As most of you know by now, when George and I travel, we enjoy breaking up long trips by stopping along the way to see some new waterfalls. WELL--on this day (May 11, 2012), we left Ocean Isle Beach and headed to Simpsonville, South Carolina where we would spend the night and also check out some area waterfalls...
The first group that we saw ended up being one of my favorites of the entire trip. Thanks to our book (Waterfall Hikes of Upstate South Carolina by Thomas E. King) --we found a fairly new park (Cedar Falls Park, part of the Greenville County Recreation District) which contained some fabulous waterfalls and cascades.
The Reedy River, which flows through the city of Greenville, reaches southern Greenville County at Cedar Shoals. A 20 foot high masonry dam stretches across the river there and creates a 50-foot wide shoals that drops 12 feet.
This Cedar Falls area has an industrial history much like other sites along the 65 mile long Reedy River. The shoals were used as early as the 1820's to power a woolen mill, a saw mill, and in the early 1920's an electrical power generating plant. A general store located between the dam and Cedar Falls Road served local residents. Foundations from some of these structures and area homes remain on the site.
Hope you enjoy seeing some of our photos from this neat little park. Be sure to click on the photos in order to see them larger. The picture above is the dam.
George said that I captured his 'best' side when I took this picture. He was using his tripod while getting some great shots of the dam. The shirts that we wore that day came from another favorite place, Cloudland Canyon in Georgia... The back of the shirts say: Hiked It; Liked It!!!!!
After we left the dam, we made our way down to Cedar Falls. Isn't this a beautiful waterfall?
I sat on a rock and just enjoyed hearing all of the powerful water around me. Can you see why we loved this place so much?
This is what I call the Upper Cedar Shoals... George took this photo and I love it... I may ask him to print out an 8x10 for me to frame... Pretty, isn't it?
As we walked on down to see the Lower Shoals, we spotted a Great Blue Heron. I got a couple of pictures before he flew away ---but didn't have my long lens with me. I marked where he is on the photo above so that you can see him... I got SO excited since this is the first Great Blue Heron I've ever captured with my camera.
I did read --when we got home ---that this Cedar Falls area of South Carolina is the home to the only Great Blue Heron rookery on the Reedy River... There are about 10-12 mated pairs --who raise their young here. Isn't that neat???? (Makes me want to go back and look for more herons!)
And here is a picture of the Lower Cedar Shoals. We were so impressed with this entire area ---and needless to say, it was hard to bring the total picture to you through photos since there was so much water in that entire area... It was so awesome!
Finally, I'll close by sharing a picture of George and me taken near the dam.
Hope you enjoyed the Cedar Falls/Shoals area. Now that I know about the herons, I definitely hope that we can return next spring.
Have a wonderful day.
Hugs,
Betsy
77 comments:
Fantastic, Betsy! Between you and George, your house should be covered with amazing photography!
Betsy, wonderful series of waterfalls and photos. I love the shot of your and George together and the one of George's best side, LOL! Great capture of the GB Heron. The rookery would be cool to visit. Wonderful post, have a great day!
How lovely! We have friends that live near Greeneville, so this will have to be an outing next time we visit them!
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I too like the one you want framed best. The colors, the clarity....why, I can almost hear the water cascading over the falls.
Blue herons are common here on the lake and in our cove, but I didn't realize they would also hang out on a fast moving river.
Have you all made a photo book of all your waterfalls?! It would be spectacular!
You have found a waterfall wonderland there. It is so green and picturesque. Great photos too. George' silky water is super.
What pretty photos. I love the great blue heron. Fun shirts!
Betsy, of all the falls you have photographed and shared, Cedar Fall is one of my all time favorites. You and George have visit so many amazing waterfalls over the years. Thanks for the beautiful journeys.
Hugs
I've seen a number of those concrete dam waterfalls in the south--a familiar reminder of "home". I think any of these photos are frame worthy--even the one of George's "best" side.
Best,
Bonnie
Love the Cedar Falls picture that would be beautiful framed.
I think those falls are some of the prettiest you have ever, ever posted. There is just something about them. And I would love to fish below that dam!
I loved it! So beautiful and yes - frame that one pic. Or maybe South Carolina would buy it from you for that book. :)
These pictures are fabulous. Yes, you should get that one enlarged and hung on the wall. No need to buy artwork when you can create it yourself. I have always wanted to see a Heron rookery.That would be so special.
You two find the neatest places to visit. Cedar Falls is beautiful, and George does a great job of capturing those unique water pictures. I can see why you'd like to have a framed copy of that one.
Beautiful pictures of the falls. Love the blue heron - we have one in the pond in our backyard. George is an excellent photographer.
I think those waterfalls are some of your best pictures yet!!
Those pictures look so cool and refreshing. I like the one you wanted enlarged too!
Definitely worth the stop Betsy. The falls were so beautiful and quite different from the E. Tenn. falls.
really liked the 'hiked it; liked it' shot of george. :)
I am amazed at all of the different waterfalls in that part of the country...I had no idea! And I think these may be my favorites yet.
We have a Blue Heron that visits our pond nearly every day. I've taken many photos of him, but don't think I've ever shown them. I'll post one soon.
Love the 'hiked it, liked it' shirt!
Beautiful water, I liked Cedar Falls best.
What a view, Betsy! Very2 beautiful, calm and peaceful.. By the way, very nice photo of u and George.:)
Wonderful... headed out myself today to search for some falls and scenic drives on the Keweenaw Penninsula at Lake Superior Larry
I do love your waterfalls, Betsy! Cedar Falls is such a gorgeous place! You and George both get such terrific captures!! They're the next best thing to being there myself! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!
Sylvia
I so wish I were sitting there in the shade by the water enjoying the beauty and the sounds. That is one beautiful place Betsy. Great pics.
Hi Betsy, I sure like your pictures! That Upper Shoals area is my favorite of your set today. Enjoy the beautiful day today!
You've seen so many wonderful things. I always look at your pictures and think of the fresh air you must be breathing. I would like some of that, especially now. Cottonwood trees here fill the air with little cotton poufs this time of year. It's hard on everybody, including the dogs.
Extremeely beautiful place, Betsy. I'm lovin' it. I can't wait to get out and do some short day trips. So far I am recovering nicely but sitting in a car (or anywhere for that matter) for any length of time really kills my knee. Little by little---Bob keeps telling me--"patience". MB
That is a very, very nice picture of you and your hubby..All of your pictures are always wonderful but I really like these of the outdoors and the waterfall. I am so glad I got to see them. Thank you, Betsey.
I think the two of you have found the secret to having a good life. You need to have t-shirts made that say that say, "We fall for falls." I love your enthusiasm for all of these beautiful places.
"Life is like a waterfall. Just let the water flow over the rocky places. By doing so, you will find peace and beauty."
HOw I love to travel with you and George and to feel what you had felt through the pictures. Awesome scenery!
That place is just so beautiful! Makes me want to be there. Yours and George's photos are just amazing! I LOVE THE T-SHIRTS!! A great wear for two great hikers. George sure is learning alot about his camera and filters! I can tell by his photos!!! Ya'll keep up the good work!
Happy trails,
Brenda
The Cedar Falls Park waterfalls are gorgeous, Betsy! Thye looked so wide and powerful. It must have been so refreshing to sit by them and listen to their sounds. George's photos are wonderful and i love how you captured a Blue Heron in one of yours! Thye are remarkable birds, aren't they?
PS: Thanks for all your compliments about my daughter's wedding and for all your best wishes to the new couple!
Hi Betsy, absolutely gorgeous - I can see why you love it so much. Great photos all of them, and I can almost hear the roaring waterfall all the way to here.
Have a lovel day my friend
Eva
These are fantastic photos of Cedar Falls. What beautiful scenes. Thanks for sharing this lovely trip with us. I love all the photos.
So, are the herons monogamous? I see them everywhere here...I guess I take them for granted. :)
This is a gorgeous area...I really like the photo of you both and George's 'good side' made me laugh!
xoxo
Yet another lovely trip! Thanks for sharing. I've seen photos of this place, but not on par with the ones you posted here! The area is far larger and prettier made evident by your photos! Glad you had a good time. Love the photo of you and George! <3 Dana Bee
That's a beautiful waterfall and looks refreshing too! Nice pictures. =)
Such beautiful waterfall shots!! All your pictures are great!
I would love to see this! The third picture is probably my favorite. But at least if I can't go there, I can see it through your eyes, the next best thing. Of course George's picture is fabulous!! And the two of you are just cuter than ever!
How could you tear yourselves away from those amazing waterfalls. The photos are just spectacular
That was weird. It made me sign in again to blogger. Don't know if it went through.
I love those t-shirts. It says what you two do perfectly.
another gorgeous spot. Those waterfalls are beautiful. You and George both capture them well.
you too look beautifully happy!
love the nature and photos you share. thank you.
Seriously stunning pics Betsy, and George really does have a special photographic talent no doubt. I hope you'll return next Spring too!
Betsy - I have to say I love the sound of waterfalls and I can feel how strong they are - no wonder you love it there. sandie
That's a beautiful area! And you two are so cute in your matching t-shirts, LOL!
I like what it says on the back of George's shirt. haha!
These photos of the fall are all lovely, Betsy. George takes some amazing pictures with his new filter.
You shot, we liked it! Great pics you and George took. I love seeing all the falls the two of you visit.
Oh my goodness. Your photos are so awesome. I want to make a trip to see them with my husband. Thank you for sharing.
Love the shirts!! Sweet and to the point - hiked it - liked it! George and you take amazing photos and I so enjoy seeing all those different falls! Just a joy - thanks for sharing! And yes, you should frame your own artwork!
Great photos you both you and your hubby captured!
Who can resist the beauty of water though I do not know how to swim, haha!
I love traveling with you, Betsy. I get to see the most amazing places. I like the words on George's t-shirt "I hiked it, I liked it". Fun times.
you should be so proud of George, he has such good shape that many youngsters can't beat him.
Beautiful falls (love that new lens); gorgeous skies; lovely photographers!
We have a heron rookery very close to our home -- they really like the stocked ponds, lakes, and the Little Patuxent River nearby. Such beautiful and elegant birds!
You two amaze me....so active! I am thankful to be able to be on the receiving end of your gorgeous pictures...
Have a great day ....
shug
we love to break our journey to several parts. However, instead of for waterfalls, we stopped to hunt for food :)
Fantastic and fabulous waterfalls! The 3rd and the one u wish to frame is so delighting... Liked them a lot! Hope u visit this area again and come up with many blue herons shots.
Have a nice day Betsy! My Congrats to George.
The picture of the falls is beautiful. George is getting really good with that new filter!
It's easy to see that this would be a favorite place.
As always a sweet shot of the both of you.
Hope you're having a good day!
What wonderful shots of the falls!
There are many of yalls photos that could be framed! I am glad you marked the great blue heron...birds do fly away fast
Now you two have the type of retirement I dream about. My trips are fun but they always involve family visits. They are not that adventurous .
And you always add water spots. I do love water in all forms!
I sent this post over to my Montana waterfall loving blog friend!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Thanks for sharing the Cedar Falls/Shoals area Betsy. It looks amazing! George's comment about his best side made me chuckle, he sounds like he has the same kind of humor that my hubby has. It is so sweet of you offering to give me some info for when we visit Tennessee towards the end of this month. The places you mentioned sounded very interested and I will be sure to get in touch before we leave.
These photos were awesome. My aunt lives in Knoxville so I was very interested to see your blog. Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing.
oh good for you guys!!
great shots..looks like great fun!
Love the waterfalls. All that water is so amazing. Cute shirts!!!
Trust you both keep a foot on the ground.Looks like George might be going head on. You are both fortunate to have traveled so much and not been hurt. Keep it up Enjoy your life to the fullest.
What gorgeous pictures, Betsy! Of course, the one I liked best is the one of you and George together!
Ah the places that you go and let us tag along. Wow, George could get a Blue Ribbon with that photo. If I listen, I think I could hear the rushing water with you. Peace
Hi Betsy, that waterfall is so beautiful and peaceful... Just the place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Isn't it wonderful to be able to do that is a free country..We take so much for granted. Love Crystal
With all the fabulous waterfalls you and George have found over the years you two should write your own travel guide. I can see why you liked this area so much Betsy, those are some gorgeous falls.
Hi Betsy - You two are just the cutest! I love the waterfall pictures and so happy that Linda hooked us up via the blogs! :)
I love waterfalls always as they are good therapy to calm our minds and souls by just looking at them. I would love to meditate there!
I strongly suggest that you publish your own books soon with all the fantastic photos you have collected. Your books will live on for many years.
Just gorgeous! I love all your photos. You and George really know how to have fun and showcase your wonderful trips. Thanks for the share.
Found this post before our visit to Cedar Falls. We live in Greenville, and this was our first visit. I was surprised to see that you live in TN and have seemingly visited more waterfalls in SC than we have! Will be waiting for a free moment to look through some more of your lovely travel photos...
Post a Comment