Opossum Creek Falls Camping Trip, South Carolina
Do your legs get itchy for adventure? Have you ever had a longing for a walk in the woods to settle your soul? Same here!
As Memorial Weekend was quickly approaching, my plans started to fall through and shift a bit. I always want to make sure that there is no wasted time off, especially for a long weekend! I began to ponder on which areas to go and camp for a night. I quick hike with great views, water nearby and not too long of a distance were my basic criteria. A few came to mind, but Opossum Creek Falls jumped to the top of the list quickly.
This would be my second time visiting Opossum Creek Falls. This great waterfall is very close to the Chattooga River which acts as the border for South Carolina and Georgia. The Chattooga is a popular rafting and kayaking river as it offers several series of rapids and some decently faster whitewater, but also isn't terribly deep or too dangerous. This would be a great spot to camp, have water access and was only a small jaunt to the waterfall in the morning.
The work day on Friday went much longer than expected which only made me even more adamant about taking a break in nature to relieve some stress. Gus (my boxer) and I quickly packed our Osprey with tent, sleeping bag, lights and food then quickly headed down to the trailhead from Greenville. The hour drive seemed like forever as we were now chasing the sunset. Thoughts crept in that I should turn around and call this trip off, but my spirit wouldn't let me.
We took zero breaks as we rushed down the 2.2 miles downhill to the river's edge. Sweaty, hungery, tired and excited, we arrived to our spot and saw a welcomed 2 other tents from a family of camping kayakers. We quickly made introductions (Gus does this my kissing everyone) and set up camp very quickly. They invited us to utilize their fire, which was very welcomed so we could chat and pass the time together. My fellow campers consisted of a Father-in-Law (60's), husband & wife, and young daughter (8-10). I was bombarded with questions being the new guy in camp, which I was admittedly thrown off guard and coming down a bit from the rush of trotting down the trail and building camp while the sun was setting. The family was very kind and I learned that this was an annual trip for them and they routinely camp in this spot. We shared some beers, swapped camping stories, discussed hobbies and interests and social media versus reality.
The social media topic seemed to strike a chord with the husband. He pointed out the lack of respect a bunch of unprepared campers have for the environment or land to which they are adventuring on. I agreed but furthered that at least they are expanding their viewpoints and every teacher was once a student too. Just because they are not as experienced as us doesn't make them less. Yes, they need to learn, but sometimes the only way to learn is by doing. I then pointed out that I am an influencer on social media and my goal is to inspire others around me to get outside themselves and visit some of the same areas displayed on my channels. This was met with hard judgement, but that's ok. I learned a long time ago us as humans don't have to agree on everything, but it's important that we listen to each other and try to maintain an open mind.
I thanked them for the beers and we all went off our separate ways to our tents. It was a beautiful night full of stars in the night sky. We were far enough away from light pollution to see the milky way. The fireflies danced around the tent, the frogs sang and the sounds of the white waters in the river made for a great sleepy sound to drift off into REM.
The next morning Gus and I awoke, quickly made a fast breakfast. We followed this up with a cool dip in the morning waters of the Chattooga. The heat from the humid night gave us a sticky coating that was welcomed to shed off in the shallow river. We played catch, swam together and took in the sights before changing back into hiking wear, said our fairly wells, packed up camp and heading towards Opossum Creek Falls.
Upon my arrival at the falls, I was once again reminded of how each waterfall is uniquely different, similar to a snowflake or fingerprint. Opossum Creek Falls has both an upper and lower portion. Being that I had my 50lb pack on, I remained at the lower portion, but was still able to awe in its splendor.
I like to believe that each rock was perfectly placed over time, however I now know that each rock is perfectly imperfect but works its magic anyway. I can't help but see how this parallels us as humans. We all worry about striving to be perfect, but too often forget how to embrace our unique qualities that make us individuals.
I took a few videos and pictures of the falls then made my way out of the woods, back through the campground saying "thanks" to my fellow campers, then up the long gradual incline to the trailhead.
Here is a quick video of Gus's and my camping trip:
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