There were 15 of us on this easy 3.5 mile hike to Benton Falls and then a loop back to the parking lot. The hike lasted about 2 hours and 20 minutes with a moving average of 2.4 mph. The weather really cooperated during this hike. Finally it has cooled off. Today we hiked in the mid 70's which is much better than the mid 90's of our last few hikes. It was overcast during much of the hike, but it seems that it is often overcast when we hike here. The hike took us to the falls, which due to the draught was just a trickle, but still quite beautiful. Here we stopped for a brief snack. On the way we ran into a dog with her GPS collar on. She stayed with us a ways until her owner finally got her back. We were to later find out that she belonged to a group of bear hunters. The hike was delightful and there was considerable chatter along the way. After the hike 12 of us went to Puleo's Restaurant, which is one of my favorites as they have great fish tacos.
Please note: for those hikers with foot issues I have included a picture that has suggestions for how to lace your shoes if you have various foot conditions.
Tammy's views;
Tuesday
was a wonderful fall day to hike to Benton Falls. The trailhead began at the
Chilhowee campground in Cherokee National Forest. The morning started cool with
a hint of fog but we warmed up hiking the sandy flat path. After walking about
1.5 miles, we descended a rocky stairway to the base of the 65-foot falls as
Rock Creek spilled over the cliff. The rhododendrons framed the entire area. We
returned by way of the Redleaf and Arbutus trails, traversing about 3.5 miles
total. We were also accompanied by a friendly 4-legged hiker. She was supposed
to be hunting bear but instead was hunting snacks.
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike as well as trail maps and an altitude graph,
click here. If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com. The preferred browser is Google Chrome.
This weeks joke....The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.
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