bit. Thankfully, it was rescued by one of our fearless hikers.(Thanks Gary H.) A lovely sunny day indeed with a total mileage of 6.5 – 7 miles.
Ten hikers trekked 6.5 miles under sunny skies. Climbed up the Fire tower and had lunch by Hidden Falls.
Sept. 12, 2022
Seventeen hikers enjoyed beautiful scenery through the Smokey Mtns. Gorgeous water features and views provided us an awesome day.
Eleven hikers explored the beautiful trail along the Horsepasture River. Rainbow Falls, towering 130 ft lived up to its name!! 6 hikers continued on to Staircase Falls (see Thom’s pictures below).
August 21, 2022
Thirty three hikers and spouses got together at the Keowee Key Picnic Pavilion to celebrate summer’s end and to welcome a new hiking season. We also got to celebrate a very special 70th birthday, that of Jon Young. We are truly blessed to have made all these wonderful friends. Credit for the great group photo goes to Michael Gauderer.
June 3, 2022
A few of us got together to bid our dear friend and hiker a fond farewell. Nancy has been part of the blue ridge hikers group for 30 years. She has decided to move to Illinois in July to be close to her family. We wish her all the very best.
Nine hikers trekked along the Upper Chattooga River and saw two beautiful waterfalls, Spoonauger and King Creek Falls. A little over five miles brought lots of smiles.
Ten hikers enjoyed a flower show beyond compare. Trilliums galore were dotting the mountainside with splendid colors of white, burgandy and yellow. Lower whitewater falls was spectacular with a bold stream crossing. A wonderful day for sure.
6 hikers enjoyed a beautiful day walking under sunny skies in the Ashmore Heritage Fork of Wattacoo Creek via the old oil camp trail.
Sixteen hikers trekked 3.5 miles through open fields to reach the base of Lee Falls. With multiple stream crossings and climbing over lots of large boulders and fallen trees, made for an adventurous hike.
March 24, 2022
Seven hikers started out to trek to Cane Creek Falls, but our efforts did not pay off. We were not able to proceed due to high water at the creek crossing. Not to be deterred, we salvaged the day by hiking up to the beautiful twin falls.
Fourteen hikers trekked 6.5 miles over moderate to strenuous terrain. Multiple stream crossings across the Middle Saluda river and lunch beside a picturesque waterfall made for a beautiful hike.
Fourteen Hikers (and 1 pup) hiked in Jones Gap State Park on easy and difficult terrain. We saw our first snake of the year and a 2 month old baby taking her first hike (albeit in a front pack) with her parents.
Thirteen hikers trekked 6 miles to views of Sassafras Mountain. With 1000 feet of elevation change and dense fog/drizzle we were rewarded with….no views. Oh well, still lots of fun.
February 1, 2022
Thirteen hearty souls (and a four legged one, too) hiked 7.5 miles under sunny skies to the summit of Table Rock. Always a challenge, but we all made it with smiles and the sense of satisfaction!
January 27, 2022
14 hikers trekked 6 miles around Round Mountain. We observed the incredible Whitewater Falls and nice views of Bad Creek Project and Lake Jocassee.
January 25, 2022
Twenty-one hikers trekked 8 miles along the Middle Saluda River. We observed miles of large boulders and small falls. An added treat was leftover snow making for a beautiful wintertime hike.
Fourteen hikers trekked 8 miles along the scenic Chattooga River. We added on the beautiful King Creek Falls. A great day for sure.
Fourteen hikers hiked 9 plus miles at Medlin Mountain for the first hike of the year.
Six hikers braved cloudy skies and some drizzle, but were rewarded with 2 beautiful waterfalls in the Warwoman Dell.
Eight hikers trekked 6 miles up and down the terrain along the beautiful Chattooga River.
Twelve hikers enjoyed a sunny day hiking 6 miles through an upland forest from the summit of Sassafras Mountain.
8 Hikers enjoyed 6.5 miles under sunny skies on a picturesque fall day.
November 2, 2021
Twelve hikers had plenty to smile about while hiking under autumn skies. We hiked 6.5 miles to a beautiful lunch spot at the junction of the Holcmb,Overflow and Big Creek combine to form the West Branch of the Chatooga River.
October 27, 2021
Fourteen hikers trekked 6.5 miles under sunny skies. We were reward with a beautiful view of Hidden Falls.
Twelve hikers trekked five miles through Keowee Toxaway State Park.
11 hikers trekked 6 miles under beautiful sunny skies overlooking the chattooga river. Liglog and PigPen Falls were rushing with copious amounts of water.
September 9, 2021
Nine hikers enjoyed the rolling hills of Yellow Branch trail hiking four miles. a good time was had by all.
Nine hikers started the hiking year off right with trekking 5 miles from the bad creek project to Lower Whitewater falls. Perfect day indeed!
June 1, 2021
Six hikers hiked 8.5 miles on trails that were slightly overgrown. Quite the obstacle course over fallen trees. We even saw an eastern milk snake who had no interest in moving out of the way.
May 20, 2021
Fourteen hikers hiked just under 8 miles on our annual Jocassee Boat Trip which took us to beautiful Hilliard Falls. Always a delight, this is a good way to close out another hiking season.
May 18, 2021
Eight hikers hiked 4 miles on the scenic Whiteside Mountain and Devil’s Courthouse. It was an absolutely perfect day until one of our hikers suffered a fall which resulted in a broken arm. Thank goodness we had a hiking physician with us!
May 6, 2021
9 hikers trekked over 6 miles around beautiful Lake Russell. We saw beautiful wildflowers, plenty of turtles basking in the sun and even a water snake. A lovely day for sure.
April 27, 2021
Fifteen hikers trekked a little over 5 miles exploring the tunnels of the Blueridege Railroad path. We added on a new loop today with part of the palmetto trail.
April 22, 2021
Fourteen hikes trekked 4.5 miles viewing two beautiful waterfalls under glorious blue skies.
Seventeen hikers went 6 miles through beautiful mountain laurels and along the Chatooga River. Viewed the lovely Licklog and Pegpen falls.
April 15, 2021
Eight hikers did a little over four miles under sunny skies. Delighful views from the Osage overlook
April 13, 2021
Eight hikers started out doing the very challenging Hospital Rock trail. Two needed to return early with a very tired pup in tow. Those that completed the whole hike were rewarded with beautiful views.
Fifteen hikers hiked a little more than six miles through the beautiful Panthertown forest. We got lost only once and took a downhill shortcut back to the cars. A great day overall!
APRIL 6, 2021
March 23, 2021
Thirteen hikers enjoyed 6 miles of beautiful trails and captivating waterfalls. Natures splendor at its best.
14 hikers trekked up Nine Times Preserve and finished off a lovely day with a lunch spot at Long Shoals Roadside park. Nature at its best while we watched tadpoles observing from egg sacs,
February 16, 2021
Eighteen hikers trekked 8.5 miles through Long Mountain Valley on our way to Dodge Mountain.
February 9, 2021
Twelve hikers enjoyed 6.5 miles on the FT to Fish Hatchery Road
