Jan 23 Baskin Creek Falls on Ice

 

It's the second day of 2024 Wilderness Wildlife Week in the Smokies. The weather has been cold and snow is on the ground. Our hike to Baskin Creek Falls is led by the delightful Keith Garnes. Keith's resume is impressive. He is involved with a friends group supporting a Tennessee state park, he's a hike leader, former LeConte Lodge winter caretaker and many more outdoor oriented activities. Today he is leading us on a short hike to the falls. But wait, the road is closed and we can still do the hike but we have to add 3 miles of a roadwalk in order to do it. Some folks drop out but I'm game for a 7 mile hike in the snow.

This short hike to Baskins Creek Falls, normally is just a 4 mile out and back on what isn't a difficult trail. However, there is snow and ice on the trail and this short section of trail was littered with downed trees. It is a high wind area and it certainly looks like it has seen some high winds this winter. There will need to be a concerted effort by trail maintainers to clear it.

It was a slip and slide down to Baskins Creek. The last 200 feet were very treacherous. Keith donned his microspikes and crossed the creek to get a few photos. The rest of us stayed on this side and had lunch.

After visiting the waterfall, we retraced our steps back. This time, the trail was more muddy than snow covered. It seemed there were more trees across the trail than on the hike in. 

One in our group had developed significant cramps. We had no option but to continue walking out and onto the closed road. She was in great pain by the time we finished. 

It is always a nice hike to Baskins Creek Falls. This was no exception. A great hike in the snow.