Our leap year hike to Hemlock Falls was what I would call a “Goldilocks” hike - not too long or short, not too hot or cold and not too hard or easy, but just right. Six hikers departed for Fall Creek Falls State Park and the Prater Place Trail at around 8:30 am. We arrived at the trailhead around 10:15 am. It was 32 degrees there, with clear skies. We passed through snow covered areas en route to the trail, but the trail was snow free. We expected windy conditions because we experienced them driving to the hike, but like the snow, we had little if any winds on the trail. The trail was in relatively good condition. There were a few spots where it got a little soupy. The trail is well blazed and appeared to be well traveled – though we encountered no hikers on this hike. The trail parallels the Camps Gulf Branch for about 1.2 miles and then the gentle ascent becomes a very rocky and steep climb. Once we reached the top of the bluff, the trail is a fairly level hike for the next mile and a half where we had a small descent to the falls. We had a pleasant lunch at the falls and around noon began the exit portion of our hike. We exited the trail around 2:30 and headed back to Soddy Daisy. I would rate the hike as moderate because of the distance – 6.5 miles and elevation gain of 686 feet. It was the first time for most of us on this particular trail and we all agreed it was a great hike.
If you would like to see some pictures from this hike, including map, click here. If you are trying to view the blog through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com. Google Chrome is the preferred browser.