Station Cove Falls; a Wildflower Saunter

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**
I am going to Station Cove Falls, Oconee Station St Historic Site, Issaqueena Falls & Stumphouse Tunnel near Walhalla, SC; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Distance: 3.75 mi combined. Accum ascent 350ft (on the return)
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well maintained trails
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Drive time: 1.25 hr/62 mi 1-way
Via Hwy 25 to Hwy SC11
Google Map = “Station Cove Falls Trailhead”
Apprx return time: 2:30 pm (=5.25hrs)
Carpool contributions appreciated. $7.00 suggested
Weather Check: Walhalla, SC
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 3 driver(s) (=11ppl)
We suggest 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.
This event is suitable for moderate skilled hikers.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged. My attempts to quiet the prattlers has failed. This has become a ‘social networking’ event.
This is a dog-participant hike. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Dogs are welcome (IF their masters are well trained**). 'On leash' required.** Small (lap)dogs may carpool. Large dogs will drive themselves.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember: Hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Wood elves are mischievous in the Spring; Zip your backpacks tight.
STATION COVE FALLS; (34.84883, -083.07442)
Length: 1.5 mi RT; Elevation ascent: 200 ft; Difficulty: easy;
Oconee Station St Historic Site is a 0.5-mile easy loop around a lake.
An easy, 60-minute wildflower hike through a gorgeous Appalachian cove forest takes you to Station Cove Falls, a stepped 60-foot waterfall that forms from headwaters atop Station Mountain. In the spring, countless wildflowers bloom along the trail. You may see trillium, mayapple, pink lady’s slipper orchids, bloodroot, and redbud.
Issaqueena Falls: (34.80636, -083.12671)
A short easy walking trail to a beautiful 200-ft. cascade. Legend has it that the Indian maiden, Issaqueena, rode to the nearby fort to warn of a pending Indian attack and then escaped pursuing Indians by pretending to leap over the falls, but actually hiding beneath them (you can see where she hid). This short hike will take you to the top of the falls, but an (optional) short very steep path will give you a grand view of the entire scene.
Stumphouse Mountain tunnel is the remains of an 1850s attempt to link the port of Charleston to the cities of the Midwest by rail. The Civil War brought the construction to an end.
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)