Twenty-six TrailBlazers led by Captain Kenya headed up Highway 21 on a brisk and breezy day in search of waterfalls. Unlike last week’s tropical temps, this week’s weather was quite chilly at the Glory Hole Trailhead. The sight of large puddles on the trail from recent heavy rains suggested great falls. Along the trail we saw lots of dogwood and some wildflowers, but not the same profusion of them as last week. Newcomers were treated to the impressive sight of the creek funneling itself into a round hole etched in the rocks by tons of water flowing downhill for centuries. 

As we continued trekking downhill, we had to watch our footing as we descended into the canyon below where great sheets of water create a gorgeous waterfall shooting down through the Glory Hole. There were several other waterfalls on the hillsides. Of course, we spent quality time scrambling over rocks and boulders to view and photograph the falls from every angle. On the uphill return some of us hiked part of the way back along the creek trail so we could view several falls and cascades in the water-laden creek. 

Next we drove to the Magnolia Falls Trailhead and started down the trail, an obstacle course in places due to ice damage. When we reached the creek we saw lots of mini falls all over the place and finally arrived at the falls where we ate lunch – some at creek side and others sitting high above the falls. The light was not at its best for our pictures, but we never let something like that stop us! Again we explored and did battle with some vicious greenbrier as we followed the creek to see Woods Boys Falls where there was an enormous umbrella magnolia getting ready to bloom. On the way back Alexis grabbed the lead and gave us commentary on trail conditions and points of interest. Beautiful day for hiking and lots of water!