March 30, 2021
Winding Stairs Trail
A really nice hike with the trails dry and in good condition with just a few deadfalls to climb under, over or around. The the hike from the trailhead is almost totally downhill with the slope quite gradual which makes the return hike not difficult. I would rate this hike at easy to moderate. The late Fall through early Spring is a great time to hike this trail and see the two waterfalls which would be mostly obscured by the tree canopy in the late spring through early fall. You do have to climb down a short, but steep path to get the best views of the waterfalls, but it is worth the effort. We were fortunate in that the paths to the falls were mostly dry making the short walk safer and easier. For a couple of extra miles, one could hike further down the trail to where it meets Cheohee Road (FS 710). Some wildflowers today which should improve in a couple of weeks.
The route
4.8 mi · 955 ft climbing · 3h 54m out, 2h 44m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (20)
Miuka (Cheohee) Falls Trail Marker at Trailhead off of SC 107 Today's hikers: Dick, Vic, Ray, Jenny, Mike & Lynn A view of Lake Cheohee from the trail. Lots of interesting rock formations on this hike. Halberd-leaved Violet (Viola hastata) Lots of small, but pretty drainage features along the trail. Typical trail conditions Miuka (Cheohee) Falls Miuka (Cheohee) Falls Miuka (Cheohee) Falls Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) Dwarf Iris (Iris verna) Dwarf Iris (Iris verna) Yellow Violet, Round-Leaved (Viola rotundifolia) Hidden Falls Hidden Falls Unknown grassy wildflower in bloom