Karen and I are fortunate to live within a ninety-minute drive of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saturday morning (11-3-18) we drove to the Bradley Falls trailhead. It is always best to do your homework before wandering in the wilderness. The sign marking the trail to Big Bradley Falls warned, “Paths are steep and dangerous, 7 people have fallen to their deaths here since 2000, and Safe views of Big Bradley Falls are not available.” We opted for the Little Bradley Falls Trail.
It’s been much wetter and windier than normal in the high country this summer. Hurricane Florence was exceptionally destructive in this Green River Gameland Area. Deadfalls on the trails were numerous and challenging.
Fallen leaves and trees made for slippery footing and body-contorting passages through tangled vegetation. We also had to cross the creeks four times. Some clever planning and rock hopping meant we each only got one foot soaked in the running water.
Trees in this area utilize very creative adaptations to survive. Growing straight is not always an option.
This was a physically demanding hike. Visiting these splendid cascades was well worth the effort.
We lingered by the pool at the base of the falls and soaked up the view enhanced by Fall’s colors.
Due to the massive amount of tree debris and trail erosion it will be some time before Little Bradley Falls are an easy stroll to see. We were glad we tightened up the bootstraps and went anyway.
Relaxing after a taxing trek is always a treat. Add the view of Hickory Nut Lake and the day is complete.
This placid place is near the cabin our good friends loaned us for the night after our hike.
The short drive to chill at JR’s cabin after the Little Bradley Falls adventure stoked us for another waterfall hike on Sunday before driving back to Charlotte. This was a fantastic fall weekend in the mountains.