"Hiking is a bit
like life: The journey only requires you
to put one foot in front of the other...again and again and again. And if you allow yourself opportunity to be
present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step
of the way, not just at the summit."
- unknown
"Do you want to take the easy, long trail, or the
harder, short trail?"
"What's the difference?"
"The long trail is flat and 3 miles. The short trail is about a mile with 500
stairs."
"The short trail."
I glance at my friend to confirm, "Yes, the short
trail."
The park ranger gave us a map with directions, and sent us
on our way.
The harder, short trail seemed like the best option since it was later in the day and we knew we were going to lose
daylight in only a few short hours. And of course, the short trail would be quicker...right?
We headed out on the trail enjoying the scenery, coming
across only a few steps now and again. At the fork in the trail we chose left for the Cherokee Falls.
When we heard the falls, we knew we were getting
close. I love the sound of waterfalls!
We stayed at the Cherokee Falls for over a hour, taking
pictures and taking in the scenery.
Since it was winter, and only us crazy Ohio people would hike when it
was cold, we had the place pretty much to ourselves.
Tearing ourselves away from Cherokee Falls we headed back
to the fork in the trail to see the other waterfall, Hemlock Falls, before it
got too late.
 |
| If you look close through the trees you can see Cherokee Falls under the sun and slightly to the right. |
After a short walk, we could see Hemlock Falls...waaaay down
from the lookout where we were standing. The other 450 stairs we hadn't yet come across, were also now visible. There was a decision to be made. We could walk down to the waterfall
and possibly not get back before dark, or head back...we headed back. But Cloudland Canyon State Park (click HERE to check it out) is on our list to go
back and visit again, and a good incentive to get into better shape. :)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Have a great day!
Michelle
What a lovely place to walk. Gorgeous waterfall and wonderful lighting. I usually take the longer trails as I like to linger!
ReplyDeleteI probably would have taken the longer trail... My knee starts to hurt just reading about 500 stairs. I don't mind steep trails too much (if it's not too long), but stairs just scare me away.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery. The waterfall is gorgeous, and I so love the second image in your post.
Beautiful! - and I do love the sound of waterfalls! I usually choose the harder trail, partially because the reward is usually worth it, and partially because I enjoy the challenge of the climb. There is something about having to scramble a little.
ReplyDeleteOh, what an amazing place, Michelle !
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those gorgeous photos !
Enjoy your weekend,
Sylvia
The short trail is often the hardest trail. What a beautiful place though.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, ethereal images, Michelle! xo
ReplyDeleteInteresting how we evaluate a direction...either on the trail or in life. This adventure became a wonderful blog post Michelle. The waterfalls are beautiful and I loved seeing the scenery in your park.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a perfect way to spend a wintery day with a friend...Waterfalls are magical and your capture is beautiful.. In fact, it looks like a great place to spend an entire day...another day you might make a different decision...It seems that way in life as well...
ReplyDelete