Introduction
Welcome to the stories of my journeys.
Entry One
9.3.22
So many trips. So many fascinating places here in the Southeast. It is so difficult to know where to begin, so my first entry will be my most recent trip. Because, why not? No disrespect to any other locations. They are all treasures in my heart and will eventually find their honored spot here. I think there was enough here to justify a few “entries”.
Last fall (2021) I went to Devil’s Fork State Park in upstate South Carolina (amazing). I wanted to return to explore more of the incredible waterfalls of the area, but I like to check out new campgrounds. So, I searched and searched and for an August 2022 trip I settled upon the Cherry Hill Recreation Area, part of the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest. I based this choice upon the reviews highlighting the Chattooga river accessibility, privacy, and availability. And, of course, the abundance of near by waterfalls and trails. This upstate area of South Carolina (Oconee county) is so rich. I know I will be back yet again. I did find some gems this time.
The campground sites are well spaced out and situated. It is a basic, no frills facility. No playgrounds or offices like at the nearby Oconee State Park. There is no park office, no “check-in”. Make your reservations in advance via Recreation.gov. There is one campground host. Nice and unobtrusive. A clean and completely adequate bath house with hot showers. Zero cell service for me with AT&T. Not a surprise.
There is no firewood available on site. I’m glad I called ahead to check. This is important to me. (I bought my USDA approved White Birch firewood ahead of time from Harris Teeter. That stuff is amazing. Super dry, catches easily, burns hot. So!!! There it is. I’m not a wilderness survival type. Mostly. I learned years ago that there is little more frustrating than a hard to start fire. So I love some good wood and fire starters.) Otherwise, there are local firewood-for-sale sources nearby.
I had, of course, done extensive research on the day trips I wanted to do. Waterfalls. So many. I had print outs with descriptions of the hikes, parking, etc. But I had not mapped out my directions in advance. So, without cell service, one can travel outside the campground about a mile north on the road, I did pick up a signal and got my bearings.
This is my first adventure share. Future stories will be found under the “Blog Home” tab.
My fabulous old school concrete picnic table at Cherry Hill. Not complaining, lots of character. I do love moss…
My first stop the next full day was the Stumptown Tunnel Park which is home to the magical Issaqueena Falls. http://www.upcountryhistorical.org/items/show/93
This is a lovely park based around the waterfall and the historic Stumptown Tunnel. It is said that one has to pay a parking fee. There was a coned off detour on the right of the winding main entrance road. No one was parked there, so I followed some bikers down into the park proper where there is a small parking lot. From there it is easy access to the tunnel, an abandoned piece of track and train car, and the falls. About the falls trail… It leads to a lovely overlook. Beyond that, one is warned against advancing. But I saw toddlers down there playing in the water. So I had to do it. Quite vertical. On my ass scooting part of the way. Gripping roots to pull myself and Josie back up. So worth it.
stumphouse tunnel park
August 2022
Issaqueena falls
Two views of the falls. On the left from the viewing platform, on the right from the base. Dramatically different, don’t you think? Worth the hike/slide down.
the next days excursion was Chau-Ram park and falls
The name- took me half a minute to figure it out. A unique combo of Chauga River and Ramsey Falls. This is a really lovely park, in addition to the falls. Easy access to see the falls, picnic tables scattered along the river. A cool suspension bridge that freaks me out with the movement. Kind of a seasick manifestation…
The Chauga River goes right through with nice trails all along and spots to wade or swim. I found quite a bit of great info on this spot and other waterfalls of the area at the HD Carolina website. https://www.hdcarolina.com/episodes/chau-ram-falls/
Even with a multitude of visitors on this bright, warm sunshiny day there were spots to find that were blissfully peaceful and quiet.
entry two
9.11.22
licklog and pigpen falls
Mountain Rest, SC
Entry 3
9.25.22
My last excursion for this trip was the Licklog and Pigpen Falls trail near Mountain Rest, SC. This name… I looked and looked and could not find the origin story. Don’t let the name deter you when looking for a truly beautiful spot to explore.
It is the most enchanting little destination, perfect for stopping, wading, swimming, and picnicking. It is an easy hike with some rocks and roots to navigate. The directions via the AllTrails app were pretty clear. When I arrived, I saw a sign pointing to the right: “Trail Access” with a small parking area up a bit of a hill. Parking there, off I went. I later realized that by driving a bit farther there is another lot at the end of the road, much closer to the waterfall access. No biggie. Extra steps for me.
Upstate Hike to Licklog and Pigpen Falls (discoversouthcarolina.com)
Licklog
pigpen
falls
I absolutely love this area, Upstate South Carolina. Oconee County.
I cannot recommend it enough. Devil’s Fork State Park, Jocasee Gorges, Sumter National Forest. Tip of this picturesque iceberg. Driving through, hiking or camping. Stunning. After 2 extended camping trips to the area, I look forward to returning.
Start with the links below and plan your adventure.
Jocassee Gorges | South Carolina Tourism Official Site (discoversouthcarolina.com)