2020-09-01 Headwaters State Forest

Headwaters State Forest - Jane Cantrell Falls Hike

with Jenni Johnson and Lesli Montgomery

Transylvania County, NC (plus a foot or two into SC)

Tuesday, September 1st, 2020

Buzzing around Headwaters State Forest

I joined Jenni Johnson, Lesli Montgomery, and their canine companions (Vanilla Bean and Bella) for a hike into the new Headwaters State Forest to visit Jane Cantrell Falls.

Group Selfie at the Trailhead

L to R:  Me, Vanilla Bean, Jenni, Lesli  (Bella hidden somewhere)

I have yet to find a good map of the area and the forest is a maze of unmarked forest roads and trails.  We discussed several loop possibilities, but were not sure about a few sections of private property.  We decided on a lollipop loop starting from Glady Fork Road.

GPS Track from our hike

Click here for Interactive Link

This 6.3 mile route stays entirely on public land.  It is mostly follows old forest roads and a short section of the foothills trail.  The only off trail section is the short but steep and difficult bushwhack down to the base of Jane Cantrell Falls.

This was the most difficult section of bushwhacking

We lost Bella for a moment in the dog hobble

Jane Cantrell Falls

Group  Selfie at Jane Cantrell Falls

 Hanging out at Jane Cantrell Falls

Typical scene along the hike 

Straddling the State Line 

Bella, Vanilla Bean, and Jenni 

Enjoying a post hike Pale Ale with Lesli and Jenn

It was only about 12:30 when we finished up, so I decided to do a little solo exploring on my own with a few goals in my head:

1. Explore a little more of the maze known as Headwaters State Forest
2. Check out Gravely Falls
3. See if one of our original loop ideas would have worked
4. Enjoy some peace and solitude with nature

Mission Accomplished!

1. Explore a little more of the maze known as Headwaters State Forest

GPS Tracks (solo exploratory hike in yellow)

Click here for interactive link

2.  Check Out Gravley Falls!    This one exceeded my expectations

 Gravely Falls

Gravely Falls Selfie

Gravely Falls

3.  See if one of our original loop ideas would have worked

That would not have worked  

Note: This is the far north waypoint on the yellow track

4.  Enjoy some peace and solitude with nature.

Buzzing around the forest

 Hanging with a Butterfly

It was a beautiful day to explore around Headwaters State Forest.

My complete set of photos is posted here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8146392@N05/albums/72157715845747637