Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail

                                                                                     Good Hike

 

End of trail; when it stoped, it stopped

Tunnel at trails end

Huge pile of rocks along side trail 

                                                    

                                                                          Here's your sign

                                                                   Tunnel entrance

     Cool morning to be out in the woods. It was about an hour and forty-five minute drive for me but I enjoyed the drive. I always like to just get in the truck and go visit new roads. 

     The trail head, easy to find. The beginning of trail is a climb, washed out with 4x4 steps sticking out of the red clay. Once you get up and out of the climb the trail is a very nice walkway into the woods. It was to be a railroad bed so it has ups and downs and curves but a nice hike. I did not see any other hikers. Tunnels were started but never completed. Google the trail to learn the history of the railroads intent. 

     My counter showed I hiked 5.5 miles but I wandered off trail a few times seeing what I could see and being nosey in the woods. 

     Hey     -----      When you hike

                               Don't be in a hurry 

                                 There's no need to scurry

                              Look up and around

                                Listen for the forest sound

     Find a stump

     Take a break

     Feel the wind

     Watch trees sway

                               LIVE THIS DAY

In the Woods

Turtle

                                                                                 

COONS BRANCH NATURAL AREA

Coons Branch Natural Area

Large hollow moss covered log

 

                                                               Whitewater River

                                                     Trail between the ferns                            

                                     Read the sign.    Funny fishing tale!

                                                        Whitewater River

                                                        Whitewater River

    

                                                              Lush Tropical Forest

Bad Creek Access parking, start here and hike .06 mile to the whitewater river. Don't cross the river on the newly repaired bridge but hike up the trail on the left side of the river and immerse yourself in this wonderful natural area called Coons Branch.

Hot humid day in the Upstate of South Carolina. Sun shining on the canopy of trees offering me shade as I followed the path through these pleasing woods. About a mile to the ending as the trail ended where the rivers bank began. I returned and saw the picturesqueness of the trail from the other direction. Easy hike. Peaceful atmosphere.

Wandering in the Woods

Turtle

 

Brasstown Falls

 

                                     Brasstown Falls

     We finally left the house at nine in the morning, about an hour later than I wanted to. Of course we stopped and grabbed a biscuit to go from the local Hardee's before driving to Oconee county. I have known about this place for years but never took the time to see what it was all about. We followed directions that we pulled up on my cell phone and they took us right where we wanted to be. Well worth the 90 minute drive; the weather was cool, the trail easy and the falls beautiful. Other people were with us but for the most part we had the spot to ourselves.

     Get out and enjoy the Upstate of South Carolina!

          Turtle

MAX PACTH

Finally able to post these Max Patch views from our August 2024 trip. Really have nothing to add, the 360 degree view is better than any words I could come up with.

When you visit please keep the mountain clean and enjoy the peace and beauty of this wonderful place.

Turtle



 

Morning walk

 

Let's just talk about the outdoors in general and how nice it is to be able to have the opportunity  to get outside and enjoy it. Arrived at the trail head at eight this morning and was greeted with a nice bird solo echoing across the lake. As my hike followed the well cleared path more music joined the chorus the deeper into the woods I wandered. The tree coved trail was dry but the exposed sections had a light dew glistening off of the decaying leaves. The hike was fast, I've a busy schedule today and many places to be; glad to start my day hiking!

Turtle

Frozen Snow

 

          The crunch of frozen snow is caution to an old man's guarded step. There is comfort in its grip as the boot dents the ice covered pathway. A careless slip could be life altering and the immediate fall would create an instant crisis. I tread confidently and purposefully, placing each foot securely on the day old snow. Hardwood trees are bare, evergreens are green and all snow has melted from their grasp. A wind carrying winter's refreshing taste of cleansing after the decay of Fall. I breathe deep, eyes water, snot collects in my mustache, cheeks burn red; cold air refreshes!

                      Short hike on a rare South Carolina freezing morning, I just 

       had to experience it for myself. 

        

                     

Good Morning

 

I think I have it figured out!

New Computer

 

Still working on it, missed place some pictures

New Year of 2025

 I'm purchasing a new computer this month so I'll be able to do the blog again. This one is so old it is no longer compatible with other programs. 

Here's to a successful new year!

Turtle