Five Magical Winter Hikes
Nature, in all its seasons, through torrential storms and in glorious sunshine, is magical.
Nature has the ability to lift one’s mood, calm the mind, and soothe the soul.
It’s a beautiful escape —
when you are in the middle of a forest, with the sunlight peeking through the bare trees and cold air stinging your cheeks, you are free.
We invite you to get outside, explore, and find some of that icy magic with some of our favorite winter hikes.
Guest contributor: Jen Charles, Native GVL Girl
Moonshine Falls at Asbury Hills
2.8 Miles One Way | Moderate Hike
Tucked away in the glorious Blue Ridge Mountains is a camp called Asbury Hills. You might have driven past it on your way to Caesar’s Head State Park and not even noticed it. Located on 276 (Geer Highway), this camp is home to the trailhead that will take you on an exhilarating hike.
Asbury Hills is kind enough to let folks access the trail to Moonshine Falls through their camp. The entrance is gated, however, and you need a code to get in on the weekends. Call ahead or email them - they are very quick to respond and quite friendly. Trust us - you do not want to drive all that way and then not have a code to get in (been there, done that.)
Be sure to download or print off Asbury Hill's map before you go. The trail is marked with red blazes, but it gets a little tricky as there are quite a few connecting trails along the way.
For example, the Naturaland Trust Trail, whose blaze is pink which looks kinda like red, can easily lead you far from Moonshine Falls.
"Respect your physical limitations.”
The cable crossing over the creek, as shown above, makes for quite the adventure. Just know that it can be difficult for little ones.
As a sign on the trail further down says, "Respect your physical limitations.”
After crossing Matthew's Creek, you still have a ways to go before arriving at the falls. You will pass several markings and signs along the way. Pay attention to these and your map and you will be there in no time.
Moonshine Falls is stunning, with lush green mountain laurel surrounding the gorgeous 40' waterfall. You can even explore behind the falls, where rusty, old brewing barrels have been left behind. During winter, you can find a winter wonderland with icicles everywhere if you are lucky.
It’s a beautiful escape that will leave you feeling completely refreshed.
Raven Cliff Falls and Dismal Trail Loop
8.8 Mile Loop | Difficult
Further up 276, past the stunning views from the Caesars Head State Park overlook, you will find the trailhead to South Carolina’s tallest waterfall.
Raven Cliff Falls and Dismal Trail Loop will take you on a spectacular, challenging hike through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Get ready - when we say challenging, we mean it. The trail weaves through rough terrain with narrow paths, switchbacks, and ladders, testing you every step of the way.
Eventually, you will cross a swinging suspension bridge that offers spectacular views of cascades. It’s most definitely a highlight of the hike.
Known as “the cathedral,”
…the huge rock face you will find along the trail is an incredible natural feature. When covered in ice, it is unbelievable.
The trail system can be confusing and difficult to navigate, so be sure to plan ahead. Bring a map, plenty of water, and wear proper gear.
OPTION #2:
If you want to see Raven Cliff Falls without enduring a nearly 10-mile hike, you can take the moderate-rated 4-mile out-and-back trail. You will find an observation deck that offers views of Raven Cliff Falls from a distance.
Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park
1.6 miles one way | Difficult
Rainbow Falls itself is striking, but for us, it's the actual journey to get there that makes this hike one of our favorites.
There's just something magical about hiking deep in the forest, surrounded by lush green mountain laurel, listening to the cool water of the river rushing by.
The hike up is difficult, so be prepared. Wear proper shoes, plenty of layers, and bring water. And of course, don’t forget the snacks.
Also, this is quite a rocky trail and there are steep ravines, so watch your step, or you will end up with scrapes & bruises, or worse.
Most importantly, enjoy every bit of it. Take a moment to breathe in the mountain air (especially after climbing up a million stairs). Pick a big rock by the falls and just look up in awe.
It’s an incredible form of therapy that every single one of us can benefit from these days.
Lakeside Trail at Table Rock State Park
1.9 Mile Loop | Easy
If you aren’t into chasing waterfalls and are looking for an easier hike, head over to Table Rock State Park and hit the Lakeside Trail. It’s an easy 1.9 miles around Lake Pinnacle with stunning views of Table Rock along the entire way.
Take a moment to appreciate the architecture of the historic lodge, dam, and spillway, all of which we built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC.
Yellow Branch Falls Trail
1.5 Miles One Way | Moderate
Yellow Branch Falls is easily one of our favorite hikes in the Upstate. Located right outside of Walhalla’s quaint main street, this moderate out-and-back trail totals three miles.
The trail is gorgeous, meandering through hardwoods and deep ravines. You will encounter several water crossings, so be prepared to test your balance as you hop from rock to rock.
The trail will eventually lead you to the spectacular Yellow Branch Falls. We’ve seen it when it’s just tricking and after a rainstorm when it is surging, and either way, it’s a most memorable experience.
Nature is an escape
Over the past year, we have learned a few things — that patience is truly a virtue, and that friends and family are everything.
Along the way, we worked through all of the emotions: anxiety, fear, depression, hope, love, and gratitude. And then went through them again. And again.
It’s winter and it’s easy to give in to the emotional desire for hibernation, curl up with a blanket, and binge watch Netflix. But haven’t we done enough of that last year?
Grab your hiking boots, layer up, and find some of that icy magic.
It’s good for the soul.