West Three Forks Trail from John Teague Gap

After hiking the Holcomb Creek Falls Trail, we took off again on this wonderful winter hike with cool temperatures and partly cloudy skies. These trails were also in good shape with no significant obstructions. The side trail to the First Fall is a modest slope, but not terribly difficult. The viewpoint is from the top and west side of the falls. The waterfall itself is quite impressive with a large volume of water today flowing through a couple of narrow passages and channeled through a deep high-walled narrow sluice. This channeling generates a load roar and has carved a number of potholes in the riverbed along its way. We hiked further down the Three Forks Trail to see the potholes along the West Fork of the Chattooga River. This requires a very steep descent. best taken using the left fork. This avoids a "butt slide" required if taking the right fork to the bottom. Once at the bottom you can rock-hop along the banks or take a side trail down past a fire pit along the bank to reach the potholes. Many of the larger and deeper potholes are located on a large group of boulders 2/3rds of the way into the river. This is a moderately difficult hike except the descent and return from the Chattooga River.

Today's Hikers: Linda Shultz, Roger Willis, Cindy Angliss, Beth McDonald, Jenny Bell, Mystery Hiker (Jack Treadman), Betty Smith & Ken Kellerman & Cutie Pie; Renée Corbett, Shelia Getman, Matt Henderson & Toby, Vic Robson & Mike Bell.