August 27, 2024
Clifftop Vista & Ranger Falls Loop Trails
Near Highlands, NC
With continued cooler weather in the mountains with 63°F to 76°F temperatures, we enjoyed some new and old trails in the Cliffside Recreation area northwest of Highlands, NC. Parking on US 64 North, we hiked a short distance up Skitty Creek Trail and then onto the Clifftop Vista Loop Trail, both being new to us. The first 1.4 miles of these trails were mostly up a fairly steep grade. However, these trails were in fairly good condition. As we approached the highpoint of the Clifftop Vista Trail, we took a very short spur to a collapsed shelter that had the only clear view of the hike looking at the valley to the east. Too bad it has not been maintained since it appeared to have been a very nice structure at one time. We continued our hike on the familiar Ranger Falls Trail. The grade up to Ranger Falls is much less steep, but it is well used with significant exposed roots. Unfortunately the lack of rain made Ranger Falls just a trickle. While not a lot of wildflowers, we did see a very nice beaver dam on Skitty Creek and encountered an old homestead with several apple trees with ripe fruit. This homestead also showed extensive visits by bear feasting on the ripe fruit including that of numerous Elderberries. Overall this trail is easy to moderately difficult. This hike could be lengthened by 0.7 mile by hiking around the lake on the Cliffside Loop Trail. We took a brief visit to Dry Falls on our return drive to Clayton.
Today's Hikers: Heather & Toby, Carey Estes, Edwin Pruitt, Roger Willis, Shelia Getman, Linda Shultz, Londa Sprinkle, Jack Treadman, Ken Pardue, Matt Henderson, Jim Driggers & Mike Bell.
The route
5.7 mi · 1,345 ft climbing · 4h 5m out, 3h 5m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
24 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (25)
The now collapsed shelter on the Clifftop Trails with a view to the east of Satulah Mtn. Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Heather & Toby, Carey, Edwin, Roger, Shelia, Mike, Linda & Londa; Front: Jack, Ken, Matt & Jim., There is some limited parking along US Hwy 64 The Skitty Creek Trail from US Hwy 64 is fairly steep, but in good condition. This Lobelia was a pleasant sight at the start of our hike. The Clifftop Vista Trail continues the climb. Just a peek or tease of the surrounding mountains through the canopy Not spectacular, these Beggar Lice (aka Tick Trefoil) blooms are still attractive. It is easy to walk past the side trail to this collapsed shelter having the "vista" in the trail name. It's is limited, but is the only clear view of the valley and mountains to the southeast. Just a small number of this Jewel Weed on the trail. A nice bridge across Skitty Creek. Hey look, a beaver dam. However, we didn't see a lot of gnawed trees in this area. Eastern featherbells, another stand-alone plant seen today. On to Ranger Falls. . . . still climbing. Ranger Falls, but almost a trickle instead. Let's take a break. Could these be Beaver tracks? This old homestead had plenty of green and red apples for picking. Plenty of Elderberries that the bears seem to be enjoying. Queen Anne's Lace (top) & Virgin's-bower (Clematis) (bottom). Now that's a trail curiosity you may not see on another hike.. A view of Cliffside Lake on our way back to the trailhead. Dry Falls is always a nice place to visit One last group photo. Good hike everyone!