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,
Raven Rock and Natural Bridge
Author Archives: Karen Balcerzak
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.
Hidden Falls and Long Mountain via Oconee State Park
Ten hikers trekked 6.5 miles under sunny skies. Climbed up the Fire tower and had lunch by Hidden Falls.
Middle Prong Trail in Smokey Mtn Natl Park Cades Cove
Abrams Falls, Spruce Falls, Laurel Falls in Smokey Mtn Natl Park Cades Cove
Chimney Top Trail – Smokey Mtn Natl Park, Cades Cove
Sept. 12, 2022
Seventeen hikers enjoyed beautiful scenery through the Smokey Mtns. Gorgeous water features and views provided us an awesome day.
Horsepasture River in Gorges State Park
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).
BRR Summer Picnic
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.
Nancy Carkuff’s Farewell
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.
Burrells Ford to Spoonauger Falls and King Creek Falls
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.
Whitewater to Bad Creek
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.
Wattacoo
6 hikers enjoyed a beautiful day walking under sunny skies in the Ashmore Heritage Fork of Wattacoo Creek via the old oil camp trail.
Lee Falls
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.
Cane Creek and Twin Falls
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.
Coldspring, Jones Gap & Tom Miller Trails in JGSP
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.
Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park
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.
Sassafras Mountin
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.
Table Rock
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!
Round Mountain
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.
Jones Gap
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.
Big Bend North
Fourteen hikers trekked 8 miles along the scenic Chattooga River. We added on the beautiful King Creek Falls. A great day for sure.
Opposum Falls
Medlin Mountain
Fourteen hikers hiked 9 plus miles at Medlin Mountain for the first hike of the year.
Martin Creek
Six hikers braved cloudy skies and some drizzle, but were rewarded with 2 beautiful waterfalls in the Warwoman Dell.
Narrows South on the Upper Chattooga
Eight hikers trekked 6 miles up and down the terrain along the beautiful Chattooga River.
Hickorynut Gap
Twelve hikers enjoyed a sunny day hiking 6 miles through an upland forest from the summit of Sassafras Mountain.
Oconee Connector to Oconee State Park
8 Hikers enjoyed 6.5 miles under sunny skies on a picturesque fall day.
Three Forks on the Upper Chattooga
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.
Hidden Falls and Long Mountain
October 27, 2021
Fourteen hikers trekked 6.5 miles under sunny skies. We were reward with a beautiful view of Hidden Falls.
Raven Rock and Natural Bridge Trail in Keowee Toxaway State Park
Twelve hikers trekked five miles through Keowee Toxaway State Park.
LickLog and PigPen Falls from Cherry Hill Campground
11 hikers trekked 6 miles under beautiful sunny skies overlooking the chattooga river. Liglog and PigPen Falls were rushing with copious amounts of water.
Yellow Branch
September 9, 2021
Nine hikers enjoyed the rolling hills of Yellow Branch trail hiking four miles. a good time was had by all.
Lower Whitewater Falls
Nine hikers started the hiking year off right with trekking 5 miles from the bad creek project to Lower Whitewater falls. Perfect day indeed!
LickLog South
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.
Jocassee Boat Trip to Hilliard Falls
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.
Whiteside Mountain and Devil’s Courthouse
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!
Lake Russell
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.
Blueridge RR
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.
Burrell’s Ford
April 22, 2021
Fourteen hikes trekked 4.5 miles viewing two beautiful waterfalls under glorious blue skies.
Licklog East
Seventeen hikers went 6 miles through beautiful mountain laurels and along the Chatooga River. Viewed the lovely Licklog and Pegpen falls.
Scaly Mountain
April 15, 2021
Eight hikers did a little over four miles under sunny skies. Delighful views from the Osage overlook
Falls Creek Falls and Hospital Rock in Jones Gap State Park
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.
Panthertown South
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
Cold Spring, Jones Gap and Tom Miller
March 23, 2021
Thirteen hikers enjoyed 6 miles of beautiful trails and captivating waterfalls. Natures splendor at its best.
Nine Times/Long Shoals Park
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,
Dodge Mountain
February 16, 2021
Eighteen hikers trekked 8.5 miles through Long Mountain Valley on our way to Dodge Mountain.
Sloan Hatchery
February 9, 2021
Twelve hikers enjoyed 6.5 miles on the FT to Fish Hatchery Road
Three Forks
February 4, 2021
Fourteen hikers had a lovely day hiking 7.5 miles under sunny skies.
Panthertown East
February 2, 2021
10 hikers braved the cold weather and hiked 8 miles in Panthertown forest.
Big Bend East
Four Falls Triple, High, Bridal Veil and Hooker Falls in Dupont State Park
January 26, 2021
Twenty hikers hiked 7.5 miles enjoying four splendid waterfalls in Dupont State Park
Todd Creek
January 21, 2021
Nine hikers had a pleasant hike in the Experimental Forest in Clemson
Horsepasture River
January 19, 2021
Seventeen hikers trekked along the beautiful hosepasture river and enjoyed 3 wonderful waterfalls.
Twin Falls
January 14, 2021
13 hikers had multiple views of amazing whitewater twin falls.
Hawkins- Laurel
1/5/20
16 Hikers hiked 8.5 miles under sunny skies. 2 beautiful waterfalls and 7 creek crossings made for a delightful day.
Lower Whitewater
Fifteen hikers hiked 6 miles on a glorious day. Whitewater Falls never disappoints.
Licklog and Pigpen Falls
Ten hikers hiked 8.5 miles under sunny skies at licklog and pigpen falls.
Jones Gap
Tamassee Knob
Eighteen hikers enjoyed beautiful vistas at Oconee State Park.