December 8, 2020
Big Bend Falls and Round Top Loop
Another sunny, but cold day, later warming up a bit. We started our hike outside the Cherry Hill Recreation Area gate, but we later found a parking area just off SC Hwy 107 where the trail crosses. The moderately used trail is in mixed condition with few roots and rocks on the first section prior to Big Bend, but rooty and rocky with narrow ledges along the Chattooga River. There is a significant climb up the return section of trail known as Crack-in-the-Rock Trail which turns off the Chattooga heading northeast to rejoin the Big Bend Trail. The turn-off is only marked with a couple of strands of red tape and the Crack-in-the-Rock Trail is not blazed. Care must be taken not to miss this turn-off. This section of the Chattooga River is just beautiful with numerous rapids. Unfortunately we never recognized Big Bend Falls.
The route
8.9 mi · 1,381 ft climbing · 5h 28m out, 5h 4m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
Photos (17)
Nice falls, but not Big Bend Falls Today's Hikers: Jenny, Mike, Renée and Vic Lots of really large trees along the trail Typical trail conditions prior to reaching the Chattooga River Yep, this is a big tree! One of three new bridges on the Big Bend Trail How many people does it take to get over a fallen tree? Lots of rapids on the Chattooga River A short falls over a continuous rock ledge across the Chattooga River More rapids on Chattooga River A view looking up the Chattooga River Last section of the Chattooga River prior to returning on Crack-in-the-Rock Trail Last section of the Chattooga River prior to returning on Crack-in-the-Rock Trail Evidence of a cold morning