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:

  1. 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!

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

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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.

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

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

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  7. 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.

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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

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  11. 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.

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

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  13. 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

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  14. BEAUTIFUL!!

    By far my favorite one!

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

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

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

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  18. 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!

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

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  20. 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,

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

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

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  23. 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! :)

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  24. You find the best places to visit!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Kay

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

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

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  33. 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!

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  34. 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

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  35. Hi Betsy,

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

    Marci

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

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

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  38. 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

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

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  40. Beautiful! Both the falls and that view! Breathtaking.

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

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