Three Falls - June 9, 2012

17 of us gathered at Albemarle HS and headed up to Big Meadows to meet Lindsay Brown and hike the Lewis Falls, Rose River Falls and Dark Hollow Falls loop (Three Falls). It was a beautiful sunny day and walking down the fire road toward Lewis Falls it was obvious the trails would be crowded. Arriving at the overlook we had plenty of time to admire the view while waiting for the spur to the falls to clear out.

Leaving the falls we began the 1-1/2 mile ascent up Lewis Spring Falls Trail to the junction with the AT. On the way up Pete Fink assured several hikers that this was the biggest climb of the day. After regrouping we headed north enjoying the easy walking and great views of the valley, stopping for lunch below the Fishers Gap Overlook. Greg Fernandez seemed to enjoy it the most by lighting his stove and heating his beans.

Crossing Skyline Drive, we headed down the Rose River Loop Trail and arrived at the falls. Beyond the falls we encountered a traffic jam of hikers on the way to the copper mine, which no one cared to explore. Itching to get in the water, John Brandt finally broke away and we found him sitting in the water under the bridge over the Rose River.

At the bridge we began to ascend. To everyone’s surprise, including the leader’s, this turned out to be the major climb of the day. Reaching the Dark River Falls trail we unexpectedly encountered a young bear foraging for berries and giving everyone a great opportunity for pictures. After 15 minutes of up close and personal posing the bear ran across the trail and up the side of the hill to continue his berry hunt.

After the bear sighting we continued up trail to Dark Hollow Falls where we met up with Brad Young, Dan Ralston and Dave Borszich who, showing off their fitness, had gone ahead and missed the bear sighting. Farther up the trail we passed several deer which were definitely ho hum after watching the bear.

Arriving at Big Meadows we all enjoyed an ice-cream treat. Not finding this sufficient, some of the group stopped for beer and food at Timberwood Grill.

Hikers

Pete & Bev Fink

Joann & Maynard Davis

Eileen Seaman

Dan Ralston

Greg Johnson

Dave Borszich

John Brandt

Rita Kieffer

Greg Fernandez

Ken & Marie Moss

Brad Young

Eric Christenson

Marian Styles

Debra Fisher

Lindsay Brown