Beech Bottom Falls (aka Pinnacle Falls)
Sassafras Mountain, Foothills/Palmetto Trail Loop
Pickens County, SC
(plus one small step into Transylvania County, NC)
Tuesday, January 26th, 2021
Beech Bottom Falls
The last time I visited the summit of Sassafras Mountain there was no observation platform, Beech Bottom Falls was known as Pinnacle Falls, and I was able to stop and share a few beers with friends at Bob's Place afterwards!
Memories from my last visit to Bob's Place before it burnt the ground
and when it was safe to gather in larger groups!
Since that time, a shiny new observation platform has been constructed on the summit of Sassafras Mountain, Pinnacle Falls was mysteriously changed to Beech Bottom Falls, a new trail and viewing platform was built to Beech Bottom Falls, and sadly Bob's Place burnt to the ground.
I started my day of Solo hiking by checking out the new trail to Beech Bottom Falls. The trail is well constructed and a relatively easy hike to the new viewing platform. I loved the woodwork on several new bridges along the trail.
The view from the platform is nice, but nowhere near as good as from the base. Unfortunately, getting to the base requires a bit of trespassing which I did not do on this day.
Sign? What Sign?
Beech Bottom Falls
Bat Cave
Loved the woodwork on the new bridge
After Beech Bottom Falls, I continued up the Mountain. There were no other vehicles in the parking area and I had the summit of Sassafras Mountain to myself! The fog obstructed any views, but I still enjoyed being the highest person in South Carolina for a little while.
Selfie at the tallest mountain in South Carolina
Making me the highest person in South Carolina at that moment in time!
On the SC side of the new Sassafras Mountain Observation Platform
The new Sassafras Mountain Observation Platform
After checking out the new observation platform, I started my main hike of the day. I didn't really have a definitive plan and ended up doing about a 16 mile loop utilizing sections of the Foothills Trail, Palmetto Trail, and other well maintained forest service roads.
I seem to have accidentally deleted my track, but did get a screenshot of it before it mysteriously disappeared.
GPS Track from my hike
I was a very enjoyable and peaceful hike. I just love hiking in the fog!
Decisions
My complete set of photos is posted here:
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