The parking area was almost full when I pulled up. I did see quite a few people on the trail but probably not enough to account for all the vehicles. This is the first time I have hiked the newly rehabbed version of this trail. My recollection of this trail was relentlessly uphill and very rocky and rooty. The Trails Forever crew, funded by the Friends of the Smokies, worked for 3 (covid) years to improve the trail from a sustainability view. During that period, the crew worked on the trail weekdays and the trail remained open on weekends. It has been open 24/7 since the work completion Nov of 2024.
Right at the parking area, the first crossing. This long pedestrian bridge was built at the site of an older bridge. Rock support structures can still be seen on either side of the creek. My guess is that this was a road and not a railroad. The park map of old growth forest, shows this area as being old growth. The road and trail run contiguous for a mile and a half at which point it ends in a loop. There is also a rougher side road which makes its way up Greenbrier Pinnacle to where there was a firetower and cabin.
At the point where the trail and old road loop, there is a trail sign indicating 2.5 miles to the waterfall. The trail goes from two track to single track and begins a bit steeper climb.
Wood asters livened up the trailside with their late blooming flowers.
It's jack-o-lantern season again.
The delicate moss is so happy, it's dancing.
These look like little yellow fairy cups.
I think this bridge replaced another well before the Trails Forever redo. If you can see the middle support, the bridge actually turns at an angle there.
One of those big old growth Tuliptrees that is dwarfing my hiking stick.
These photos of a curved staircase built by the Trails Forever crew, really showcases the craftmanship these guys and gals have.
This was a completely satisfying hike. The Trails Forever crew did a great job leveling out rocky areas and building staircases in steep spots. There are many fewer roots and rocks but it is still relentlessly uphill. I recall one spot where you climb down a few feet to cross a creek. Otherwise, I think this trail on its way to the waterfall, has less downhill as a percentage than any other trail I've been on.
I hiked the uphill portion in just under 2 hours. That allowed me to linger at the top and slowly meander on the return hike.
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