This steep climb takes the average hiker 5 hours to complete. We did it in 5.5 hrs, not bad for our ages! Eric and his brother, Bruce, pose at the start of the trail.
The weather had been raining a week prior, so the hike was gorgeous with lots of waterfalls.
It started out pretty flat, which gave us a good pace early on.
Then after 30 minutes, it was step after step, increasing rapidly in elevation which gave us a good workout for the next few hours.
The two most energetic ones found extra adventure in climbing the large boulders.
Then waiting on the rest of us to catch up.
A local guy, Glen, caught up with us and decided to hang around with our group. His knowledge of the area proved valuable and entertaining as we learned about the type of trees, leaves, flowers, where there's a hidden spring, what's poisonous, and even how to make a whistle if we're lost. Friendly fellow, good Baptist (King James version), and a thick Pickens accent.
There used to be a covered lookout shelter halfway up, but it burned down about two years ago. All that's left is the rock base.
Then further up the mountain about 80% of the way is Governor's Rock. This is a glimpse of what the top is like and gives you motivation to keep going.
When we finally reached the top, the views were breathtaking! Here's a panoramic..
The lunch we packed was perfect, and enough to share with Glen. After a nice 30 min. rest, we refilled our water bottles and headed back down.
The two energetic ones leading the pack and waiting on us again at Governor's Rock.
As if this wasn't adventure enough, the family went white water rafting down Section IV of the Chatooga.
Lynn and Angela decided to make use of a brief stop to hike to a nearby waterfall. Who said life has to slow down at 60?
