Twin Falls

Date: Tuesday, December 28, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Twin Falls
Distance: 0.5 miles
Time: about 1 hour

Rating: &&&& (out of 5)

Although it is a short trail (just a quarter-mile each way), this hike gets a 4-out-of-5 rating by virtue of the spectacular waterfall at the end of the trail. The waterfall goes by several names, but most guide books I've seen call it Twin Falls. As you can see in the photo, there is a tall plunge on the left (60-70 feet) and a cacade / slide on the right. There was also a smaller falls on the far right due to recent heavy rainfall. The photo was taken from a nice viewing platform (no doubt constructed to save photo-seekers from having to scramble over slippery rocks to get a good shot).

We went with the whole family, including the cousins from Texas! The trail is wide with only a slight incline to start, perfect for our young walkers. It follows the Reedy Cove Creek, with a couple of spots where we could climb onto boulders and view the water (or throw sticks into it!). Near the end, however, after passing a neat waterwheel, the path narrows and gets much steeper, so you have to hold onto the kids and dogs to keep them from going over the cliff.

Everyone really enjoyed the hike! It was just the right length, and the kids loved the waterfall. The biggest adventure is probably getting here, though. We drove to Pickens and went up US-178. After crossing over Hwy 11, we turned left at Bob's Place onto Cleo Chapman Hwy, which soon dumps you into the Eastatoe Valley (beautiful!). At the T-intersection, we turned right, then in less than a mile we turned right again onto Water Falls Road. This is gravel, but it is hard-packed, and in only 0.4 miles we reached the obvious parking area. There were 2 other groups there already. It was a cold morning, but we were all bundled up and had a great time!

Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Date: Sunday, December 20, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Natural Bridge, Raven Rock
Distance: 4.0 miles
Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

Having just returned from a week-long business trip to California, and having just started my two-week Christmas vacation, I was ready to get out for a hike. The weather was nice, meaning it wasn't raining. Actually it was a bright sunny day, just with temperatures in the upper 40's. I left the house about 1:00 and took the 30-minute drive up to K-T State Park. It's close by, and free, and full of interesting natural features. For example: the natural bridge rock formation, Poe Creek with several small waterfalls, exposed rock cliffs and outcroppings, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Keowee. For a 4-mile hike, that's quite a lot to see!

I got on the trail about 1:45. Mine was the only car in the lot. In fact, I only saw two other people (and their dog) the entire time. The trail system here is basically a figure 8, with the Natural Bridge trail comprising the lower loop closest to the parking lot, and the Raven Rock trail being the upper loop. The maps and posted signs direct you to take both the lower and upper loops in counter clock-wise directions. Unfortunately, this means you have to take the steepest part of the Natural Bridge trail going uphill and you completely miss the middle part of the "8" which contains a nice view of a small waterfall. I have found, by trial and error, that it is better to take the lower loop in the clockwise direction!

The real treat today, besides the clear weather, was the amount of water flowing in the creek. There had been a lot of rainfall in the area a couple of days earlier, and the creek (which feeds into Lake Keowee) was full of whitewater! It was very loud, and I could hear it a long time before I could see it.

The Raven Rock trail is rated "strenuous" in every guidebook I've seen, and it is a fairly well-deserved rating. Leaving the Natural Bridge trail, you are basically climbing steps for 10-15 minutes. As soon as you reach the top of the climb, it starts descending again, almost as steeply. And that is followed by another steep climb. At the top of this hill, the trail more-or-less flattens out for another 10-15 minutes, and this time of year there are pretty good views of the mountains and the area all around, with the leaves being off the trees.

After the trail bends sharply to the left, there is a junction (easy to miss). If you take the path to the right/straight it will take you on a short and extremely steep descent/ascent to some campsites at the Lake Keowee shore. Honestly, I don't think it is worth it. Instead, I took the left fork, which descends (less steeply) and completes the Raven Rock loop.

The final portion of the Raven Rock trail is one of my favorite areas of the whole park, as the trail closely follows Poe Creek back to the Natural Bridge trail. In the summer it stays nice and cool down here in the "canyon".

I finished the hike in a little under 2 hours. I really had a great time!

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Nature
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 35 minutes

Rating: && (out of 5)

Kerri took James to a birthday party, so I took Andy to the Botanical Gardens. When he woke up from his nap, we grabbed the backpack and headed out. It was about 4:00pm when we got there. The skies were getting dark, so I was a little worried about rain, but we were never going to be too far from the car at any point, if it started raining. This time I parked on the end closest to the fish pond / caboose / picnic tables. If you kind of zig-zag downhill from here, there is a hard-to-see path starting from one of the picnic tables. It goes downhill to the left of the amphitheater, and comes to a set of stairs, then crosses over a bridge. From here, we took the "main" nature trail in a clockwise direction, and headed out on the wide path toward the rear parking lot. From there, we turned around and completed the loop of the "main" nature trail. Andy had a great time, yet again, and we returned to the car around 4:35pm. It was a little warm, despite the overcast skies.

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Nature
Distance: about 1 mile
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Rating: && (out of 5)

While Kerri went running, I took the kids hiking at the SC Botanical Gardens. Andy gets so excited to ride in the backpack. James seems to like walking on his own, but he doesn't stay "focused." He has to find a hiking stick, then check out a cool plant over there, then try to pick a flower for mommy ("no James don't do that"), then look for mushrooms, then go over to a small stump and act like he's playing a recorder (yes that really happened). But he also loves to cross the bridges, and look for waterfalls, and go see the "house" / "pyramid"...things that are actually on the trail. So, we were a little slow today, and about halfway through the hike, we stopped for a much-needed snack break. Andy was a little upset that I was taking him out of the backpack, even though it was to give him FOOD!

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Nature
Distance: about 1 mile
Time: 45 minutes

Rating: && (out of 5)

It was a rainy Saturday morning, but I wanted to get the boys out of the house for a little while. So I grabbed the backpack and took the kids to the SC Botanical Gardens for a quick hike. My "plan" was to let Andy ride in the backpack, and convince James that he wanted to walk. That actually worked pretty well, once we got past the initial whining. We looked for hiking sticks, then mushrooms...James just needs to have a job. There are so many little waterfalls and bridges on these trails, it makes for a good hike with small kids.

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Nature
Distance: about 1 mile
Time: 30 minutes

Rating: && (out of 5)

On this Sunday afternoon, Kerri took James to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Clemson Little Theater. When Andy woke up from his nap, I took him to the grocery store, and then to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens to attempt a hike. I say attempt, because 1) it was raining outside, and 2) I still wasn't sure how Andy would handle riding in the backpack, even though he did pretty well the last time.

We lucked out, because the rain stopped. There were only a couple of people on the trails. And it turns out Andy really likes riding in our Kelty backpack. As we passed by the wet branches, the water sometimes showered down on us...Andy thought this was great! The whole time, he was "talking" and giggling.

I can't really say what trail or series of paths we took. If you've ever been to the SCBG you'll probably understand why. They have a pretty large series of pathways and nothing is really marked. Lots of times, you're not even totally sure you're on an official trail. But I can say, we parked in the main lot near Perimeter Road, right next to the main steps where the bell is located. Then we went downhill to the left of the amphitheater, and crossed over a bridge. From there, we more-or-less made a short loop, and back up the hill to the car. Lots of fun!

Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Natural Bridge
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 45 minutes

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

Really, for the last couple of weeks we've had great weather - sunny, cool (relatively), and dry. Today was no different. James had a birthday party to attend, so Andy and I took the backpack and went for a hike. Alas, I forgot the camera, so no pictures. But Andy had such a great time! He "talked" the whole time, which sounded mostly like "uh-oh...uh-oh...uh-oh." We met some really nice people along the way. We took the Natural Bridge loop trail in a clockwise direction, which meant we took the steepest part going downhill, and soon reached the Poe Creek. Andy was just watching the water and pointing, and he seemed very excited about the small waterfalls. Andy didn't care, but I noticed a lot of spider webs (being tall and early, I got to knock them all down) and crazy-looking mushrooms. After crossing Poe Creek, we climbed the "stairs" and crossed the natural bridge after which this trail is named. On the way back up to the parking lot, we saw several other hikers...Andy blew them all kisses, his new thing. I was sweating pretty good when we got back to the car, but at least Andy is a lot lighter than James! A great time!

Mountain View Park

Date: Monday, September 7, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Walking
Distance: 1 mile
Time: 25 minutes

Rating: && (out of 5)

It was Labor Day, and we had some very nice weather in Clemson. In the afternoon, after naptime, we took the short drive to Mountain View Park with the kids. They both do very well in the backpacks. A very nice 1-mile hike!

Pigpen Falls

Date: Saturday, July 26, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Foothills
Distance: 1.4 miles
Time: about 1 hour, 45 minutes

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

I read an article about this waterfall, and a friend told me he had been there and that it was a great place to take small kids. The waterfall is on Licklog Creek, very close to the Chatooga river. There is a big shallow wading pool at the base of the falls, with a sandy bottom and an open area for camping / picnicking.

Getting here is half the adventure. It is a little remote, and involves driving about 2 miles on a bumpy gravel road. There were a couple of stream crossings as well. I felt like we were in a Land Rover commerical. Various guidebooks tell you to park at the marked parking area on the right from NIcholson Ford Road. But you can get closer to the trailhead by driving to the end and parking...there is a kiosk where the trail starts.

After parking, it is just 0.7 miles to the falls, on a slight downhill. You pass through a couple of camping areas, and go over a couple of footbridges. Then you'll hear rushing water on your left, at the junction for the Chatooga Trail. Go left, and the falls are just before the footbridge over Licklog Creek.

We had a great time here, and a great picnic afterward!

Table Rock State Park

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Table Rock, Ridge, Pinnacle Mountain, Carrick Creek
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 6 hours, 45 minutes

Rating: &&&& (out of 5)

One of my Father's Day presents this year was an "all-day" hike, while Kerri watched the kids. Maybe I took it too literally....

I have a South Carolina trail guide that suggests a great way to see all that Table Rock State Park has to offer. I'd say this is my all-time favorite place to hike, so I thought I'd give it a try. It involves making a 10-mile loop, taking you to Governor's Rock, Table Rock / Stool Mountain, Pinnacle Mountain, Bald Knob, Mill Creek Falls, and lots of cool stuff in between. The guide book rates this as "Highly Strenuous"...yeah, I'd say that's about right!

The high temperature for the day was about 98 degrees, but it was cloudy in the morning with a nice breeze along the Ridge. I carried a gallon of ice water with me and I drank nearly all of it. The toughest parts of the hike are the initial ascent from from the Nature Center to Panther Pass on the Table Rock Trail, and then the ascent to Pinnacle Mountain. Everything else is either "managable" or just plain downhill.

So I got to the park at about 8am and started on the Table Rock trail. In about an hour I was at the CCC shelter and 10 minutes after that I was finally on the ridge at Panther Pass. Here you can either turn right to go to Table Rock, which I did, or you can turn left to go to Pinnacle Mountain. Maybe an hour later I was at the overlook on the East Face of Table Rock. But before that is Governor's Rock (see photo) which I think is an even better view.

Heading back down to Panther Pass, I continued on the Ridge Trail. This one isn't used very much, but I did see one guy trail running (hard core). After some steep ups & downs, you reach the well-marked turn-off for Mill Creek Pass. Then comes the "butt-kicking" climb up to Pinnacle Mountain. Despite what you would assume, there is no view here; it is completely wooded. But just a little while after you start heading downhill, there are some GREAT views from Bald Knob, a large exposed rock face, and that is where I ate lunch. Seriously, there are some spots where the trail is only a few yards from the edge of the cliff.

Leaving Bald Knob, this is one of the coolest (not literally) sections of trail in the park. It winds downhill, and the path is very narrow. There is a stream (Mill Creek) that can be heard, and soon you are right beside it. After crossing the Creek, follow the signs for the Pinnacle Mountain trail. There is a turnoff on the right for the Mill Creek Falls Spur trail, but I totally missed it I was so tired. I wouldn't have taken it anyway. Beyond this, there are some large rock overhangs and small "waterfalls" (really just water seeping out of the rocks). The trail winds along the mountainside, gently descending for 2 or 3 miles, before reaching the Carrick Creek trail. Lots and lots of kids here playing in the creek, on such a hot day. It is just about 20 minutes from here back to the parking lot.

A great hike overall, just a little hot. Spring or Fall would be a better time to do this. Worth it though. I couldn't believe how many small scrapes and cuts I got, from all the rocks and briars along the way!

Keowee Toxaway State Park

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Natural Bridge
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

We had some great weather today...sunny and temperatures in the upper 60's and 70's in the morning. Keowee Toxaway is only 30 minutes from our house. We got an early start and took the whole family; got started on the trail about 9:45.

We decided to do the Natural Bridge loop, which is about 1.5 miles long. The Raven Rock Trail is just too strenuous and too long for the kiddos at this age. But soon...! I've learned from past experience that it is better to take this loop in the clockwise direction. It is very steep going down, but going up it with backpacks would be a killer. So the trail goes downhill through thick forest, before nearing Poe Creek. There are several small waterfalls on the creek. The trail parallels the creek for awhile before coming to a rock crossing and a bench on the opposite side.

From there, we took the Raven Rock trail about a quarter mile along Poe Creek on the opposite bank. At the point where the trail started going uphill, we turned around. Back at the bench, we continued up the steps on the Natural Bridge Trail past a decent-sized waterfall. Where the steps end, there is the second turnoff for the Raven Rock Trail, and almost directly across from it is a side path (unofficial). It leads to a large exposed rock face, that slopes down to a nice waterfall and a shallow pool. This was a perfect place to stop and get the kids out of the backpacks, and we came prepared with a towel and dry clothes. The water was COLD though!

Continuing on the main trail, we soon came to the "rock bridge"...James seemed mildly interested. Not much to see past this point; the trail climbs steadily uphill most of the way back to the parking lot, with Highway 11 visible through the trees on the left. Reaching the car, we drove across the highway to the other "half" of the park and had a picnic there. Another great trip!

Devils Fork State Park

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Bear Cove
Distance: 2 miles
Time: about 1 hour, 30 minutes

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

The family was up early on Saturday morning; we decided to go for a hike. The skies were overcast, but again the weather forecast was calling for rain only in the afternoon. We had never been to Devils Fork State Park, but it is only ~40 minutes away from our house, and I knew it had a 2 mile loop trail that seemed like it would be good for kids. With the kids in the backpacks, we started on the Bear Cove trail around 10am.

It's a very nice trail. It starts out going downhill before crossing a park road and heading uphill. Somewhere around a firebreak there was the split in the "loop" portion of the trail. There are lots of white trail markers; it would be hard to get lost. We took the loop clockwise. Here there were some small bridges to cross, a rather dense forest of blooming mountain laurel, and Lake Jocassee soon comes into view. At the end of the peninsula where the trail curves sharply around to the right, there is a wide rock landing, and a small sand beach (see photo). This was a big hit with the kids. Next time we'll come better prepared with swim suits and towels, though!

Finishing out the loop, we passed a sign explaining the history of this man-made lake, and a small bench. We got back to the parking lot around noon and had a picnic lunch. There is also a 1-mile loop nature trail on the other side of the park, but it started to rain and we didn't have time to do that one.

Oconee Station Historic Site

Date: Sunday, May 10, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Oconee Station, Station Cove Falls
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

For the second weekend in a row we took the whole family for a hike, along with some friends. The forecast was calling for rain, but we got lucky and it turned out to be a beautiful day, with temperatures in the 70's. So we headed for Oconee Station. We parked at the Historic Site / picnic area (there is no fee any more), and got started on the Oconee Station trail. We stayed to the left going ar0und the pond, and crossed the road to start the Station Cove Falls trail. There is a small dirt parking lot here, but I think the hike winds up being too short from here. In another half mile or so, we reached the falls, and the kids were VERY excited. After a short break we went back the way we came. We stayed right around the pond, since I was afraid the far side would be too overgrown from infrequent use. But either way it is about the same distance. We had a picnic lunch at the parking area, and then walked over to see the two historic buildings. A great hike!

Table Rock State Park

Date: Sunday, May 3, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Carrick Creek
Distance: 2 miles
Time: about 1 hour

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

The whole family went hiking on Sunday morning along with some friends. Since there were 4 adults, 3 kids and a dog, I didn't want to do a trail that was too long. The Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock is a pretty good hike with kids, because it is a fairly short loop, with small waterfalls, stream crossings, bridges, etc. And the second half is a (mostly) gently-sloping downhill if you take the trail in a clockwise direction. It had rained, and even rained a little while we were hiking, so the path was muddy, but not too bad. The kids had a good time looking for "trail markers" on the trees, and everyone enjoyed the picnic afterward!

Mountain View Park

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Walking
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 50 minutes

Rating: & (out of 5)

Another "happy hour" hike! In Clemson there is a neighborhood park with a boat landing and a 1-mile nature trail. The only reason I can think of that this is called "Mountain View" Park is that it is at the end of Mountain View Lane. I still haven't seen the mountain, even in the winter with all the leaves off the trees. Anyway, the park is only 5 minutes from our house, and practically on my way home from work. It is a pretty nice loop trail, with views of Lake Hartwell almost the entire way. It just isn't very long, so I made 3 laps. The path is fairly flat (more than walking in our neighborhood)...I think it would be a good place to do trail running.

Yellow Branch Falls

Date: Friday, April 24, 2009
Location / Map

Trails: Nature, Falls
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Rating: &&& (out of 5)

I left work a little early and headed up Highway 28 to the Yellow Branch Picnic Area. From the parking lot, I took the Nature trail and turned right onto the Falls trail. Crossed 3 bridges and arrived at the waterfall in about half an hour. Very nice today; much more water than in recent visits. After a brief rest, returned to the Nature trail and turned right to finish out the loop. A little warm, but a great hike overall!