Sun, Oct 30 2011 - Tallulah Gorge Aesthetic Water Release, Panther Creek Falls, w/ Fall Foliage (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Mark Participants: Mark, Jean, Allan, Patricia, Charina, Leslie B, Sherry, Mary, Horacio *, Scott, Kelsey Reed

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Write Up:
We had another wonderful fall day for our hike at Tallulah Gorge and Panther Creek Falls. We began our hike on the north side of the gorge and first visited Inspiration Point for our first views of the Aesthetic water release. Not only was there a visible increase in the amount of water flowing over the falls, but the sound of the thundering water was impressive. We then hiked west along the north rim trail and then down the stairs into the gorge for our first close up views of the falls from the suspension bridge. Then we made our way down to the viewing platform at the bottom of the gorge just below Hurricane Falls. It was quite spectacular with the increased water flow and all of the fall colors, which were at their peak. After climbing all 1,122 steps out of the gorge to the south rim trail, we visited all of the overlooks from the south side prior to making our way back to the visitor center, stopping briefly to view the water flow over the impressive dam. We then ate a relaxing lunch near the visitor center before loading in the cars for the very short drive to the Panther Creek Recreation Area. After arriving at Panther Creek we reassembled and began the 3 mile hike down to the falls. Along the way, we took a portion of the "old" Panther Creek trail so that we could visit another set of small falls that are out of sight from the new trail. We then spent some leisure time exploring both the top and bottom of the falls and having a snack before heading back to the cars. It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid-sixties, sunny skies, great waterfalls, beautiful fall foliage, amongst great company.

Here are a few photo albums from the event.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=charina07&target=ALBUM&id=5669476692603917329&authkey=Gv1sRgCMDGx7KwpKS-Iw&feat=email

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=101310115276628328731&target=ALBUM&id=5670102544146404209&authkey=Gv1sRgCIa6uorI3ZqwSQ&feat=email

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=charina07&target=ALBUM&id=5669480045185144481&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiA8NXHnqn_mgE&feat=email

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