We picked a PERFECT day to hike in South Carolina on November 9, 2006. There were still alot of Fall Colors (as you can see) in that area. We hiked about four miles to see this waterfall--and other than it being a little too warm for me (ha), we had a marvelous day.
Some of you may have heard of (Upper) Whitewater Falls in NORTH Carolina which cascades down the mountain in two drops for a total of 411 feet. (We've been there also. It is more popular of the two since it is easier to get to.) On this trip though, we visited Lower Whitewater Falls over the border in SOUTH Carolina. Lower Falls is NOT very close to the upper falls, but is on the same river. Lower Whitewater was hard to get to until 1991 when several private and public groups, including Duke Power in South Carolina, collaborated to build an overlook, which made the trek--and the view---even better.
We first drove to a place where we could see Lower Whitewater at a distance as it poured down the canyon into Lake Jocassee. It plummets more than 700 feet in just over .5 of a mile. After seeing it from a distance, we drove to the trailhead and took a wonderful hike. I hope you enjoy our pictures since we were there when the colors were fabulous!!!
Above is a picture of Lower Whitewater Falls taken from the overlook during our hike. This waterfall drops 200 feet --and then heads on down the mountain. Below are more great pictures!
From the parking area, BEFORE the hike, we could see Lower Whitewater Falls in the distance. See it near the top in the middle.
This was the view of Lower Whitewater Falls as we zoomed in. Can you believe that we hiked WAY back up into that beautiful gorge?????
This is Lake Jocassee. The Whitewater River flows down the mountain into this lake.
George stands at the parking area --where we enjoyed seeing the waterfall, lake and mountains around us.
Here's one more view of Lower Whitewater ---BEFORE we started our hike. Aren't the colors fabulous????
As we drove from the parking area to the trailhead, we followed Lake Jocassee along the road--and just HAD to get more pictures.
We had a gorgeous day and the Fall colors were tremendous.
Here we are on the trail.. Doesn't it look like a nice day (although warm for November) for hiking?????
We got the tripod out so that we could get a picture of the two of us at the overlook at Lower Whitewater Falls. We made the 2 miles here---and now it's 2 miles back. (But--it's nothing compared to hiking UP to Rainbow Falls. ha!)
More color along our path; I LOVE red trees---so just had to get this one!!!
Here's one last picture of Lower Whitewater Falls. They say that Fall is the best time to view this waterfall---and we certainly visited it at the perfect time, don't you think?
If you are ever in Oconee County in South Carolina, take time to visit this waterfall.
Hugs,
53 comments:
ah! the colors of nature at its best, autumn!
beautiful, simply beautiful!
Those colors are so brilliant! I love to see what I call "God's paintings."
Yes, we do go visit our home each day to check on the progress. We've met three neighbors so far!
Betsy, you and George find the most beautiful places! What amazes me is that you seem to have the place to yourselves! I would have thought that such a gorgeous spot on such a gorgeous day would be crowded. It looks like my kind of place. Your pictures are lovely, as always.
Awesome Autumn Colors!! I really do hope someday to be able to travel around the USA and see all the Beautiful views! One of my dream vacations is to Alaska. I was hoping to get there before I turn 50 but that's not going to happen. it will be within the next 2 years so that's not too bad. Blessings to you and yours. Love and Light, Nina P
Yes, you definitely picked a perfect day for your visit. Those colors are amazing! I've driven through South Carolina, but never spent any time there. But it looks like such a beautiful place!
I like those red leaves in the Autumn..We do not get that here in SL.
Now that's the most amazing fall colors I have seen in a long time!
This is just beautiful. I love all the reds and oranges!!
Ooooooo.... those photos are making me excited about the colors to come in the next few weeks! Beautiful Betsy!
Brilliant fall colors always give me the impression that I am in a painting, they can't be real.
Hoping for better things this year, last year we just went from brown to bare.
That lakes looks like it would be fun kayaking.
Just love that you and George do so much hiking. You have such a healthy passion.
Hey Betsy, your pictures depict the perfect fall scenery. This is what always pops into my head when I think about fall.
Those falls are beautiful. I bet they were pretty loud, huh?
The fall colors are gorgeous. I can't wait to see these colors around Knoxville this fall.
The colors are absolutely stunning.
Great pictures.
Wow! Beautiful photos. I love the colors of autumn. How are you doing?
We've never been down to see this waterfall, but we will definitely go sometime this winter. Great photographs.
that is so beautiful!! I hope we get some of those fall colors here
Beautiful photos. we don't get those beautiful leaves here. In fact everything is still green, not one tree has turned so far. :(
What beautiful fall colors you captured here. I don't know where to look first...waterfall...leaves...such confusion for me...
This looks like the perfect trip to take in the fall! Especially seeing the waterfall against those colorful leaves - wow!
Betsy - you and I should have a friendly bet on when you will receive your 1st snowflake and when I'll receive mine! :-)
Shelley
What a spectacular waterfall. You visited it at a beautiful time of year with all the scarlet foliage.
Marnie
STUNNING SHOTS BETSY!! :)
The falls are beautiful,but the color around is spectacular.I'm thinking that if I were there I would fill the memory card very quickly.Thanks for the beauty.
Blessings,Ruth
My goodness, that was quite the trip & the trees have turned there a lot more than around here, but we'll catch up sooner or later! hehehe
Love those Autumn colors
The amazing colors are bedazzling!!! Your photos are excellent and yet I feel that the views would be even more spectacular! You just have to be there, right? I love the virtual tour though and thank God that you share all your pics!
Hugs,
Karin
Wonderful pictures! We went to the Upper Whitewater Falls in 2007 and the color was perfect in late Oct. and early Nov. I didn't realize that there was a Lower Falls, too!
Wow! the foliage is amazing! What a beautiful country we live in.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and all your nice comments, I appreciate them very much.
Sunny :)
I am so delighted to see these absolutely beautiful views. What a lovely waterfall. I agree, fall is one of the best times to hike with the changing leaves (and cooler temps) and the crisp air. I enjoyed "hiking" along with you both today.
...you've been to so may beautiful falls--you should put a guide together on fall vacation planning to catch the color and falls. It would be really useful to people looking for weekend getaways! This place is gorgeous!!
What a wonderful scenes. Love the colors. I haven seen autumn in actual. Thanks for sharing.
Regina
hi..the views are fantastic..hope i could see them one day..
Those colors are just stunnin g.
Beautiful Fall colors, it may be later this year the way the heat is staying down south.
Oh this brings back memories from the Shenandoah!
Oh, my Betsey! What gorgeous color! And a wonderful waterfall ... nature in her glory and MORE!
The trees were beautiful. You chose a great time to hike there.
Beautiful!!!!
Beautiful!!!!
Wonderful pictures. It would be hard to choose the one I like best because they are all great.The colors are spectacular
Majestic! Fabulous pictures of God's creation! Thanks for sharing them Ms. Betsy! God Bless! =)
Not only a great waterfall, but sensational fall colors! I hope you get back to the area to see the colors (and waterfalls) this autumn, too.
Betsy,
Whew! What gorgeous fall photos..all those oranges, reds and yellows! Another nice trip for you and George.
Wonderful water falls..looks like you had a fun time!! Is that long hair I see?
What a treat,I really enjoyed those autumn colors and the waterfalls and lake. You sure picked the right time of year to see Lower Whitewater Falls!
The fall are no doubt fabulous but the colors of the turning trees--almost too much for the eyes to take. Glorious!!!! thank you for sharing. MB
What beautiful fall colors.
Kay
Truly Beautiful Colors Betsy...And the 'REDS'...Wow...
I'm finding out just how many Falls there are in the States and just Love going along with you on my Blog visits...
Truly 'Outstanding'...
Always Marilyn
the fall colours you just showed us are jaw-dropping! it's autumn at its best. thank you, Betsy. i always enjoy 'hiking' with you and George. ;)
I really enjoy following your outdoor activities, Betsy! Have a wonderful weekend :). Hugs and love.
Oh my goodness, I don't think I have seen such beautiful autumn colours anywhere like these. They are fabulous photos of a beautiful pace. Well done for the long hike. It must be nice crunching through the leaves. I think it is funny that you say "overlook" and we say "lookout". Thank you for following my holiday story and leaving so many kind comments. I'm glad I could show you a little of Australia. I also enjoy going with you on your travels around the US.
The two of you do find the most fabulous places, I love all the colors. Autumn is a beautiful time of the year and your photos are proof.
Hugs,
Judy
The photos are all gorgeous!!! And thankyou soooo much for sharing...
as you know...I'm still homesick for the country and this scenery you have been kind enough to let us all see!!
Hugs, Sunny
Wow! WOW!! Look at all that color! Amazing waterfall, Betsy--thanks for sharing your visit with us.
Oh Betsy - these pictures are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing - looks like it was a fun trip!
Wow! Gorgeous views, Betsy! Amazing! :D
Post a Comment