Upcoming Hike on Tuesday, August 12:
Headwaters State Forest
On August 12, Holy Hikers will visit NC Headwaters State Forest, including three waterfalls that make up parts of the “headwaters” of the East Fork of the French Broad River watershed. Opened in 2018, the protected forest creates an unbroken wildlife migration corridor by connecting adjacent forest lands in both North and South Carolina, including DuPont State Forest and Gorges State Park. Here is a map that illustrates how this new forest connects to some of Holy Hikers' favorite areas.
We will first visit a 60-foot cascade known as Reese Place Falls. This is an out-and-back, two-mile trail with an elevation gain of 328 feet. After carpooling to the next trailhead, we will visit a 20-foot cascade known as Gravley Falls. This is also an out-and-back, two-mile trail with a 249-foot elevation gain. Finally, we will stop by East Fork Falls, which is an easy walk near the road. All trails are rated easy to moderate.
Please pack a lunch and plenty of water since we are hiking during the summer season. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
We will meet at Reese Place Falls parking lot at 9:00am. There are plenty of parking spaces at this trailhead, but there is less parking available for access to the second and third waterfalls. With that in mind, we will carpool from Reese Place trailhead to the other trailheads. Reese Place is about 27 miles from the church with an estimated drive time of 45 minutes. If you wish to carpool or convoy from the church, plan to meet at the Parish Hall parking lot no later than 8:15am. Please register by clicking the button below.
Directions from St. John in the Wilderness
Head west on Rutledge Drive, towards Mud Creek Baptist and Erkwood Dr.
At the intersection by Mud Creek Baptist, turn left onto Erkwood Dr.
At the light, turn left onto Kanuga Rd.
In 2.9 miles, continue straight as Kanuga Rd. becomes Crab Creek Rd.
In 7.1 miles, turn left onto Dupont Rd.
In 1.3 miles, continue straight as Dupont Rd. becomes Staton Rd.
In 4.2 miles, turn left onto Cascade Lake Rd.
In 2.5 miles, when you cannot continue straight, turn right onto US-276 W (Greenville Hwy.)
In 3.5 miles, turn left onto E Fork Rd.
In 3.8 miles, the Reese Place Falls parking area will be on your left.