As we all know, things don’t always go as planned. This morning we headed out bright and early
with the intention of hiking to some waterfalls in Penhook Hollow. But when unable to cross Snow Creek we
abandoned those plans and explored the area a little on Middle Fork Road and
Bayou Bluff Recreation Area.
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roadside falls
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Afterwards, since it was still pretty early, we
headed up towards Richland Creek Wilderness for at least a short hike. We turned north off the highway onto Falling
Water Road, not to be confused with Falling Water Cut-off, this road follows Falling Water Creek right
from the headwaters north and eventually crosses the creek on the concrete
bridge at the southern edge of the Richland Creek Wilderness.
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Falling Water Creek
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But before getting to the bridge we have to stop at Falling Water
Falls. I have heard that it is mandatory
to stop at this waterfall whenever you pass by, and who am I to argue. Actually, it's impossible not to stop, as
the road is clogged up with others who are here admiring this spectacular
waterfall, which is a popular swimming hole once the temperatures warm up some.
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Falling Water Falls
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I guess you don’t really
have to stop to view the falls, being right next to the road you could just
drive by and still get your waterfall fix.
But we always stop, and why wouldn’t we, it’s just too good to pass up. And today with all the recent rain it's
spectacular. After some chit-chat with
some other folks at the falls we continue north towards Richland Wilderness.
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high water at Falling Water Falls
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Not far from Falling Water Falls
is a pull off to a real nice campsite at the confluence of Bailey Cole Creek
and Falling Water Creek. We stop to
check out the spot and meet a couple local boys busy setting up camp. One of them has this most unique camper which
he calls his ‘hillbilly camper’. It was
built on a utility trailer and definitely has a ‘hillbilly’ look to it. |
rock patio on Falling Water Creek
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But inside it is quite nice actually, and by the way, Bailey Cole Creek has a bunch of
nice waterfalls upstream. The hike
starts by crossing Falling Water Creek then heads upstream on Bailey Cole Creek
to the waterfalls. Not today though,
Falling Water Creek is running way high and much too dangerous to attempt
crossing.
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at the base of Horsetail Falls
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Incidentally the guys setting up camp have big plans for tomorrow.
One will drive back this afternoon, pick up his girlfriend and bring her
out for a camp-out then tomorrow morning ask her to marry him! How could she say no in such a beautiful
location? |
Lower Horsetail Falls
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Arriving at the concrete bridge over Falling Water Creek we pull over
and park. After watching a couple from
out of state put-in their kayaks above the bridge and shoot through underneath
then quickly out of site downstream we begin our short hike to Lower Horsetail
Falls.
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creek below Horsetail Falls
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Although there aren’t any maintained trails in the wilderness, the local
horseback folk seem to keep the trails clear and easy to follow. This trail heads downstream on the west side
of Falling Water Creek and in less than a half mile we come to a small
waterfall called Flat Stanley Falls.
This is a picturesque little fall right next to the trail and more
importantly marks the spot where we leave the trail and begin the hike up
to Horsetail Falls.
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coming back from Lower Horsetail
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Enough people make
the hike up to the falls that there is a good volunteer trail in places, it’s pretty
steep and over some large rocks. But
it’s only about 200 yards to Lower Horsetail Falls and well worth the
effort. Horsetail Falls is pretty tall
about 70 feet, and with all the water today the sound is deafening. Wow, what a fabulous waterfall! After a little rest and a snack, we soak up some of the magic of this location then head back the way we came. |
Flat Stanley Falls
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It feels like it's been a long day, so it must be time to head home. We didn’t hike very much but it seems like
we've been hiking all day. Starting at
Snow Creek, Middle Fork Road, then Bayou Bluff and finally along Falling Water
Creek, Bailey Cole Creek and Horsetail Falls, I guess we had a full day.
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April flowers
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The hike to Lower Horsetail Falls and back
was only 1.2 miles and very easy except the climb from Flat Stanley to Lower
Horsetail which involves an altitude gain of just over 100 feet. For more on Horsetail Falls including driving
directions, map and stats chart see: (86 Fuzzybutt Horsetail and more).
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