Melrose Falls plus the Saluda Grade; wildflowers!

MY ANNUAL PREMIER WILDFLOWER EVENT.
NOTE: I plan multiple days - YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR ONE DAY ONLY.
LIMIT 8 PPL/DAY (2 cars) Thu, 26-Mar will be ‘challenging’. Tue, 31-Mar will be ‘moderate’.
We are the Sloth Hike Team: “We will get there when we get there.” We dare to go where the ‘real’ hike groups don’t !!
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ8H4EK2vt4**
We are going to Melrose Falls near Tryon & Saluda; the Curmudgeon will be our guide. A limit of only 8 of you are welcome to join me each day.
Because of the popularity of this event (and a growing waitlist), I am hosting 2 different days. Please Un-RSVP if you are unable to attend to allow waitlisted people to attend. (clear as mud?)
(if you wish to visit on your own, contact me for details.)
Distance: 3.50 mi total; Total ascent: 300 ft accumulative.
Pace: 1.0mph – because we’ll be taking pics..
Difficulty: I am adding a challenging section going up to the RR tracks. Visiting the upper falls, and butt-sliding down to the falls. Steep at the falls; occasional (avoidable) poison ivy alongside the trail.
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Drive time: 22 mi/30min 1-way
Apprx return time: 2:30 PM (+4.5 hrs)
Carpool contributions appreciated. $3.00 suggested
Weather Check: Tryon, NC
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
We suggest masks and open windows while carpooling. Only you know your own health status so judge accordingly if an event may endanger your health or the health of others.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged.
This is NOT a dog-participant hike. There will be crowds of ppl on the trail.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
MELROSE FALLS
Bring your wildflower book and your camera. Trillium, bloodroot, Little Brown Jug, Dutchmans britches, and a bunch more that I cannot identify.
The 200 ft cascading waterfall is nice, too!
Difficulty: Moderately steep at the falls AND at the beginning.
Length: 3.5 mi RT; Accum Elevation gain: 300 ft
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: : The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie's contact: CurmudgeonHiker@gmail.com
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**