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Horsepasture Wild and Scenic River


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: nearest to Sapphire, NC
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Aug 26 2007  8:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Aug 3 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 24 2007 11:59 pm
Event Duration:with long drive each way we should be back in the ATL by 7-8pm.
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
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:6
Number Registered So Far: 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Once we park at Gorges State Park ; we will hike the 7 mile trail (a guess-might easily be or feel like 8 miles when we're done), 'cause I've never been to the top of Windy Falls at the end of the trail before; which provides a steep 800' feet descent and conversely, the strenuous ascent back up from top of Windy Falls back out to the main trail.
I should've mentioned in first version write up - to attract more people - this last most strenuous part is optional and can be skipped by those not wanting the extreme workout; they can stay and play and swim at the nice pool at Stairstep Falls longer while to adventurous/foolhardy, workout happy folks like myself and a few others go on to Windy Falls. This will make the hike equal to a D3 rating for any skipping the Windy Falls portion.

In the previous mileage on the trail, we will see 3 close together and increasingly more beautiful waterfalls on this National Wild and SCENIC river (you will see why its designated thusly; as this powerful, raging waters of this river pour over Drift Falls, 1/4 mile downstream over Turtleback Falls, where the river makes a hard right turn another 1/4 of a mile to the raging, wild and beautiful 150' Rainbow Falls, (my favorite waterfall in the Southeast on my favorite waterfall trail in the SE; that I have seen so far)We will see it from the top, walk close down by its side and the pool below it; where we anyone who wants can swim in the lovely, cool water pool below the falls to beat the heat.

From there we make our way down another mile to Stairway Falls where we will take another snack break; before moving up the moderate climb to the toughest part of the hike-to the relatively dangerous Windy Falls; where ARMY Rangers train for rugged terrain. You will be asked to be responsible here and not injure yourself falling, trying to get a better view over the steep falls canyon, ravine. It is stated by almost every publication I've read the only way to see the whole 720' drop of this falls is by helicopter or airplane, so I expect everyone to take great care here.

The steep climb out of the Gorge will add every bit of the strenuous rating the hike has. Dont curse my name afterwards-please just be in shape to handle this punishing hike out of Windy Falls Gorge-dont sign up if you are not.

The rest of the river is gorgeous and you will paid in full for the strenous end of the hike, with the swimming hole below Rainbow Falls and indescribably beautiful waterfalls on this National Wild and Scenic River.

After the hike we will drive several miles down the road to the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi, Whitewater Falls and its short 3/10's mile hike on paved trail to upper overlook, and many steps down to the nicer photography overlook. It well worth the 2 buck parking fee per carload to view this popular and beautiful waterfall.


Required Items to Bring:
  • Easily 2 liters of water/gatorade
  • good supportive hiking shoes for the rocky terrain
  • trail snacks and/or lunch to keep blood sugar up for the kickbutt end of the hike
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • energy fruit gummies or gels to replace electrolytes
  • swimming suit if you want to get wet, especially fun if its hot outside
  • camera for many beautiful photo ops offered here

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:From the Indian Trail Marta park and ride lot, we follow I-85 north all the way to exit 1 in South Carolina, stopping at exit 1 to coordinate, take restroom break and follow hwy.11 north off of same exit some 32 miles to the new gas station on the left; where we stop again to visit the 'honey man' at the gas station there. From there, we follow N.Little Ridge Rd. some 4 miles to Whitewater Falls Road and follow it until we get about 8 miles into NC; where we turn right into Gorges State Park and walk to trailhead from there.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):270Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $108.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

    Notes:
    Bring your camera, sense of wonder and be prepared to be amazed by this rivers incredible, almost indescribable beauty and power; and be ready to please be careful and respect that power and its danger in the Windy Falls Gorge-be in shape for the climb out.
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

    Cost Includes:shared gas expense for drivers-easily 7-8 bucks per person, 2 bucks for parking at Whitewater Falls parking lot. Optional several more bucks for stopping at 'honey man'-great prices on local honey 5-7 dollars depending on size of jar (much less then in the big city-he'll let you taste it first to decide) on the way; and local produce market in Walhalla, SC on the way back.

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
    *Note: Please be considerate as always, and remove yourself from event if you cant make it for whatever reason come up in life; so someone else can come on this great trip to fantastic, my favorite waterfall river in the Southeast.