Write Up: By the end of the day on Sunday it was pretty clear that all 6 AOC backpackers on this trip were in agreement that there's likely not a single river in the Southeast that rivals the Horsepasture for Wild and Scenic Beauty.The addition of some fall color and nearly full moon made it spectacular.
We were on the road a little late thanks to the Atlanta traffic (at 7:30 on a Saturday...really??) and at the trailhead by 11. After getting ourselves organized we were quickly down the trail to our secluded campsite above Stairstep Falls. Clearly the camping spirits were pleased with our presence as the site provided for perfect placement of 5 tents and a hammock (apparently Charlie brought his ejection hammock...more on that later) as well as a plethora of firewood literally within footsteps of the fire ring.
Knowing we had such means at our disposal we quickly set up, packed a lunch and set out for Windy Falls. As we descended into the gorge that is Windy Falls the "we gotta walk back up this" comments were heard all around, at least until we got to the top of the falls where you really can't hear much of anything at all over the watery roar. We had some company at the top for lunch which meant it was time for a wild, brambly bushwack down to the mid level of the falls (where the entire river is forced into a 3 foot wide flume for 100 feet or so). This treacherous spot we had all to ourselves (after having passed a few RIP memorials along the way). Those with arms and legs bloodied by the brambles were in strong support of returning to the top of the falls by rock scrambling rather then back through the sharp spines. After rock climbing back to the top of the falls (which is impressive in its own right, Steve summed it up by saying "this is nothing compared to what's down there!). Windy Falls is a hard place to leave (especially with the brutal climb out) and we lamented that we weren't camping in the prime site there at Windy.
We all enjoyed the wonderfully grueling uphill (good to know my heart can beat that fast!) followed by the gentle downhill to our campsite where it was time to prepare for the evening. All made quick work of gathering wood and preparing the fireplace allowing us the opportunity to take the short hike to the base of our private waterfall...Stairstep. Just a 50 foot drop over 7 cascades....another of the beautiful sights. They just keep coming.
After many fine displays of backpacking cuisine (grilled brats, steak, chicken, peppers, onions...on and on..) it was time for the night hike to Rainbow Falls....a 125' vertical drop into an olympic sized plunge pool. Seemed like a great place to sit on top of and watch the almost full moon. And we had the place to ourselves (if you don't count the after dark active newt population). As the temperatures began to cool we all remembered the nice stack of firewood back at camp. After warming by the fire Charlie was the first to retire and the rest soon followed. Charlie confessed in the morning that he'd flipped out of his hammock and was happy those of us left at the fire were none the wiser.
After a leisurely breakfast (cinnamon buns thanks to Steve....yum!) we broke camp, stashed our packs in the woods and went back up the river to take in the sights we'd missed the day before, Rainbow Falls (very impressive in the light of day!), Turtle Back (where Charlie performed the obligatory river slide...burrrrr) and up to Drift Falls. We lingered for quite awhile at each stop, the perfect temperatures and delightful color anchoring our feet and captivating our eyes.
Too soon it was back down the trail to collect our hidden packs (apparently Charlie's was looted by a delinquent chipmunk...did you ever find that leatherman tool? Think of it, a wild chipmunk with a multi-tool, Charlie you've got some explaining to do...contributing to the deliquency of wildlife).
With the end of the trip looming it seemed like we were back to the parking lot in no time (maybe not quite no time as its all uphill!).
I love this place. Its magical. I can't wait to go back....can you tell???
Oh, by the way.....Does anyone know of a Mexican restaurant in Walhalla, SC???? Email me...seriously!
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