Last week we hiked to Baskins Creek Falls. In short, never again. The trail boasts all kinds of terrain. You go up, down, left, right, and you see views and, of course, the waterfall at the end. Tough, but worth it. Once.
The National Park has really neglected this trail. We had to jump over or go under many felled trees in the middle of the path.
Baskins Creek Falls
Both ways it is about three miles, so not too bad as far as time, even if you go slowly. Off the path, one could also hike a bit to see an old cemetery. “Baby Grace” is a famous tomb stone, which has obviously been updated since it was first placed there in 1926. The baby girl was nine months old. The other stones are shaped to be mountain peaks, which apparently is an Appalachian thing.
Baby Grace tombstone
While we were standing by the cemetery, in the distance, a large tree fell. Just like that. After all the winds we have had, no wonder. Thankfully, it happened far away from us. We saw it and heard it from a distance of about 100 yards.
Baskins Creek Cemetery
There was some mud on the trail and there is at least one creek crossing. If you decide to hike this trail, dress appropriately, in layers, and in shoes that can take water.
Burnt bark on trees – new growth coming up
Other details: the views at the top are magnificent; you can see the 2016 fire has done some damage to the trees. Many are left white, without bark, just dead trees still standing, with tiny branches stretching pathetically on all sides. Sad.
