The Top of the Root

As referencing my previous post about my hike to the gorgeous Root creek fall, this is the second post. I went back to see if I could make it to the top of the falls to look down and see it from a different angle. I will add a photo to remind you.

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Okay, so I was at the bottom, and I wanted to like, not be. So after a light search of the surrounding woods, I spotted a very clear path leading up the mountain. Side note, the first time I was here for the hike I had tried to climb the rocks on the left side of the photo to get to the top, it was quite sketchy. I was happy to find a path going in the woods, its much safer that way, knowing someone else has done this.

Well I hike this trail, which is very steep, slayer steep, my quads were melting as I went up. But it very briefly levels off and goes out onto the sketchy rocky part mentioned before. There were several areas that looked like they might be paths, or just things that look like a path that leads you off the edge. So after much meandering, I figure out a safish path. Stopping every so often to make a Little Rock stack to remind myself of the path down. Eventually the path leads back into the woods.

This section of the woods honestly felt different. It is a solid 1000-1500 feet higher than the more traveled path. The ravens were cawing at me as if I did not belong in their home, I am not sure many people venture up to the top of the falls, at least this early in the year. Nevertheless, in the woods, I would rather hear birds than nothing at all.

After a few minutes in the woods, passing a mini waterfall that soaks the trail and surrounding moss, making for a brief terrifying crossing. Out of no where seemingly the path opens out onto the rocky upper falls. Up here it looks just like a creek, crystal clear and ice cold. I decided to venture downstream, towards the big falls. Passing many pools the look big enough for several friends to relax in on a warm day, I make mental notes to come back in warmer months to take a dip.

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Walking along the creek offers many sights of smaller falls and vista views of the surrounding forests. I crawled and slid down to very edge, but couldn’t get the view of the falls that I wanted. The best I could see were more pools tempting me to swim, however these were down a near vertical wall that I could not traverse that day. I noticed a tree with a chain around the base, with a rope and some courage one could repel down and access these temping pool, and the sights I am after. But, BUT, I didn't have rope, nor did I possess the courage to attempt that this day.

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I note the chain, knowing the next Time I come up here I will need a rope and some various supplies to adventure further. I stop exploring and eat a sandwich. mmmm turkey, I really wish that the place I get these sandwiches would start offering jalapeños, that is all I want.

Anyways, sandwich aside, I sit on top of the mountain listening to the various falls and birds, catching glimpses of lizards darting around, I get to just think.

Thinking in such pretty places is such a blessing that many don’t get to experience. I was thankful that no one else had chose today to take this hike, just me.

So naturally I put my feet in the creek, hopefully not causing irreversible ecological damage to the ecosystem.

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After some time I pack up and walk back up the creek, looking for the trail. However, I forgot that I could maybe go up the creek to find some more adventure. I note this for the next time. I make my way to the trail and hurry down hill, which is the worst, my knees, they probably still hurt. But I am happy to know that I have several other prospects for adventure the next time I make this trek.

To end, this is my favorite area I have had the pleasure of exploring in the area. I believe that it could be a popular tourist draw. I don’t want that to be though, I like it being less traveled, more adventure for me and the people I convince to go with me.

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My Easter Date