After arriving and checking in, I decided to hike to Fall Creek Falls, so I drove to the Fall Creek Falls Overlook. Saw two deer just driving there. I then hiked the trail to Rocky Point Overlook, Cane Creek Gorge Overlook, Cane Creek Overlook and finally turned around after Cane Creek Falls. Even though it was spitting rain the whole hike....it was still one FANTASTIC HIKE! Total Distance hiked (one way) 0.93 miles.
Next morning, even before a shower or breakfast, I drove out to the Piney Falls to take a short hike. This hike was just a short one (less than a half mile), but I went from the Parking Lot to the Swinging bridge but there was no way I could cross it (I hate Swinging Bridges), so I took a shot or two then hiked back and went to the Piney Falls Overlook and back to the parking lot.
Then I showered, ate breakfast and headed to Atlanta for the ASEE SE Exec meeting for the next two days.
On Oct 17, after the meeting was over, I drove to Henry Horton State Park. After settling in I took a walk around the park, I really can't call this part a hike, since it was not really a trail, just a walk around the park.
Just when I was crossing the road to walk back to the inn, a deer was just standing there and I was able to take a number of good shots of the deer. I also took a few more shots of the park.
After a nap and a shower, I had dinner at the park's restaurant and then hung out in the room before going to sleep. Next morning I woke up, showered, ate at the restaurant then decided to hike the Wilhoite Mill Trail. This was a short, half mile, loop but a lot of it was along the Duck River.
After the hike, went back to the Inn, packed and headed home to Memphis.
Comments:
First I have to thank Star (a student at UofM for suggesting this park)! I am definitely going back to Fall Creek Falls again (and again and again). The short time I spent there shows the park has a lot to offer. Got a backcountry map while I was there so I can plan my next trip (they do have 3 backcountry camp sites, I just have to remember the swinging bridge near Piney Falls is a "No Go" for me). I can envision a trip where I go there, stay in the inn the first night, head out to the backcountry for a day or two, stay in the inn to clean up and recover then head home. Would make a wonderful trip.
As for Henry Horton State Park, It was nice, but I think I hiked the two good trails and the rest of the park seems more like a "local park" (ie pool, picnicking, tennis and golf) than what I am use to as a State Park. I am glad I went (and it did break up my drive home), but I think I will put that in the "been there, done that" category.
