Bad Creek To Laurel Valley
Day 1 | Friday, October 24, 2014
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Start Location: Bad Creek Foothills Trail Access (31.7 miles) | 11:00 pm
End Location: Campsite (32.3 miles) | 11:45 pm Parking Location: Bad Creek Foothills Trail Access (31.7 miles). Views: None. Foothills Trail Distance: .5 miles Hiking Distance: 1.4 miles |
Ah, night hiking. Such a love-hate relationship. I love leaving the office and getting on the trail Friday night for a short hike to a campsite. That way I can wake up early and start hiking without having to first have to do a 2 1/2 hour drive that morning. I don't have to wake up at 5 am to be at the trail at 8. It is so much better starting Saturday with a hike as opposed to a long drive. God, I love that.
The hate? Actually night hiking. I can't see anything, and the pace is unbearably slow. Just not my cup of tea.
I left work and went over to my parents house. Had dinner with my parents and around 8:30 pm, I was off to Bad Creek. It was a fairly quick drive and the trail access parking lot is behind a locked gate of the Duke power plant. I pressed the call button and eventually they let me in. I find the parking lot, and it is a huge parking lot. I text Kestrel to see when they will get there. They tell me to go on ahead and they won't be there any time soon.
There is a large sign at the end of the parking lot showing the Bad Creek side trail to the Foothills Trail. The side trail is about .8 miles. The side trail is blue blazed and is well maintained. Just before I arrived at the Foothills Trail, I crossed two bridges which cross Whitewater River. At the junction of the side trail and the Foothills Trail, I turned right toward a large designated campsite a half a mile away.
Before I reach the campsite, I see the side trail to Lower White Water Falls. Another day, I thought. I continued and quickly came to the designated campsite. The campsite was practically full. It was supposed to be a beautiful weekend so I wasn't surprised.
I can't imagine what the other campers thought as I walked through their campsites at 12 am. As I make my way down the campsite, all the good locations were taken. Finally, I make my way to the end of the campsite. Damn. I start making my way back and I see a semi-flat location. I thought it was better than nothing, and I put my pack down.
I set up camp fairly quickly. I look around but there is no place for a bear bag so I decided to sleep with it in the tent again. I am not liking how comfortable I am with this.
Within 30 minutes, I am on top of my sleeping bag looking at my now gone trail guide. Like usual, I had trouble going to sleep. I started to think about where Kestrel and CG were going to set up camp. There was one other possible tent site I saw. Otherwise, I saw nothing.
I was still awake when I thought Kestrel and CG hiked into camp. I could see their headlamps long before they got to the campsite. As I sat there, I flashed my headlamp down the trail to try to get their attention. I should have gotten out of the tent and gone meet them, but I thought there is no way they would miss my headlamp flashing on and off. Well they did. It looked like to me that they walked into the campsite and then left. Had they gone to the next camp location? They did say they like night hiking. Maybe they went to next campsite? Whatever they decided to do, I'd find out in the morning. About an hour later, I finally feel asleep.
The hate? Actually night hiking. I can't see anything, and the pace is unbearably slow. Just not my cup of tea.
I left work and went over to my parents house. Had dinner with my parents and around 8:30 pm, I was off to Bad Creek. It was a fairly quick drive and the trail access parking lot is behind a locked gate of the Duke power plant. I pressed the call button and eventually they let me in. I find the parking lot, and it is a huge parking lot. I text Kestrel to see when they will get there. They tell me to go on ahead and they won't be there any time soon.
There is a large sign at the end of the parking lot showing the Bad Creek side trail to the Foothills Trail. The side trail is about .8 miles. The side trail is blue blazed and is well maintained. Just before I arrived at the Foothills Trail, I crossed two bridges which cross Whitewater River. At the junction of the side trail and the Foothills Trail, I turned right toward a large designated campsite a half a mile away.
Before I reach the campsite, I see the side trail to Lower White Water Falls. Another day, I thought. I continued and quickly came to the designated campsite. The campsite was practically full. It was supposed to be a beautiful weekend so I wasn't surprised.
I can't imagine what the other campers thought as I walked through their campsites at 12 am. As I make my way down the campsite, all the good locations were taken. Finally, I make my way to the end of the campsite. Damn. I start making my way back and I see a semi-flat location. I thought it was better than nothing, and I put my pack down.
I set up camp fairly quickly. I look around but there is no place for a bear bag so I decided to sleep with it in the tent again. I am not liking how comfortable I am with this.
Within 30 minutes, I am on top of my sleeping bag looking at my now gone trail guide. Like usual, I had trouble going to sleep. I started to think about where Kestrel and CG were going to set up camp. There was one other possible tent site I saw. Otherwise, I saw nothing.
I was still awake when I thought Kestrel and CG hiked into camp. I could see their headlamps long before they got to the campsite. As I sat there, I flashed my headlamp down the trail to try to get their attention. I should have gotten out of the tent and gone meet them, but I thought there is no way they would miss my headlamp flashing on and off. Well they did. It looked like to me that they walked into the campsite and then left. Had they gone to the next camp location? They did say they like night hiking. Maybe they went to next campsite? Whatever they decided to do, I'd find out in the morning. About an hour later, I finally feel asleep.
Day 2 | Saturday, October 25, 2014
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Start Location: Campsite (32.3 miles)
End Location: Lake Jocassee "Campsite" (48.5 miles). Parking Location: None. Views: Hillard Falls (36.5 miles); Lake Jocassee (48 miles). Water Sources: Literally everywhere. Campsites: Campsite (32.3 miles); Hilliard Falls (36.5 miles); Bearcamp Creek (37.5 miles); Bear Creek Campsite (42.6 miles); and Lake Jocassee "Campsite" (48.5 miles). Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Foothills Trail Distance: 16.2 miles. Hiking Distance: 17.8 miles. |
I originally set my alarm clock for 7 am, but decided to turn it off. I decided to sleep in. I probably didn't go to sleep until about 3 am the night before. About 8:30 am, I wake up naturally. I drink some water and cook breakfast while still in my tent. After I get dressed and finish packing up, I go look for Kestrel and CG. I talk to two guys who had just gotten out of their tents and asked if they saw/heard them come into camp. One said he didn't even notice me come in and was surprised in the morning when he saw my tent at the outer edge of the campsite. The other guy said he noticed me walk by his tent and then 2 hours later another ground of hikers come in and at 3 am another group of hikers, but they didn't know where they went. He did say he didn't think they stayed here, which is what I thought looking at the headlamps last night.
I thought maybe they went to the next campsite when they saw this one is full. I go back to my campsite and notice a low hanging bear bag about 10 feet from my tent. Lovely! I pick up my pack and head out around 9:15 am. Before I left, I sent out a few texts with no return. Since I didn't see them here, I decided to hike to our original goal and maybe I would see them on the way or they would catch up. I hiked slowly at first. About 40 minutes later, I get a text from Kestrel saying they actually were at the designated campsite. I must have missed them. We made plans to meet up at Hillard Falls or Bearcamp creek for lunch.
Now that we had a plan, I start hiking again after spending 15 minutes calling home. The trail ascends very briefly and then descends until you cross Thompson River (34.4 miles) on . . . you guessed it, yet another bridge. I take a short break here for a snack/water and take a few pictures. After the break I push forward. The trail here climbs about 400 feet and then levels off until I reached the side trail (blue blazed) for Hillard Falls (36.5 miles). Hillard Falls has some decent campsites. I put my pack down at one of the campsites and go find the waterfall. After taking the required pictures, I sit on this large rock close to the base of the waterfall. The sun was out in force and I sat on the rock taking in the sun and the sound of the waterfall. I have always loved the sound of running water. It really does relax me. I sat there bathing in the sun and sound of the waterfall for 15 minutes. After a while, I head back to camp. I decide to have 2 clif bars for lunch and drank a lot of water. After gathering and filtering 2 liters of water, I pack up. Before I left, I decided to go back to the waterfall for one last look and hoping Kestrel and CG would catch up in the meantime.
Around 12:00 pm, I am back on the trail. I figured they would catch up by the other planned lunch stop. I slow down my pace, but before I know it I am at Bearcamp Creek Campsite. It was around 1:30 pm and they still hadn't caught up. I have another snack break and on the bridge just before camp listening to the flowing water beneath me for 10 minutes. As I waited, I did some dips on the hand railings of the bridge. After 2 sets, I started counting how many dips I was doing. After 125 dips, my arms were jello.
At this point, I start to get worried Kestrel and CG haven't caught up. I decided to back hiking is better than sitting here waiting so I make my way back toward Hillard Falls. After about 10 minutes, I found them! We hiked back to Bearcamp Creek campsite (37.5 miles) and had lunch. We probably didn't start hiking until about 3 pm.
In this section the trail is fairly level until we began our 400 foot descent down to Horsepasture River (40.2 miles). The Bridge over Horsepasture River offers some great views both up and down stream. From Horsepasture we begin a fair climb. About a mile after Horsepasture, we come across our first suspension bridge (41.3 miles) at 4:50 pm.
The trail at this point begins to level off. We continue to push on. As 43.4 miles, the Foothills Trail intersects with the Auger Hole Trail and the Frozen Creek Access. It was about 5:50 pm. It was not looking good for reaching my longer goal of Bear Camp Creek Campsite without some real night hiking.
As we get close to Lake Joccasse, the trail starts 600 foot descent. At this point, we are losing light and we pull out our headlamps. We hike along Lake Joccasse. Here Kestrel suggested setting up camp on the very dry lake bed. After very little discussed, it was decided. We set up camp and cooked our food. It was a clear night and, since we were on the lake bed, we had complete access to the night sky. It was a beautiful night, but it started getting cold. I didn't bring any clothes other than my hiking clothes (shorts and thin polyester shirt). It was too cold to stay outside of tent so I decided to get inside my sleeping bag much earlier than I usually do.
Since there was no rain in the forecast, I had both vestibules open for a great view of the night sky. Although it was too cold outside, in my sleeping bag I was nice and warm. I eventually feel asleep while looking at the majesty of the universe. It was a damn good night.
Thank you Kestrel and CG for convincing me to set up camp there!!!
I thought maybe they went to the next campsite when they saw this one is full. I go back to my campsite and notice a low hanging bear bag about 10 feet from my tent. Lovely! I pick up my pack and head out around 9:15 am. Before I left, I sent out a few texts with no return. Since I didn't see them here, I decided to hike to our original goal and maybe I would see them on the way or they would catch up. I hiked slowly at first. About 40 minutes later, I get a text from Kestrel saying they actually were at the designated campsite. I must have missed them. We made plans to meet up at Hillard Falls or Bearcamp creek for lunch.
Now that we had a plan, I start hiking again after spending 15 minutes calling home. The trail ascends very briefly and then descends until you cross Thompson River (34.4 miles) on . . . you guessed it, yet another bridge. I take a short break here for a snack/water and take a few pictures. After the break I push forward. The trail here climbs about 400 feet and then levels off until I reached the side trail (blue blazed) for Hillard Falls (36.5 miles). Hillard Falls has some decent campsites. I put my pack down at one of the campsites and go find the waterfall. After taking the required pictures, I sit on this large rock close to the base of the waterfall. The sun was out in force and I sat on the rock taking in the sun and the sound of the waterfall. I have always loved the sound of running water. It really does relax me. I sat there bathing in the sun and sound of the waterfall for 15 minutes. After a while, I head back to camp. I decide to have 2 clif bars for lunch and drank a lot of water. After gathering and filtering 2 liters of water, I pack up. Before I left, I decided to go back to the waterfall for one last look and hoping Kestrel and CG would catch up in the meantime.
Around 12:00 pm, I am back on the trail. I figured they would catch up by the other planned lunch stop. I slow down my pace, but before I know it I am at Bearcamp Creek Campsite. It was around 1:30 pm and they still hadn't caught up. I have another snack break and on the bridge just before camp listening to the flowing water beneath me for 10 minutes. As I waited, I did some dips on the hand railings of the bridge. After 2 sets, I started counting how many dips I was doing. After 125 dips, my arms were jello.
At this point, I start to get worried Kestrel and CG haven't caught up. I decided to back hiking is better than sitting here waiting so I make my way back toward Hillard Falls. After about 10 minutes, I found them! We hiked back to Bearcamp Creek campsite (37.5 miles) and had lunch. We probably didn't start hiking until about 3 pm.
In this section the trail is fairly level until we began our 400 foot descent down to Horsepasture River (40.2 miles). The Bridge over Horsepasture River offers some great views both up and down stream. From Horsepasture we begin a fair climb. About a mile after Horsepasture, we come across our first suspension bridge (41.3 miles) at 4:50 pm.
The trail at this point begins to level off. We continue to push on. As 43.4 miles, the Foothills Trail intersects with the Auger Hole Trail and the Frozen Creek Access. It was about 5:50 pm. It was not looking good for reaching my longer goal of Bear Camp Creek Campsite without some real night hiking.
As we get close to Lake Joccasse, the trail starts 600 foot descent. At this point, we are losing light and we pull out our headlamps. We hike along Lake Joccasse. Here Kestrel suggested setting up camp on the very dry lake bed. After very little discussed, it was decided. We set up camp and cooked our food. It was a clear night and, since we were on the lake bed, we had complete access to the night sky. It was a beautiful night, but it started getting cold. I didn't bring any clothes other than my hiking clothes (shorts and thin polyester shirt). It was too cold to stay outside of tent so I decided to get inside my sleeping bag much earlier than I usually do.
Since there was no rain in the forecast, I had both vestibules open for a great view of the night sky. Although it was too cold outside, in my sleeping bag I was nice and warm. I eventually feel asleep while looking at the majesty of the universe. It was a damn good night.
Thank you Kestrel and CG for convincing me to set up camp there!!!
Day 3 | Sunday, October 26, 2014
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Start Location: Lake Jocassee "Campsite" (48.5 miles).
(48.5 miles). (48.5 miles).End Location: Laurel Valley (61.8 miles). Parking Location: Laurel Valley (61.8 miles). (61.8 miles). (61.8 miles). (61.8 miles).Views: Toxaway River Suspension Bridge (48.6 miles); Lake Joccassee View (49.3 miles); Laurel Fork Falls (54.3 miles); and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3 miles). Water Sources: Literally everywhere. Campsites: Bear Camp Creek Campsite (49.9 miles); Laurel Fork Creek Side Trail To Large Campsite (54.4 miles). Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Foothills Trail Distance: 13.3 miles. Hiking Distance: 13.6 miles |
Waking up to the sun making its way over that ridge over Lake Jocassee was pretty epic. We took our time in the morning as we had a short 13ish mile hike today. Since we got to Lake Jocassee after dark, we explored our camp ground. I made my way down to the Lake's waterline and took some pictures. It was very peaceful morning.
After breakfast, we pack up and make our way out around 10:15 am. First up, and almost immedieately after leaving camp was the Toxaway River Suspension Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridges I have ever been on while hiking.
As we leave the bridge, we all know what is coming next. With a name like "heartbreak ridge," this climb has got to be pretty epic. I am actually excited about the climb. We haven't had a real climb this whole section, and I was itching for one. As we got to the base of heart break ridge (49.2 miles), I was actually excited to climb. I love climbs. Everyone tends slows down on climbs; I try to speed up (or at least not slow down). I put my head down and go to work. It is a fairly good climb (approximately 600 feet), but it is over as quickly as it starts. I got to the top (winded of course, but) disappointing. At the top there are some semi-views of Lake Jocassee below. From here, the trail descends about 500 feet to the Laurel Fork Falls area.
We arrive at Laurel Fork Falls Overlook (54.3 miles), which is right on the trail. It was about 1 pm. We take a short break here, and I have a cliff bar. After taking the waterfall in, we notice there is a large campsite just around the corner and we decide to have lunch there. It was good to put our backs down and relax for a bit. When I hike solo, I am so focused on miles, getting to distance goals, that it was nice to just chill for lunch. This campsite is also connected to the top of Laurel Fork Falls. With a little rock hopping, I was sitting close to the edge of the waterfall. I closed my eyes and just listened to the waterfall. Have I mentioned I love the sound of running water? It was a peaceful 5 minutes and then I headed back. I rehydrated and refilled my water. This place would make a pretty epic campsite. Maybe on a future thru hike.
For the next 6 miles, the trail is constantly climbing, but for the first three miles it is so gradual you barely notice. We arrived at Virginia Hawkins Falls around 4:30 pm. We have a snack and some water. Take a couple or pictures and we are off. The falls really isn't that impressive. From here the trail begins a slightly more steep climb for the next three miles.
For the last mile of the trail to Laurel Valley (61.8 miles), the trails descends fairly steeply. It was a good feeling seeing the car. This was not my favorite hike ever despite our epic campsite on day 2, which I really, really enjoyed.
The next Foothills Trail I did solo going from Bad Creek to Oconee State Park.
After breakfast, we pack up and make our way out around 10:15 am. First up, and almost immedieately after leaving camp was the Toxaway River Suspension Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridges I have ever been on while hiking.
As we leave the bridge, we all know what is coming next. With a name like "heartbreak ridge," this climb has got to be pretty epic. I am actually excited about the climb. We haven't had a real climb this whole section, and I was itching for one. As we got to the base of heart break ridge (49.2 miles), I was actually excited to climb. I love climbs. Everyone tends slows down on climbs; I try to speed up (or at least not slow down). I put my head down and go to work. It is a fairly good climb (approximately 600 feet), but it is over as quickly as it starts. I got to the top (winded of course, but) disappointing. At the top there are some semi-views of Lake Jocassee below. From here, the trail descends about 500 feet to the Laurel Fork Falls area.
We arrive at Laurel Fork Falls Overlook (54.3 miles), which is right on the trail. It was about 1 pm. We take a short break here, and I have a cliff bar. After taking the waterfall in, we notice there is a large campsite just around the corner and we decide to have lunch there. It was good to put our backs down and relax for a bit. When I hike solo, I am so focused on miles, getting to distance goals, that it was nice to just chill for lunch. This campsite is also connected to the top of Laurel Fork Falls. With a little rock hopping, I was sitting close to the edge of the waterfall. I closed my eyes and just listened to the waterfall. Have I mentioned I love the sound of running water? It was a peaceful 5 minutes and then I headed back. I rehydrated and refilled my water. This place would make a pretty epic campsite. Maybe on a future thru hike.
For the next 6 miles, the trail is constantly climbing, but for the first three miles it is so gradual you barely notice. We arrived at Virginia Hawkins Falls around 4:30 pm. We have a snack and some water. Take a couple or pictures and we are off. The falls really isn't that impressive. From here the trail begins a slightly more steep climb for the next three miles.
For the last mile of the trail to Laurel Valley (61.8 miles), the trails descends fairly steeply. It was a good feeling seeing the car. This was not my favorite hike ever despite our epic campsite on day 2, which I really, really enjoyed.
The next Foothills Trail I did solo going from Bad Creek to Oconee State Park.
