Christy, Saucony and I just got back from our weekend along the Toxaway River. It was a great trip with perfect weather. And we only saw one other group of people all weekend.
DAYLIGHT FADING
Heavy traffic Friday made for a late arrival at the trailhead. We started hiking at 7pm, with almost 3 1/2 miles ahead of us. We crossed the river just before dusk, and found a place to camp just before full darkness. We camped at Bearwallow Flats, at the confluence of the Toxaway River and Bearwallow Creek.
SWIMMING UP A WATERFALL
Saturday, we hiked the trail up toward Wintergreen Falls. We initially set out for the narrows of the Toxaway, but the trail died on us. After an hour of bushwhacking, we found it again, but we decided to head for the falls for swimming and lunch. After eating, we swam across the pool to the base of the falls. I explored up the rock face, hiking up to the top of the first drop. Here I discovered a path through the woods, climbing higher. After retrieving my tevas, we explored further. The path led to a large outcrop that looked down on the base of the falls. The river roared below us in a narrow chute of whitewater.
We climbed down from the rock to a deep pool just upstream from the top of the lower drop. We swam across the pool to the far side, and climbed some more rocks to another pool. Once again we swam, passing under the low hanging branches of a tree. On the far side, the upper part of Wintergreen fell before us. The water poured down a series of curving falls and chutes between the bare rock walls of the gorge.
We began climbing again, leaving our tevas behind for the improved traction of barefoot climbing. We scrambled over rocks until the upper portion of the falls was visible. About halfway down, the river passes under a natural bridge. After some deliberation, we climbed again, up to the top of the bridge. From here, the entire run of the falls was visible below us. Above, the sheer rock cliffs finally presented an obstacle that we wouldn't attempt to overcome. Nevertheless, it was a thrill to not just see a waterfall, but to truly experience it.
FREE FALL
On Sunday, we did a short little creekwalk to Lower Bearwallow Falls. It was only about 1/4 mile, but it was tough going right up the creek. The steep walls of the gorge and thick rhododendron kept us rock hopping and wading our way upstream. At one point, we had to climb up and around a natural dam - could it be the work of beavers?
After an exhausting 45 minutes, we made it to the falls. It was spectacular, even at low water. It is a free fall, about 40' high, with a spray cliff area below it. It was hard work, but well worth it.
After a pleasant lunch, we hiked out to the car. We had several great adventures, but left some more for future trips. We passed on the bushwhack to Chub Line falls, and of course, there's still the Narrows. Maybe one of these days.....
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