Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, September 28, 2009

Shunkawauken Falls, Columbus, NC


On May 20, 2008, we sadly left Ocean Isle Beach --heading for home!!!! BUT--like we usually do when we travel, we stop to check out some new waterfalls. This time, we drove to Columbus, NC (near Saluda) to check out a new one. George had done some research about this waterfall---and he took us directly to it.

However, all of us (including Mrs. P--our Prius) had no idea that we would be driving up a STEEP mountain!!!! We went up-up-up!!!! Finally, we got there ---but MAN, was the drive worth it!!!! WOW!!!!
This waterfall on White Oak Mountain, Shunkawauken Falls, (say that three times fast) , falls more than 1000 feet to the valley below. We could only see the top part (which is 150 feet in itself). What a beautiful waterfall. It was known as Horse Creek Falls until 1891, when its name changed to honor an Indian Chief.

The view from the waterfall was amazing ---since the elevation was 2560 feet. We took pictures of both the waterfall and the view. We also tried to get some pictures of the bottom part of the waterfall as it flowed down the mountain. George even did some bushwhacking to get some pictures--but it was hard due to the heavy vegetation. We need to return to this area in the winter!!!! (I read where this waterfall can be seen during winter from the little town below -Columbus. That would be neat!) Here are some pictures of
SHUNKAWAUKEN FALLS and the view.






Isn't this view incredible???? Now--you can tell how far UP we drove!!!! But--the road was paved and other than steep, we recommend it.







This picture was taken from the road---looking toward the bottom part of the falls, as the waterfall travels WAY on down the mountain. This area below is on private property.



George did bushwhack down into the woods trying to get a close-up of the lower waterfall --as it traveled on down the mountain. However the vegetation was just too thick. We could hear the water--but just couldn't see it.



This is what the bottom part of the waterfall looks like in the winter (with no leaves on the trees). Obviously, we didn't take this picture (came from the internet)--but we hope to go back there someday in winter to see the bottom part ourselves.



Here's one more view of the top part of Shunkawauken Falls. This part is glorious enough -since it is HUGE to me, being 150 feet high. WOW!!!!

Hope you get to visit this waterfall someday. There's NO hiking involved ---and the trip up the mountain is worth it --just to see the waterfall and the view. And it's convenient---being right off of Interstate 26 as it goes over the Saluda Mountain area.

Hugs,

43 comments:

Jayne said...

Just beautiful Betsy. It's so much fun to read your excitement jumping from the page when you all find a new and spectacular fall!

Dorothy said...

Good Morning Betsy! Enjoyed your pictures and info about the falls. I still have hopes of getting up that way this fall. Beautiful!

JLS Hall (Joysweb) said...

Yes, that's quite a name, but such a beautiful waterfall! And my favorite kind - you don't have to hike to see it! Those are just wonderful photos.

Beth said...

What a lovely waterfall, Betsy! I'll have to check this one out someday since we're not too terribly far from it. It would be especially amazing to see it right now, after all the rain we've had.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Guess this is the dry season..and less water..Still it seems to be a great place to see!

diane b said...

Wow you find some fabulous waterfalls and views. Thanks for taking me along. There is no other way I could see these great sites.

Jeanne Estridge said...

Visiting via Ocean Girl's place....

I love the pictures. I have a sister who lives in North Georgia, near the SC border, and we've been talking about planning a road trip. I'm going to send her your link -- I think your waterfall just made our itinerary.

Arkansas Patti said...

Some people hate the bareness of winter but it really lets us see things we normally can't due to all the vegetation.
Bare can be good. Loved the grand vista.
Like how you don't waste your travels home.

Judy said...

I love the name of the falls and the photos are great. I like the one with you in it. That second one looks like Blue Ridge Blue Collar Girl's view from her home. She was probably up there somewhere watching you take those pictures. lol.

Salitype said...

ahhh! waterfalls always has that effect on me,serenity!

it is at the end of a long drive and steep walk worth all the while in the world!!

eng

Lisa said...

Only a loving couple like you & George can have this much passion to go after waterfalls, Betsy.

It is so wonderful to read your adventure and you two look so cute tracking jungles and bushy paths.

Susie said...

I'd say it was worth the view too Betsy! It is beautiful as well as the falls.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

You found another spectacular falls.The road sounds a little scary,but ,like you said the view is worth it.Thanks for sharing tis adventure.
Blessings,Ruth

T said...

BEAUTIFUL!!

By far my favorite one!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: That is beautiful country and I don't if I can say the name.

I Am Woody said...

Wow - what a beautiful place!!

Busy Bee Suz said...

So happy Mrs. P made the trip.
Looks lovely Betsy.
Suz

Roses and Lilacs said...

Love that photo straight up the waterfall. The scenic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys is breathtaking.
Marnie

Diane AZ said...

Amazing how huge that waterfall is. The pictures are beautiful. I love the one with the view framed by trees. Looks like a great place to visit!

Mary said...

Very beautiful area. With fall coming on, I bet this whole area is really beautiful.

storyteller said...

You two have the BEST outdoor adventures. I'm glad you share them with us as you've done here and in your previous post too. Love the lighthouses almost as much as the waterfalls and George in the 'stocks' was entertaining too. Hope you two have a wonderful week!
Hugs and blessings,

Snap said...

Beautiful, Betsy. Have you ever counted up *your* waterfalls? !!!!! Lovely, lovely!

Deborah Godin said...

More lovely falling water. And, I DID say "shunkawauken" three times fast, and then spontaneously broke out singing "Hooked On A Feeling"!!! :-)

Tes said...

Oh wow, beautiful photos of the falls and you sure had a wonderful time visiting it. Refreshing..I can almost hear the sound of the trickling water and the flowing stream... You guys both look so cute in that bright yellow shirt! :)

Connie said...

You find the best places to visit!

Janice K said...

Boy, that waterfall just seemed to keep on going and going and going.....A real challenge to see the beginning and the end.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Betsy what breath taking pictures. The views and the waterfalls are stunning!

There's so much to see in our own backyard.

EG CameraGirl said...

Have you ever thought of doing a book about waterfalls? I feel like we are right there with you. ;-)

Janie said...

Beautiful waterfall, and a great view from the heights after your long steep drive.

Small City Scenes said...

I think I sprained my tongue trying to say that name 3 times fast. You stinker!!! haha!
Beautiful waterfall. Neat pictures. MB

Kay said...

You find the greatest treasures. I love to hike and I hike around where I live, but there is nothing this beautiful here.

Kay

Becky said...

Bet the waterfalls are really "falling" after all of this rain we are having!

Cheryl said...

How fun to look forward to a winter visit at this waterfall. Truly beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Great collection of waterfall pics Betsy. I was watching Tom Brokaw on a program about Yellowstone last night. A small group of hikers have discovered over 250 NEW waterfalls in Yellowstone simply as a hobby, sounds like something you and George would like to do!

penny said...

I don't think anyone has been to as many waterfalls as you and George have.
Have you ever counted them, Betsy? You could be in the Guinness book of World Records...:D

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy,

Wonderful photos. That certainly is an incredible view. Hope you are well.

Marci

Stephanie said...

Your pictures are breath taking!

Unknown said...

Fantastic pictures. What a fun trip. It's so nice to be able to travel with you and George.

betty-NZ said...

Those photos are wonderful! Thanks for letting us tag along with you!

Jackie said...

You know, I can't wait to retire! lol. when I do, I think I'm going to go look for some waterfalls!

Betsy, thank you so much for all the kind words you've left for me this past year, they've meant so much. I'm really glad I stumbled on your blog once upon a time.

Jackie

Cookie said...

Now that's my favorite kind of waterfall! The kind you can just drive right up too! Beautiful pics as always ;)

Rose said...

Beautiful! Both the falls and that view! Breathtaking.

Connie said...

Oh wow! Love that view. The falls are so amazing!