Autumn at Lower Whitewater Falls, SC

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,

Rainbow Falls, Smokies in Tennessee

In May of 2007, George and I went to Gatlinburg to hike to Rainbow Falls. We had been in that area (Roaring Fork area above Gatlinburg) twice before to hike to Grotto Falls and to Baskins Creek Falls. This time we took a MUCH LONGER hike up the mountain. I finished the day with 7.1 miles on my pedometer. That may not be much for you--but it is for ME.


The trail, even though long, was one of the prettiest hikes we have ever taken. We followed the creek up the mountain--and there were so many beautiful small waterfalls and cascades near our trail, along with Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. It was truly breath-taking.


The hike to Rainbow Falls was truly UP... Even though the temperature was only in the 70's, the hike up that mountain made me sweat--bigtime. Thank goodness I had my sweatband and my 'special' towel with me!!!! We also had plenty of water. All the way up that mountain, I kept telling myself that it was going to be so much easier going back down!!!!


Once we got to Rainbow Falls, we were blown-away at the beauty of that waterfall. That made the long hike worthwhile for sure!!!! I sat and rested (of course) while George climbed around to get some more pictures.


Finally, we decided that it was time to head back down the mountain. Little did I realize that it wasn't going to be as easy as I thought it would be. My legs were really aching now---and for some reason, these old legs didn't want to walk anymore---even DOWN... Needless to say, we did make it down --but even George admitted that he had some aches and pains also. It was a LONG hike for us OLD FOLKS (even though we don't like to admit this)!!!!


Here are some pictures along the trail and also the falls. The picture above is George standing at Rainbow Falls. Below are more.







We followed LeConte Creek up the mountain. There were many cascades and small waterfall along our way.







These beautiful views were along our trail UP the mountain. Don't you love the moss?







Here's another picture of the creek and its cascades.







Even though we were hiking UP, the scenery was beautiful.







There were three foot-bridges we crossed along our way.







Here it is---gorgeous Rainbow Falls.







A closer picture of Rainbow Falls; This waterfall is 75 feet tall. Beautiful, isn't it?







Pew-eeeeeee....That woman is SWEATY...Notice though that I'm still smiling!!!! BUT--I was sitting awhile before we headed down the mountain.







We are on our way back downhill. I thought it would be easier--but by now, my knees and hips were screaming at me. Even George (who is in better shape than I am) said it was HARD.







With all of the hiking we do, I finally learned how to 'do' water crossing in order to get across streams/creeks. I now use TWO hiking sticks (which are much better than one). Note the beautiful Rhododendrons. They and the Laurels were all along the creek. So pretty!







Here's one more picture of Rainbow Falls. This one is George's favorite one. Even though the hike was long, it was one of our BEST. We recommend it to you!!!!


Hugs,