Sunday afternoon was spent walking along a roadbed on what we call “the South Carolina side of the Tugaloo River.” We have often wanted to hike this trail to the dam, but we still did not make it. There was a stream near the end that we could not cross on foot.

This is a private road but it’s also on the Army Corps line, so you are free to walk along it. And the above photo shows where this “trail” starts—at this gate. We did see one SUV going out and then back in the gate. When we came out, we met a couple with two small children. They knew the area well and said that their little girl often plays in the stream (during the summer) that crosses the road.

There are many “near by” hikes that are beautiful. This one was flat and rolling. We managed to get three miles out of it and would have gotten more, if we had found a river crossing. We’ll return next summer with our water shoes! The shot above is not of the little stream that we needed to cross, but of the Tugaloo River!

This is one of my favorite fall photos from this area. It’s hard to resist being in a “yellow wood!” (Robert Frost)

And this is the little stream that we could not cross on foot. There was a crossing (through the water) for trucks, SUVs, and maybe some cars but nothing we could find to walk around on. It was a beautiful area and I can’t find where it is marked on any maps. So, you will need to ask a local about this road/trail.

Here’s the stream that we could not cross—just so you know that we were not being “soft.” Even after going up steam a few yards, we just couldn’t find a way across.

Well, what can I say: fall is here and the yellowing of our woods and ferns is a sign that winter is on the way. Still they are beautiful even as they say good bye to us for one more season.

On this day, Anne and Pat trekked through the woods in light-weigh hiking pants and t-shirts. We had thin jackets on that we put on and took off several times. The temps were in the high 60’s! But super cold weather is on the way! This will be a totally different scene in four days.

We did see “hog” traps (LOL!) that had been placed by the wild life folks and signs saying “stay away 50 yards,” which was impossible to do since the road runs very close to the trap/enclosures.” I didn’t see any evidence of wild hogs in the area. They are mean, fast, and will hurt you in a second! But I really think as one guy told me, “They know when you are near and leave long before you see them.” Thankful for those words.

A last look at the fading fall leaves and the Tugaloo River. The sun sets quickly in this area. It was 5 pm and daylight, enough for our cameras without tripods, was gone!

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