September 8, 2026
Clifftop Vista & Ranger Falls Loop Trails
We beat the heat today with cool but humid 63°F to 67°F temperatures under mostly cloudy skies. Our hike started with a short steep climb up the Skitty Creek Trail from the trailhead on US Hwy 64N before we continued up the Clifftop Nature and Vista Trails. While the Skitty Creek Trail was in fair shape, the Clifftop Nature and Vista Trails unfortunately show a complete lack of ongoing maintenance leaving numerous small and large storm blowdowns across our path. Along the way, we visited the old collapsed shelter on Clifftop Vista which offers a somewhat obstructed view to the southeast dominated by Satulah Mountain—a spot that would be a beautiful overlook if properly kept up. Continuing downhill, we crossed Skitty Creek over an almost destroyed bridge and then headed up the Ranger Falls Trail. This section is maintained but so heavily used that there are numerous exposed roots requiring very careful footing. You will pass a few short side paths with views of small cascades and pools just before reaching Ranger Falls itself which looks much taller than its official 30-foot height. On our mostly downhill return, we passed through an old homestead area where the historic apple trees and elderberry bushes are sadly overgrown and inaccessible. We finished the loop by walking through the picnic area to admire the beautiful 1930s CCC-constructed stone and log shelters. We saw only a few wildflowers today, but there was an incredible array of colorful mushrooms all along the forest floor. Overall, this remains a moderately difficult hike that would likely be even more enjoyable if tackled in the early spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Today's hikers: Renée Corbett, Kim Helton, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell. ... more
The route
5.5 mi · 1,307 ft climbing · 4h 44m out, 3h 35m walking · 1.5 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
28 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (28)
The view to the southeast from the collapsed shelter on the Clifftop Nature and Vista Trails. That's Satulah Mountain in the background. Today's hikers (L-R): Kim, Jenny, Mike, Renée and Matt & Toby Headed up the Skitty Creek Trail from US Hwy 64N. Going up! Lots of these blowdowns on the Clifftop Nature and Vista Trails. We saw these Blue wood-asters (top) and Showy gentian frequently on the Clifftop trails. One of a kind today blooming-L: Downy Rattlesnake plantain; R: White snakeroot. While we may have been fascinated by this Princess or Empress Tree, it is considered a highly invasive species coming from China in the 1840s . Darn! Here's another one. The condition of this formerly very nice shelter on Clifftop Vista is sad. And the view could be spectacular too! Looks like we hit the jackpot on fungi today! Access to the bridge over Skitty Creek from the north is a mess and the bridge itself isn't too great either. Old foundation perhaps from CCC activities here in the 1930? Heading up Ranger Falls trails. A nice small pool and cascade prior to reaching Ranger Falls Toby decides to "go hunting" in one of those pools. Serious woodpecker damage on this dead tree. Ranger Falls at last. Let's take a break. A bit more climbing above Ranger Falls before heading back. Some of the return path is on an old road bed. Masses of Cutleaf coneflowers on this old homestead property, but we cannot get to the now overgrown apple trees. What is this vine growing on top of other overgrowth in the old homestead property . . . Chinese yam and while edible, it is also another invasive species. Still there, this unique structure used to disinfect garbage prior to feeding to pigs. We pass through this very large rock and log pavilion constructed by the CCC in the 1930's. A nice reflection on Cliffside Lake as we finish our hike. A brief stop at Bridal Veil Falls just down US Hwy 64 as we leave.