Sun, Nov 6 2011 - Tallulah Gorge, Rabun Bald, Whiteside Mtn, & Highlands Bear Shadow ! (View Original Event Details)
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What a great group of hikers to spend a glorious day trekking around the mountains. We started our adventure meeting at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Aside from the wonderful leaf peeping opportunities, we also experienced the unique "water release" which turned the normal trickling river into a whitewater haven. Although we could have stayed and enjoyed the numerous overlooks much longer than we did, we left the gorge after about 90 minutes to head up the road.
From Tallulah, we caravaned to a trail head for Rabun Bald Mtn. With Jim and Sachi in the lead, they pulled us all up the very nice trail to the viewing platform atop the high peak. The 360 degree panoramic view was awesome with the clear skies and fall color. But, after a quick picnic we scuttled down the hill for our next leg.
Driving about 30 minutes north, we next took on the Whiteside Mountain Trail just outside of Highlands, NC. The group scurried up the 500' ascent to be rewarded by "million dollar" views off the canyon cliffs of Whiteside. Having to keep on our action packed schedule, we returned to the cars and drove a mile to Rhodes Overlook.
Rhodes Overlook is a spot that offers a natural phenomenon this time of year (actually, a couple of days before this time of year). We had hoped to see the formation of a bear silhouette formed by the setting sun. And I can attest that a week before the "bear" arose; however, thanks to the very creative minds of our group, the vague bear reappeared this day as a wild boar at times, a turtle....well, a lot of things other than a bear. Thank you group, for your understanding.
Having finished our original trip plan, but with a little sunlight left, the adventurous group decided to fit in one more experience. We hopped in the cars, drove under Bridal Veil Falls, then stopped to see Dry Falls on the Cullasaja River. This falls allowed us to walk the trail under the backside of the cascading water. This 30 minute stopover was, however, eclipsed by a nice sportswear fashion show performed by Ms. Sashi in the parking lot.
Finally, after enjoying a full day of leaf peeping, mountain hiking, bear watching fun, our group added one final activity...we stopped on a road side overlook to watch the twilight fade away. I will always remember this action packed day, and thank the group for being so accommodating and fun. I think everyone slept well Sunday night. (Sorry you had to work Yana)
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