Nine fortunate hikers got to enjoy two great hikes in the Ocoee on Tuesday. On the Goforth Creek Trail, we began our hike by going up a short distance on the eastern side of the creek (perhaps 100 yards). We then reversed our trek and proceeded up the western side of the creek for approximately 1.5 miles. Most of this part of the hike was on an access road like trail. The creek was roaring quite nicely due to the recent rains. It was great to experience this trail and the almost continuous cascades and waterfalls that we most certainly wouldn't get to see any other time of year. At the 1.5 mile point we began our exit trek and it was like experiencing 2 different trails. On the first half of the hike, the sky was overcast and cool. On the exit, the sun came out and lit up the cascading creek.
We then proceeded to the Scenic Spur Trail. This trail is also part of the Rainbow Falls Trail. We hiked on the trail for approximately 1 mile, before being stopped by what appeared to be too much fast flowing water in the creek. We opted to not venture across the creek. We will save the falls for another hike.
On the drive back, we pulled off at the ranger station and drove up the road connecting to Benton Falls. We were treated to a spectacular view from several of the overlooks presenting a marvelous view of the Ocoee.
Both trails yielded a combined distance of approximately 5 miles and 800' of elevation.
If you would like to see some fantastic pictures taken during this hike, click here.
Roses are red, that much is true. But violets are purple, not freakin' blue.