August 9th, 2008 -  I was at the Rocky Fork Tract a few weeks ago on a guided hike with David Ramsey (see here).  This hike mostly followed the forest roads, so I decided to return alone and explore more of the off-trail areas of this beautiful place... 

My first destination was Whitehouse Mountain (elevation 3300'), which is just to the right of the entrance road into Rocky Fork.  This mountain had been on fire at some point, and the summit was basically clear of trees, so I figured I'd get some great views if I could make it to the top.  I did make it, but it was a tough bushwhack of about two miles round-trip (see detailed trail description below if you want to try this one).  I spent some time at the summit, and hiked on down the south face to Whitehouse Cliff where I had nice views.  I also took a few photos of the surrounding mountains... I had awesome vistas toward I-26 and overlooking the majority of the Rocky Fork Tract.        

View of the Flagpond Exit on I-26

I made my way back down the mountain to the graveled road, where I realized my legs were quite scratched up from the climb.  So I stopped for lunch, took off my boots, and soaked my legs in the cool Rocky Fork stream.   

Note to Self:  Don't Wear Shorts

on a Bushwhack in August 

"Bee Balm" Growing on

the Banks of Rocky Fork... Thanks to Ben Trotter for the I.D.!

After my break for lunch I continued on the graveled road ascending beside Long Branch.  Once the road made a sharp turn to the left, I went off-trail and kept following the stream in search of Long Branch Falls.  This turned in to another tough bushwhack, which I wouldn't recommend for this time of year.  The stream banks were absolutely covered in Stinging Nettle, and the faint trail was quite overgrown.  In many places, I opted to walk directly up the stream.  And as the higher I climbed, the more the stream was basically dry.  When I arrived at Lower Long Branch Falls, it was just a trickle.  If you're going to do this hike, wait until after a good rain, and a good frost to kill the weeds. 

From the lower falls, I continued on upstream to see if I could find Upper Long Branch Falls, but the stream went virtually dry, and the bushwhack became very difficult... so I turned around just a tenth of a mile short of the upper falls.    

Upon returning to the Rocky Fork stream, I spent a lot of time photographing the many cascades and small falls before arriving back at my car.  On the drive out, I also stopped about .3 miles down the road and photographed the 10' Rocky Fork Falls. 

This is really a wonderful place to explore.  To read more about the Rocky Fork Tract acquisition, and what you can do to help... read here!  

Total Miles Hiked:  5.3 

Getting There:  

Driving - Take the Flag Pond exit off of I-26 (exit #50).  At the stop sign turn left onto Higgins Creek Road. Drive ½ mile until you reach Rt. 23.  Turn right and travel 2¼ mi. thru Flag Pond, then turn left on Rocky Fork Road. After ¾ mi. you will see a gravel pull-off to the left. Park here (out of the way of the gate) and follow the gravel lane into Rocky Fork on foot.        

Trails - Here is the route I used today to summit Whitehouse Mountain and then to continue on to Long Branch Falls:

From the parking area, head out on the graveled road.  The Rocky Fork stream will be on your left.  After approximately 0.5 mile you'll see a primitive trail on your right heading up a gap.  Take this trail which once seemed to be an old logging road, so it's in decent shape.  After approximately 0.6 miles of steady climbing you'll reach a saddle (where the trail starts to descend again).  At that crest, look to your right and you'll see a trail heading into the underbrush.  This trail is extremely faint and overgrown (I think mostly used by animals).  Take that trail, working your way toward the left around the mountainside (basically without changing elevation).  After ~0.1 mile you'll come to an opening with another forest road.  From here, I just climbed the mountain heading straight up this ridge for another .25 miles.  Once I neared the top, it became very rocky and more difficult to navigate though all the underbrush, so pay attention to your route so you won't have to backtrack on your way out.  From my GPS it was about 2.0 miles from the graveled road to the summit and back.

Once back at the road, turn right and keep ascending for approximately 0.6 miles until the road takes a sharp turn to the left.  At this point, leave the road by taking a right and go off-trail following the stream (Long Branch).  This is another faint trail that is quite overgrown (at least it was this time of year).  You'll be required to make a few stream crossings and even wading up the middle of the stream.  Go another ~.35 miles and you'll come to a fork in the stream.  Take the right fork and Lower Long Branch Falls is almost immediately on your right.  Continue on up the stream for another 0.2 miles, until it forks again, and go 0.1 miles up the left fork to go to Upper Long Branch Falls.  Making a straight trip from the car to the upper falls would be about 3.5 miles round-trip.