Hello and welcome back to another episode of Tread the Red podcast where we talk about some neat trails and about luscious moss videos.
In this episode: Trails of the Creekview Property at the Gorge. Darren and I stayed here last December and are just now covering the trails we hiked on the podcast! This includes Angels Falls Trail and Allison’s Trail (both have waterfalls!) We also talk about how we like to hike the Original Trail up to Natural Bridge for sunset (before Rachel read about creepy cryptids of the area (: oops…)
Also. If you feel so inclined to pet the fluffy moss on trail, please send a video over to Rachel @tread_the_red on Instagram. Please.
We hope everyone is staying safe and doing well and getting some awesome hikes in as we wrap up 2021! If we don’t get to record another podcast before the New Year, then Happy New Year!! Hope to see everyone on the trails January 1st to start 2022 off right. 😉
Copperas Falls Trail: This was one of the very first unmarked waterfall trails I did at the Gorge! Even though this trail is unofficial/unmarked, the waterfall at the end is a very popular destination, so the trail is hiked a lot. This has unfortunately led to the creation of a lot of “zoo” trails in the most recent years (a lot of trails made by hikers thinking they were going the right direction, but actually don’t lead anywhere, or use the harder route and trample surrounding areas). Even though this is a problem, the trail itself is still SO GORGEOUS. It is a pleasant change up from the ridge-line hikes of the Gorge and gives you a whole different “jungle-like” perspective. The trail mostly follows Copperas Creek the whole way (so if you stick by the creek for the most part, you’ll be on track). Just expect a lot of creek crossings – so dress appropriately! This trail is also relatively flat and not too long either (~3.52 miles round trip). Copperas Falls is a beautiful waterfall area and the pool at the bottom can sometimes be a turquoise blue…it is usually a clearer blue in the colder months. 🙂 This is definitely a trail that I would recommend to everyone, and there are also several unmarked arches in the surrounding area as well!
Arch of Triumph: I wouldn’t necessarily call this one a TRAIL, but it’s a super short detour from the walking portion of Tunnel Ridge Road to a unique arch! For anyone who listens to the Tread the Red Podcast, the campsite closest to this arch is where the Poop Log incident happened…you gotta listen to know…haha! Anyway, you don’t have to walk far along the foot-traffic only portion of Tunnel Ridge Road before the right turn off to this arch. By following the trail, you’ll quickly pass through a large campsite area and then continue on the trail until you reach a smaller campsite area. The arch is super close to this if you follow the faint trail past this campsite. You’ll end up on top of it, and then you can easily climb down to the left to get views of the underside! Just be careful if you have dogs or kids with you, because (like a lot of places in the Gorge), there are some drop offs to the right hand side of this arch!
Chimney Top Trail (#235): If you are looking for a short, accessible/easy trail for a stellar overlook in the Gorge – look no further!! I love to take the short hike out to the overlook for sunset, as the sun sets perfectly behind the rolling hills in the distance. The trailhead for this one is located at the very end of Chimney Top Road (a 5 mile gravel road off of Route 715). The trail itself is only 0.25 miles out (0.5 miles round trip) and packs in so many amazing views! You can view Half Moon to the left as you walk out, and then from the overlook you can see that and other points of interest such as Hanson’s Point, Pinch-em-Tight Gap, and Cloud Splitter! Definitely do not miss the opportunity to add this to your trip to the Gorge.
Turtle Back Arch Trail: I love this arch! The patterns on the underside are SO COOL. This is an unofficial trail that makes a great addition if you are planning to hike the Rock Bridge official trail, but isn’t for everyone. Because this is an unofficial/unmarked trail, there CAN be route finding issues and there are a couple “rock scramble” sections that could be dangerous. Turtle Back Arch trailhead is found about 2.1 miles from the start of Rock Bridge Road. It is a pretty leisurely hike through the woods until you arrive at the first “rock scramble” portion. The arch itself is about 1 mile from the trailhead and then after another “rock scramble” portion, the trail connects to Swift Camp Creek trail at 1.3 miles. So, this is a pretty short hike, but completing it as a loop (trailhead>Swift Camp Creek Trail>Rock Bridge Trail) is longer.
View the other videos located here to see the continuation of this trail from the arch to Swift Camp Creek and then another video documenting the first rock scramble in more detail.
Turtle Back Arch Trail: I love this arch! The patterns on the underside are SO COOL. This is an unofficial trail that makes a great addition if you are planning to hike the Rock Bridge official trail, but isn’t for everyone. Because this is an unofficial/unmarked trail, there CAN be route finding issues and there are a couple “rock scramble” sections that could be dangerous. Turtle Back Arch trailhead is found about 2.1 miles from the start of Rock Bridge Road. It is a pretty leisurely hike through the woods until you arrive at the first “rock scramble” portion. The arch itself is about 1 mile from the trailhead and then after another “rock scramble” portion, the trail connects to Swift Camp Creek trail at 1.3 miles. So, this is a pretty short hike, but completing it as a loop (trailhead>Swift Camp Creek Trail>Rock Bridge Trail) is longer. View the other videos located here to see the continuation of this trail from the arch to Swift Camp Creek and then another video documenting the first rock scramble in more detail.
This video covers the section from Turtle Back Arch to the trail connection with Swift Camp Creek trail. You are basically standing on top of Pooch’s Turtle Falls at this point! Don’t miss them on your way out. 🙂
This video covers the first rock scramble of Turtle Back Arch trail in more detail and how we climbed it with Pippin! Like I stated in the previous videos, do not attempt this if you are not comfortable! Darren and I witnessed a rescue mission for a girl who injured her ankle while attempting this trail last winter.
So despite not having an AWESOME TITLE for this episode, this one packs in a lot of cool information! Do you need gift ideas for the holiday season? We’ve got you covered with some awesome Gorge makers! Check out Ingrid’s work at RRG Earth Shop and Ann Marie’s work with Wild Asteria ! They are both talented women artists working in the Gorge area and have a lot to offer! Darren and Rachel also talk about their stay at The Hive at High Rock and how cool the host, Josh, was! Also, HIKES: Triumph Arch, Jailhouse Rock, Star Gap Arch (because it is Rachel’s favorite), and random Chimney Top Trails – woohoo! Hope everyone is doing well and having a great November! Stay safe and get outside! You can check out Rachel’s website, Tread the Red, and her Etsy shop here ! And for all you podcast listeners, use: REDTREADERS for 20% off Rachel’s shop through December 4th. 😉 Y’all are awesome!!
Silvermine Arch Trail: This is one of the many trails that start from the Koomer Ridge Campground area! It is worth it to check this trail out, even if you are not staying at the campground, but I definitely recommend camping at Koomer Ridge! Silvermine Arch Trail is an out-and-back trail and is 2.5 miles total. Once you pop out on the ridgeline, you quickly descend the rest of the way to the arch, so be prepared to make the climb back out! The arch and the surrounding area is beautiful. Here is a map of the area!
Buzzards Roost South Trail: This is one of my absolute favorite unofficial trails of the Gorge. It is short (only 0.23 miles out/0.46 miles round trip), but it has some of the best views (especially for sunset!) and features some rock scrambling! The trailhead starts from the Sky Bridge picnic area. This is definitely not the trail for everyone because of the rock scrambling portion and the dangers associated with the final lookout point. As always, assess the situation and know your limits so that you can stay safe while hiking in the Gorge! The area has changed since the wildfires a few years ago (the previous rhodo tunnel no longer exists), and since this trailhead is located in the Sky Bridge area, it is closed between 10PM and 6AM, so no overnight camping. Remember to leave no trace and have fun!
Whistling Arch Trail: This is a short & sweet easy trail along Route 715 in the Gorge! While only being 1/2 mile total (out-and-back), this trail packs in a super cool rock shelter with an arch, AND a killer overlook! Here is a map of the location for the trailhead.
Lower and Upper Bell Falls: Lower Bell Falls can be seen directly off of Route 715 in the Gorge! There is paved pull-off parking spot right in front of the falls that would fit 2-3 cars. These falls are located close to the Tower Rock trailhead – they are between the Gladie Visitor Center and that trailhead, so if you have passed the visitor center and then also pass that trailhead, you’ve gone too far! If you are driving in this direction, they are situated on your left with the Red River to your right. Here is a map of the location! To see Upper Bell Falls, you will have to take the steep (and probably slick) incline up to the top of the Lower Bell Falls. It is definitely a cool vantage point, but watch your footing! There is apparently a short ~0.25 mile “loop” trail around this area above the lower falls, but I haven’t hiked that yet! I will post a video when I complete it. 🙂
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