Never Grow Bored

Hidden Gems lay all around us!  You never know what's around that corner or threw those trees until you make the turn or go look. I recently received a trail map from another member of a Carolina hiking group on social media after an inquiry.  I had been to Ceaser's Head State Park several times and hiked some of the most difficult trails the park has to offer.  Raven Cliff Falls by Dismal Trail Loop to name the most strenuous.  Also, the very popular sites of Bald Rock and the Ceaser's Head Lookout are almost always packed with tourists and "casual" explorers.  I wasn't sure what to make of this newly passed along map and I only saw one photo of the final falls which "seemed" to be a large and tall waterfall, but pictures can be most deceiving. Gus and I were game!  Having hiked most upstate trails in SC already and hitting some of our favorite spots this particular Spring, we were searching for a change anyways.  We charged up the camera gear, down...

We should all challenge ourselves from time to time.  This could be setting personal records in the gym, running a faster split time, making a better creme brûlée, or hiking longer distances. I recently was able to throw down a 11.2 mile hike.  This is a much further than the other hikes I've been completing as of lately.  To be honest, afterwards I was a little proud of myself. 😊 I have been to Jones Gap State Park several times in the past year since moving to South Carolina. The park is always buzzing with people to see some of the waterfalls Jones Gap State Park houses. The main of these we have previously talked about is Rainbow Falls. However, this particular day we had set out to hike the Jones Gap Loop Trail.  Typically this trail is completed by starting in Caesars Head State Park / Mountain Bridge Wilderness, going downhill for their first section, then through Jones Gap State Park for the second section, and finally rounding off the th...