January 23, 2025
Author Archives: Karen Balcerzak
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….
Chimney Top from Laurel Valley Access
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.
Whiteside Mountain and Devils Courthouse
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.
Table Rock in Table Rock State Park
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.
Winding Stairs with Miuka and Secret Falls
Eight hikers trekked 7 miles starting at the Winding Stairs road up to the Cherry Hill Recreation area.
Round Mountain
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.
Ellicott Rock via Fowler/Bad Creek
Eleven hikers did a little of five miles through rolling hills and multiple stream crossings. A beautiful sunny day!
Tamassee Knob
Thirteen hikers hiked 4 miles to a beautiful vista in Oconee State Park.
Opossum Creek and Falls
November 8, 2022
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!!
Sassafras Mountain from Chimney Gap
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
Raven Cliff Falls
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 from Bad Creek
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.
Three Forks on the Upper Chattooga
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.
Raven Rock and Natural Bridge
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,
LickLog and PigPen Falls from Cherry Hill
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!!
Moonshine and Confusion Falls
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.