January 10, 2023
Latham Cemetery and Pear Orchard Loop
Another really nice hike with a large group of twenty hikers on a mild and sunny winter day. The main trails were in fair condition, but some of the side trails to the falls and Roman's Den were a bit slippery with wet leaves. We visited four falls again, Quarry, Big Leatherwood, Rest Stop and Mary Steele. We now have a better idea of where to turn off-trail to reach the first two. Of the four, Big Leatherwood Falls was worth the extra scramble to see this triple-tier falls. We also visited Roman's Den and continued to find a better path to it. Only the front section of the cave is accessible now. This hike is best taken in the late fall and winter when there is less vegetation to work through when off-trail.
The route
5.4 mi · 702 ft climbing · 4h 3m out, 2h 50m walking · 1.9 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
22 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (29)
Quarry Falls, the first of four falls seen today. Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Lynn, Mary Lu, Gary, Gita, Gerald, Renee, Ken, Sandy, Dave, Dick, Rich, Jane, Chris & Larry; Front: Jack, Vic, Trushna, Beth, Jenny & Mike A pre-hike briefing and introductions. . . really? A beautiful morning with the sun just coming up above the trees over a meadow at the start of our hike. The first section of the trail is along Lathan Road later transitioning to a trail. Headed down to Quarry Falls. Not a lot of water, but still worth the side trip. Beth and Trushna having fun at Quarry Falls. Next the side path to Big Leatherwood Falls. Big Leatherwood Falls is a triple-tier falls but it is not on Big Leatherwood Creek, but an unnamed tributary thereof. We found a path to the base of the falls where there is a nice wading pool, but not today. A view down the creek from Big Leatherwood Falls. Renee & Jenny and Lynn taking a look at Big Leatherwood Falls from above the falls. Looking below and above Mary Steele Falls. Not a lot of water today. Renee found a trail providing access to below Mary Steele Falls for look up at the falls. Headed down this short, but wet trail toward Rest Stop Falls. You can easily walk right past Rest Stop Falls which is very close to the trail. Sandy, Ken and Larry doing a bit of rock hopping to get across the creek near Rest Stop Falls. These looked like the stepping stones we placed there last year. Vic checking out the only remaining accessible section of Roman's Den. No bats today. Waiting to go inside Roman's Den. Dick Metzgar using the safe, "on your rear" technique for getting down a step, slippery hill. A view from inside Roman's Den. Lunch time. What're you eating Trushna? Don't forget Squirt! Headed back to the trailhead via Latham Cemetery Trail. . A view of Currahee Mountain on our way back. I think Squirt is ready to go again. A really interesting photo taken by Renee, above the falls, of some of our hikers on a rock outcrop below the Big Leatherwood Falls.. A view of Big Leatherwood Falls from a large bolder above the falls. Photo by Renee.