July 16, 2021
Opossum Creek Falls Trail
This description covers two hikes, one by Jeanne, Bruce, Vic, Christine and Ray on July 15th and the other by me on July 16th. I got on the trail by 8 AM to take advantage of the cooler part of the day. The sky was clear, no wind, high humidity and temperatures between 70-80 ℉. The trail was in very good condition with a few minor and one major tree fall across the trail. There is a short steep section of steep incline climbing out of the Chattooga River, but the rest of the climb is not too bad. I would rate this hike as mostly easy. A few wildflowers were found along the trail. I did encountered a group of young men, canoe trip campers, around 9 AM at the Chattooga River that were just getting up for the day. The falls were very nice with a good amount of water flowing. I also spotted a nice series of cascades on Camp Branch, less than 50 yards east of the trail about half way back. Unfortunately I was unable to find a safe path down the steep slope to those cascades. See photos.
The route
4.8 mi · 860 ft climbing · 2h 12m out, 2h 4m walking · 2.3 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 (23)
Opossum Creek Falls Hikers on July 15th (L-R): Jeanne, Ray, Christine, Bruce & Vic Mike by Opossum Creek Falls on July 16th. Marker at start of trail. Generally an easy trail and easy on the feet. A bit of rock hopping on the final stretch to the falls. Looking downstream from the falls on Opossum Creek. Looking down the Chattooga River where Opossum Creek flows into it. Looking up the Chattooga River where Opossum Creek flows into it. Campsite for a group of canoe campers at the Chattooga River. This American Birch Tree was just not going to give up. Not a great view. A nice cascade along Camp Branch adjacent to, but not easily accessible from the trail. Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Greater Tickseed (Coreopsis major) Tick Trefoil / Beggar Lice (Desmodium nudiflorum) White crownbeard (Verbesina virginica) ??? White Bergamot (Monarda clinopodia) Fourvalve mimosa (Mimosa quadrivalvis) Pretty colors, but also poisonous. Trumpetweed (Eutrochium fistulosum) Yummy blackberries along the path climbing out of the Chattooga River.