We spent an extra day
exploring the area by Peaks of Otter as it was supposed to be the least chance
of rain out of 4 days. We hiked down to Fallingwater Cascades. The steep trail
paralleled the long cascade and offered great sounds though limited views
through the trees.
 |
| a very small section of the cascade |
But Bill found a way of
getting a better vantage point.
The trail is a loop, but a
bridge across the creek was no longer there and jumping over slippery rocks
looked treacherous, so we returned the way we came.
The Peaks of Otter consist
of three peaks. One of the peaks is Sharp Top (elevation 3,875ft) with a
1.6-mile strenuous trail to the top. Barbara chose not to try it, but Bill
hiked up. Unfortunately the great 360⁰ panoramic view was diminished by cloud
cover.
Next Bill went on another
strenuous hike on the Apple Orchard Falls Trail. The steep downhill trail
followed the stream, with many small cascades. Bill stopped his descent by a
bridge and pretty waterfall, but isn’t sure if this was the main waterfall. The
trail back to the car was a steep uphill climb.
Probably the best view of
the day was at Thunder Ridge with a little “leg stretcher loop” to a nice
overlook.
Campground: Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles Traveled on Blue Ridge Parkway:
0 miles today
