November 1, 2022
Opossum Creek Falls Trail
A very nice fall day for this hike with cool temperatures and mostly clear skies. It had rained the day before which left a lot of slippery wet leaves on the trail in otherwise good shape. The rains fueled a very nice display at Opossum Creek Falls. We were also able to see through the trees, but not approach, Camp Branch Falls on our way down to the Chatooga River. Only one really nice display of wildflowers today with a beautiful deep lavender-blue Gentian along Camp Branch. The colorful leaves, both on and off the trees were notable, especially when touched by some of the sunlight shining through the remaining canopy. Overall, a fairly easy hike even though most of the return path was uphill.
The route
5.1 mi · 843 ft climbing · 4h 3m out, 3h 12m walking · 1.6 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 (28)
Opossum Falls was really quite beautiful today benefitting from the previous day's rain. Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Edwin, Gerald, Lynn, Renee & Heather; Front: Mike, Trushna, Beth, Dick, Jenny, Vic & Ray Getting ready to go. Headed down from the trailhead. The early, low sun provided a wonderful backlight for the tree canopy, mostly yellows today. Lots of leaves turning yellow . . . . and red . . . . and orange. Beth caught this beautiful nature-made collage of leaves om a rock. This is a very dramatic shot of the trail and fall colors taken by Heather. Still going down the trail. It really wasn't that long of a walk. Heart-A-Bustin' with a background of colorful fall leaves. Along the way, we did hear and spot Camp Branch Falls, but couldn't see a good way to get closer. This joins Opossum Creek later on. A Southern Two-lined Salamander spotted on the trail that may have been stepped on by the looks of its tail. . . sorry! Another picture of Opossum Creek Falls from further down the creek. Renee finding an alternate way across Camp Branch on our way back from Opossum Falls. This "mushroom factory" was found on the way back from Opossum Creek Falls. Taking it easy near the Chatooga River. Beth & Trushna having a good time near the Chatooga River. It took a bit more effort to get around this recent dead fall. Nice colors along the Chatooga River. Dick Metzgar making that previous fall river photo. Ray is not so sure about the situation. Now that's a happy hiker! Classic midday, "deer in the headlights" look. We asked Vic to leave his pets at home, but this got loose and met us on the return trail home. Not the yellow brick, but the yellow-leaved trail home. A beautiful example of Narrowleaf Gentian seen on the bank of Camp Branch on our return back to the trailhead.