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Hiking


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Bad Creek to Thompson River Gorge and Lower Whitewater Falls in SC
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 24 2007  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 1 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Feb 22 2007 11:59 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Bruce
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 17 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Moderate - 8 Miles

After driving up we will hike into and past Bad Creek trail, and connect with the Foothills trail system across the iron bridges that cross the Whitewater River. The Foothills trail system is maintained by the conservation minded Duke Power Company, who have built and installed many wooden and steel bridges. We will cross several of these on today’s trek that takes us past one of the designated overnight camping areas and to our scenic lunch break next to the Thompson River and bridge over it. This bridge crosses and overlooks the Thompson River and its crystalline waters and cascades over many large boulders around the bridge. On our hike back we will take the side trail to Lower Whitewater Falls and its viewing deck which should have a more unobstructed and better view of the falls before leaves come out later in spring. After the main hike, there should be enough time and daylight remaining to do the short drive (1-mile into NC) from Bad Creek to the Upper Whitewater Falls recreation area. It is a stunningly beautiful 441’ waterfall that fall in two main stages, and listed as tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. It is only 3/10’s of a mile to upper viewing area and short distance and about fifty wooden steps down to lower viewing deck-nicer and closer view, better picture of Upper Whitewater Falls.

NOTE: This a long drive and adventure, well rewarded with overwhelming scenic beauty. Bear in mind it is a time commitment, with the long drive each way, that non-dining persons can expect to return to big city around 8pm-no earlier, and anyone eating afterwards return at 9pm - or later. Anyone expecting a return of 6-7pm is not realistic. We will probably reach Walhalla and the Steakhouse Diner around 5:30-6:30pm (probably closer to the latter time with casual hiking pace to enjoy the scenery).

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Good supportive shoes for the relatively long hike, two liters of water and/or gatorade or gels that replace electrolytes, trail snacks and lunch of your choosing. I will carry a basic medical kit. Anyone else wanting to carry a med kit is welcome in this larger group. Please dress appropriately for the weather, with synthetics at the base layer to wick moisture from the body to outer layers, if colder temps are predicted. I will communicate with e-mail to the group before the hike about temps and weather predicted.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Foothills Trail in North and South Carolina Park and ride only unless you live at a convenient place near I-85 on the way north From the park and ride lot we drive all the way up to South Carolina on I-85 north, where we will take a brief restroom coordination break at the visitors center. Then we head up Highway 11 north off of this same exit and travel about 32 miles to our left turn. This takes us to Whitewater Falls Road which climbs this mountain road to the Bad Creek Reservoir where we stop, are let in by the gatekeeper and drive down to the parking lot next to the trailhead.

Notes:

Are Dogs Permitted? No.

Will this event occur rain or shine? Not in heavy rain or thundershowers if predicted-snow is much more tolerable and safe than a cold soaking rain.

NOTE: Please be considerate of others. If you sign-up and cannot attend, please e-mail the trip leader, so others that may be on a waiting list may attend.

E-mail the trip leader to be put on a waiting list if the trip is at the max number of attendees.
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:Shared gas expenses paid to driver-easily 5 bucks for this 2-½ hour drive, some 135 total miles each way. 3 dollars per car for Upper Whitewater Falls Recreation area parking lot to view Upper Falls if time allows. 6-8 bucks for optional dinner at Steakhouse Diner in Walhalla, SC on the way back that features some of their famous fried chicken breast (some of the best you might ever eat in your life). There are other meat choices, or you can choose vegetables only, as I have often there - with good cornbread and sweet tea. It is worth the small expense at this local diner to share company, laughs and fun in general for a little longer with hiking friends after a good adventure before returning to the big city.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.