May 16, 2023
Foothills/Chattooga River Trail to Pigpen Falls and Licklog Falls and Beyond
near Mountain Rest, SC
We continued to have good weather today. This was a new hike for this group by approaching Licklog and Pigpen Falls from the east. The hike was fairly easy with just a couple long, but not steep inclines. The trail was in very good condition and easy on the feet. Mountain Laurels in full bloom along much of the path. We were surprised by a large number of Vasey's Trillium three miles into the hike. However, the biggest surprise today was a near miss with a Copperhead early in the hike. Jack Wintle was quick to sweep the snake off the trail after stepping on it. Whew!
The route
6.5 mi · 883 ft climbing · 4h 34m out, 3h 30m walking · 1.9 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
25 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (26)
John and Beth checking out the view of Licklog Falls from the north side of the creek. Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Jim, Dick, John, Stephanie, Loretta, Shelia, Renee & Beth; Front: Mike, Heather, Toby, Ray, Squirt, Jack, Matt, Jenny, Vic, Jane & Rich Let's get started. Lots of Mountain Laurel along this trail. An early surprise . . . Jack Wintle unknowingly stepped on this Copperhead that Shelia then advised him about. Ray headed across one of the bridges along the nicely maintained Foothills Trail. Left: Fairy Wand??? Right: Galax Looks like white is the dominate color of wildflowers today. Clockwise from 10 o'clock: Blackberry, Partridgeberry, Woodland Bluet & Bowman's Root Another lucky find: Pink Lady Slipper although we later found a cluster of spent blooms and immature plants at the start of the trail. Pigpen Falls is always pleasant to see and hear. Ray was on the hunt again for the "Little Brown Jugs" of Wild Ginger. We think this view of Licklog Falls from the east side of the creek is better than that from the normal western view. There were some wildflowers with yellow blooms including the large Tulip Poplar bloom. There were a large number of Frasier Magnolias sprouting, most likely coming from one of these large "Mother Magnolias." Another surprise was a short stretch of the trail with numerous Vasey's Trillium still in bloom. White Baneberry beginning to form up those "Doll Eyes." How about this Jack-in-the-Pulpit? What a great trail today! We finally began to catch a glimpse of the Chattooga River after being teased by its sound for a mile or so. Views of the Chattooga River from one of two lunch spots. Rich and Beth enjoying lunch by the Chattooga. Trail dogs Toby (top) and Squirt (bottom) enjoying a break by the river. Come on Mike. Get out of the way! Colorful fungus! Just striking hollow fallen trees. A final pic . . . lots of very large Pines along this trail. Oops, couldn't forget this wildflower I have not seen before: Racemed Milkwort.