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    Walhalla State Fish Hatchery

    4.0 (1 review)
    Closed 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    7 years ago

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    Secret Falls

    Secret Falls

    5.0(3 reviews)
    5.6 mi

    Wanna know a secret???…read more There are waterfalls all over this region of the South just waiting to be discovered. Many are known and many more are unknown. While I've been hiking this area for nearly a decade, I only recently heard about this waterfall for the first time last year (2019). A well kept local secret indeed... but y'all dun let the wrong yelper discover this waterfall and the secret is about to be let out! [ THE DRIVE ] There are a shocking amount of natural waterfalls located on private property throughout this area. Thankfully this is not one of them and it can be enjoyed by all. The gravel road to the trailhead is known as Big Creek Road. Since we were coming from the King Creek Waterfall area near Tamassee SC, GPS lead us to the eastern end of Horse Cove Road, which is also known as Bull Pen Road closer to the Chattooga River (where you pass over a cool old iron bridge). I tell you these details because if you happen to follow our driving route on a week after heavy rainfalls, you are likely to see a great number of unnamed waterfalls off in the woods. We counted 5, and only one of them was a named waterfall on Google maps (Scotsman Falls). [ THE EXPERIENCE ] We traveled along Walking Stick Road until it took a sharp right turn towards Big Creek Road. On the day we visited, there was a locked gate blocking the drive onto Big Creek Road, so we parked in a small little niche near the gate and walked about 200 yards to the Secret Falls trailhead (which is marked with a narrow sign). The trail was very muddy, but the descent was slow and steady for the majority of the half mile hike. However, it gets considerably steeper as you approach the portion of the trail leading to the base of the falls. Here you will see poorly maintained wooden timbers actings as steps.They were so poor in fact, that we opted not to use them and walked alongside them. The waterfall was raging from all the recent rain, which limited some of our photo opportunities. It is a gorgeous waterfall with picturesque cascades both above and below it. The cascades below comes as the river takes a sharp left turn just past the pool of water at the base of the falls. Accessing the upper waterfall area is easily done by using a small obvious trail off to the left just before the wooden steps. A downed tree forces you to scramble over it and around large rhododendrons that are bent over from the weight of the fallen tree. Once through the brush, you will be directly on top of the falls, so be careful and exercise good judgement. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Hiking Distance: 1.3 miles Difficulty: Easy and family friendly (but can be muddy) Creek Crossings: YES (3) Elevation Gain: 255 feet Waterfall Height: Approx 45 feet Access to top of falls: YES Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES if gate is open. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] THE SECRET IS OUT!!! This is a great waterfall for an easy family adventure. We came in the winter, but seems this would be a great picnic spot where kids could play in the water for hours in the summer. The drive to nearby Highlands, NC is only about 6.5 miles away for plenty of food options and even more waterfall adventures. Near Highlands are a number of GREAT waterfalls with very short hiking distances including Ranger Falls, Bust Yer Butt Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja River Falls and our personal favorites: Glen Falls, Dry Falls, Mud Falls and Estatoah Falls (which is hidden just next to the Sky Valley Scenic Overlook). ENJOY!!! 2020 / 4

    I was somewhat surprised that there are not more reviews of this trail/waterfall. I believe that…read morethe real name of this falls is Big Shoals Falls. In his book on NC waterfalls, Kevin Adams referred to it as Secret Falls and the name seems to have stuck. For years, there was no official trail to this waterfall and the one unofficial trail which existed traversed private property. I've been visiting the area for thirty years and this (October 2021) was my first visit to this waterfall. Bottom line: It is awesome. Truly one of the more beautiful waterfalls that I've been to. I have to disagree with the previous reviewer: IMO, this trail is in horrible shape. Granted, reviews like these are entirely subjective. But I would definitely not bring young children or dogs here. When I visited, the trail was really in bad shape. The first part of the hike was fairly easy. But the farther you go, the worse the trail becomes. Erosion had taken a terrible toll. There are many rutted and washed-out areas. Some were so bad that hikers have bypassed the trail completely. The final descent to the base of the falls was the worst. Wooden steps had been constructed. But the erosion was so bad that much of the soil behind the steps had washed out making the steps all but unusable. There are two water crossings on the trail. One was a couple of planks stretched across a small branch. The other was on a split log over a somewhat larger stream. Neither was too difficult. Then again, the faint-of-heart would probably not care for either one. Trekking poles helped me on both. I was not able to find a path to the brink of the falls. I tried one crude path which seemed to be incredibly choked with rhododenron. So I gave up on getting to the top of the falls. There is a much smaller cascade downstream of the main falls. As with the brink, I could not figure out how to get to it. I visited early in the morning and had the place all to myself. The lighting wasn't terrific. I'm not sure what time or sky conditions are ideal for photography. I drove in on Rich Gap and Big Creek Roads off of Hwy 28 south of Highlands. It wasn't too bad of a drive in my 2WD F-150. But I believe that the drive out on Walking Stick Rd to Horse Cove Rd east of town was easier. If you love waterfalls, definitely put this one on your must-see list. But be aware of the fact that the hike is a challenge. Not so much due to elevation change (which is moderate) but, rather, due to the overall condition of the trail.

    Photos
    Secret Falls - Have to walk over this water

    Have to walk over this water

    Secret Falls - Cross the tree

    Cross the tree

    Secret Falls

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    John's Jump & DEW Falls - John's Jump Falls

    John's Jump & DEW Falls

    3.0(1 review)
    6.7 mi

    JOHN'S JUMP & DEW FALLS are both located on the same river that crosses under NC-281, but on…read moreopposite sides of the road. ALLTRAILS labels it Mill Creek while another website called it Gumbottom Creek. Map coordinates are 35.067993, -83.007686 [ HIKING ] JOHN'S JUMP is a 35 foot waterfall on the eastern side of the road and is accessed via a very short yet steep trail to the base of the falls. The trail begins at the northern end of a grassy pullover. Look for an orange ribbon tied to a tree about 25 feet to the right of the beginning of a guard railing marking the trailhead. If the orange ribbon is not visible, the narrow trail leading into the woods should be fairly obvious. You will encounter a side view of the falls within a minute of being on the trail. John's Jump Falls are surprisingly large and the crest is within view from the roadside. Very pleasant waterfall that is fairly easy to access. To reach D.E.W. FALLS, walk safely along NC-281 near the guard railing. Once on the other side of the creek, cross over the road and you will see a small dirt pull-off large enough for two cars. Walk past the gate along an old road. In about 300 feet you will encounter a small elevation gain of about 15 feet. Take the dirt trail to the left of the main trail at the top of the small hill, which will lead you to D.E.W. Falls, named so after a student @ a South Carolina school by the name of Dorothy Ehlrich Walker, whom died in a car accident the summer before her senior year began. Reportedly the students helped build the trail and were given the honor of naming the waterfall by the Forest Services. NOTES: Our hike was within a few day of recent rains. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Total Hiking Distance: .6 miles Difficulty: Easy and family/pet friendly Creek Crossings: YES (1 bridge) Elevation Gain: 135 feet Waterfall Height: 35 feet (John's Jump) Waterfall Height: 12 feet (D.E.W.) WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS * DEW Falls - 3 out of 10 * John's Jump - 6 out of 10 Access to top of falls: NO Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES (limited) [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] The hike to both falls is about half a mile combined. DEW falls is less impressive, but still a worthy road trip pit stop if you are planning to visit other waterfalls in the area such as the magnificent triple waterfall combo trail @ nearby Gorges State Park which features 125' Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls as well as an overlook to the 270' Bearwallow Falls. If you are feeling adventurous, there is a THIRD waterfall upstream of DEW Falls that is much taller and practically roadside. Topography maps indicate the waterfalls is approx. 70' tall, but it is unclear on how to reach the base from Upper Whitewater Road (1152). 2021 / 50

    Photos
    John's Jump & DEW Falls - DEW Falls

    DEW Falls

    John's Jump & DEW Falls
    John's Jump & DEW Falls

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    Big Bend Falls - One of the many amazing views along the trail.

    Big Bend Falls

    4.0(1 review)
    3.5 mi

    Big Bend Falls is said to be the largest waterfall on the Scenic Chattooga River and can be reached…read morevia a 3.2 mile one way Hike from Burrell's Ford Campground. You can go directly to the falls via the trail at the end of the parking lot near the gate, OR take the trail directly across from the restroom facilities, which I would recommend! THAT trail leads you to Kings Creek, where you will find a stunning 70 foot waterfall. Once you've seen the falls, backtrack in the same direction you came until you see a side trail leading you to the Foothills Trail (white blazes). Eventually it will connect with another trail (green blazes) and you will follow it for approx. 2.8 miles. The Foothill Trail mostly follows the Chattooga River, but there will be a few sections of the trail that cut across higher elevations where the river is far below you or not visible at all. However, there are also several areas where you can walk out onto the river banks and take absolutely stunning pictures. It is no wonder the Chattooga is considered one of the most beautiful wild & scenic rivers in the southeastern United States! I would recommend using a satellite GPS trail tracking system that does not rely on the internet to find the falls. We ran across several backpack hikers that could not find the falls, which had us worried. However, ya' boy and his crew go t it done and found the elusive side trail that leads to the falls from the main trail. ~ INSIDER TIP: Once you cross the one-rail footbridge and see the signs that says Big Bend Falls [.8 miles], you will hike a number of switchbacks and sections with timber steps. The falls are not visible from the main trail, but you CAN hear them. The audible level of the falls is only slightly louder than the roar of the rivers rapids. However, once you are on the side trail down to the falls, you will hear the deep base tone of the falls much better. The trail down to the falls is just beyond a long set of timber stairs after the third or forth switchback. Immediately after the stairs is small a rock outcrop you must climb down and directly to your right after that will be a narrow opening in the thicket. The side trail entrance is here. ~ WARNING: The side trail is VERY STEEP and tight in some areas. You need both hands and feet to get down safely and it will require you to hold onto branches, roots or anything you can to keep from slipping. I would NOT RECOMMEND bringing small children on this hike. As a matter of fact, I would even go as far as to say it would be difficult (not impossible) for anyone shorter than 5 feet. There were some sections I needed my entire 5'11" frame to find the ground below me as I held onto a branch. ~ TRAIL DETAILS * PARKING AREA: YES [Burrell's Ford Campground] * RESTOOMS: YES * LENGTH: 3.2 miles ONE WAY to falls * DIFFICULTY: 5 out of 10 [main trail] / 9 out of 10 [side trail to falls] * ELEVATION GAIN: 785+ feet (one way) * WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS: 10 out of 10 | Kings Creek 6 out of 10 | Big Bend (mostly because of volume) * WATERFALL HEIGHT: 70 feet | Kings Creek 30 feet | Big Bend (but looks smaller) ~ FINAL TOUGHTS Some trail guide rate this trail as strenuous and others moderate. I would say it is mostly moderate, but the side trail climb down to the falls is no joke! It's not very long, but it requires great effort. Still, to those who risk it, there is a marvelous reward! Even without going down to Big Bend Falls it is a very rewarding trail, particularly in the fall season. The trail affords some seriously stunning views and photo ops of the Chattooga River, and Kings Creek Falls simply should not be missed! Also nearby are Spoonauger Falls, Licklog Falls and Pigpen Falls if you have the extra energy. ENJOY!!! 2020 / 80

    Photos
    Big Bend Falls - Me with Bobby B & crew from Jacksonville, FL.

    Me with Bobby B & crew from Jacksonville, FL.

    Big Bend Falls - King's Creek Falls is a must stop along the trail to Big Bend Falls.

    King's Creek Falls is a must stop along the trail to Big Bend Falls.

    Big Bend Falls - Big Bend Falls 25Oct2020

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    Big Bend Falls 25Oct2020

    Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Penguins were awesome!!

    Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

    4.2(952 reviews)
    56.2 mi

    This aquarium came highly suggested by a coworker of mine who is from the area. I'm so happy she…read moresuggested it because it was an awesome experience! With plenty of children around me clearly enjoy enjoying every second while in this aquarium, it's also clear that the adults and parents had something they could enjoy as well! The amount of species were really impressive! I certainly walked away learning a lot about the limitless life in our oceans- from favorite species like clown fish to unique/ "not so frequently seen" species like cool sea dragons that resemble floating kelp. We were able to see the entirety of the aquarium in about two hours, and the layout of the aquarium is great with a clear path to make it all the way through. Honorable mention to the awesome saw sharks. I actually don't know if that's their actual name, but there're nose kind of resembles a saw and they are so cool during the automated walkway through the tunnel of sharks and fish. It was so bizarre to just look up and see huge sharks right above me!! I was also really impressed with the amount of space these animals have. I know that zoos and aquariums can get a bad rep, but these animals really do seem very taken care of and happy in a simulated natural environment. I like how they included the water treatment room as a part that people can see because obviously these animals require very strict water treatment plans in order to keep them thriving. The penguin station was also one of our favorites!!! It was so cool to be able to crawl through a tube "into" their enclosure in a dome like clear glass and be surrounded by penguins!!! You can read the names on their flipper bands to tell them apart, and you can really get up close to see the differences in their beaks or features. I thought that was so cool. I liked the amount of cool snacks and beverages available too! I got a frozen peach lemonade that was so yummy. We were here during off peak time, but it was still very busy. It's a very popular attraction. I know they also offer some packages to if you're coming with family or friends and you'd like to do more than one Ripley related experience you can buy a pack at a discount at the teller. Don't forget to take advantage of your military or first responder discounts if possible while you're here!

    Well, of all the entertainment in this town, this is definitely one of the better kept and…read moremaintained businesses. The Ripley's franchise is more about popularity than content, so I have mixed feelings about my visit. As an adult visiting with no children, I found it interesting yet a bit boring. I did see things very well displayed, and I enjoyed walking under the water tank with sharks, but I wasn't totally immersed and entertained. But it was cool. The hefty price tag is definitely a deterrent to visit, but like I said, I am visiting and I need to spend my money somewhere. I would not recommend this to another adult. If you are visiting with kids and family, this place offers lots of fun, especially for kids. There are lots of fun facts and interactive exhibits, plus a nice playground and food and stuff. Plan your visit accordingly.

    Photos
    Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Family photo.  They offer photo packages

    Family photo. They offer photo packages

    Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Outside entrance

    Outside entrance

    Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - My kids In the huge chair

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    My kids In the huge chair

    Walhalla State Fish Hatchery - aquariums - Updated May 2026

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