But the only bear picture we have is from the visitor center's taxidermied display. We are enjoying very nice weather here in the North Georgia Mountains, and we had time for one more hike before we left our week-long stay in the area. We drove a few miles to Unicoi State Park, where we visited with the very knowledgeable park ranger. We were expecting to take a walk at the state park, but he started describing his favorite trail in the area. Actually on U.S. Forest Service land, he described it as the best trail in the southeast United States, and he couldn't say enough good things about Raven Cliff Falls Trail. All-righty, it sounds like our plans for the day have changed. We drove the 8 miles to the trail head and headed into the forest. Not far into the trail we got a heart-felt welcome from this old tree.
It is 2.5 miles to the main waterfall, but there is plenty to see on the way. There are four different waterfalls along the way, and Mark is standing beside one of them.
We heard this trail can be very crowded on the weekend, but there were around 20 cars in the parking lot even on a week day. We like visiting with hikers we meet on the trail, and today we met a very interesting man. We didn't get his picture, but we did get his hiking companion. He takes his pet bird with him on hikes! This cage is close to two feet tall, and must give him quite an arm work-out! He had also replaced the bars with plexiglass on one side of the cage so his fine feathered friend could get a clear view on these hikes. He also has a bird leash that he uses for some hikes.
The entire hike is canopied by forest, and runs beside the clear water of Dodd Creek. Even in the heat of summer, this must be a cool hike, as we explored another waterfall on the way.
But the star of the trail is the final destination--Raven Cliff Falls.
One of the most unique waterfalls we have ever seen, the falls emerge from a fracture in the side of a massive granite slab. We have wandered into another of God's wonders.
If we back away from the waterfall, we can get an idea of the size of the 100-foot granite slab that houses the waterfall. Of course, Mark wonders if we could get to the top of that rock. So off we go on a scramble over rocks and roots at a 45 degree angle.
We made it, but it was a tough scramble. It's hard to get a picture from the top, but Mark jumped up to a ledge to try to show the edge of the mountain.
Mark took a picture straight down from our perch. The bright orange dot is a person viewing the waterfall. They have no idea they are posing for a picture from above.
The only thing harder than climbing up a steep cliff, is coming back down. Mark is smiling because he has long legs and strong arms to help with the down hill trip. But he is really worried about how he is going to get Denisa down.
We eventually made it down, but Mark had to make some artificial steps with his hands for Denisa to step down at places.
Denisa made it back to the falls, not sure if she should be following a mountain climber like Mark. She's not sure if the "Whither thou goest I will go" vow should include waterfall trails!
On our way home from this hike, Denisa spotted a bear by the edge of the forest on the side of the road. Mark was concentrating on the road and the never-ending curves, so he missed it. By the time we whipped a u-turn, the bear had already ambled into the woods. But we do now have visual proof that Georgia bears are alive and well.
It's been a great stay here in North Georgia, and this was a great hike for our last day in this area. But we are on a bit of a schedule. So we will be moving down the road to a new adventure.
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