Oct 5, 2020 High Falls, Triple Falls, Uwharrie Nat'l Forest NC

 Monday, October 5

The hotel offered a sort-of breakfast.  A half bagel with cheese, bacon and other toppings in a styrofoam take-out container, and/or hot water and a bowl with packaged instant oatmeal.  We got coffee and the bagel and ate in the Trek.  We'll save the instant oatmeal for another day.

This morning we head for the DuPont Forest and Recreation area and, you guessed it, a few more trails and waterfalls.  It is a short drive during which we dip briefly into South Carolina. The roads continue to be winding and foggy. The parking area is almost empty and visitor's center closed, but they do have several maps posted. There are quite a few Falls in the area, and we decide to do two -  High Falls and Triple Falls.  The trails are damp and we are glad to have hiking boots and Beth's walking stick. 

The sun is just rising above the Falls, making photos challenging.  This is the first view from the trail, and then we clamber down to a better viewing area.

There are a few people about, but it is quiet and cool.  Back up to the main trail and onward to Triple Falls. After skirting a lot of wet, muddy areas we come to stairs and a boardwalk which leads to the midpoint of the three falls.

 A large rocky shelf gives a nice view of the top two falls.

Then back up the stairs and further down a steep, muddy trail to a view which includes all three.

On the return trail, we detour to this covered bridge.  The road here is closed to vehicles, but quite a few walkers and cyclists are taking advantage of it.

Nice view of the calm stream the bridge crosses.

When we get back to the Trek about 11:30, the parking lot is packed!   This on a Tuesday afternoon, so we can't imagine the weekends!

We begin moving northeast, and travel a few hours towards the coast to Yates Place Camp,  a national forest spot in Uwharrie National Forest.  There are about ten campsites, spread out nicely, most occupied.  The folks across the way are from New Hampshire.  A pristine pit toilet smells of bleach and there are trash cans along with picnic tables and fire rings. Someone makes an effort to keep things nice!

We go for a nice walk in the woods, then settle down for the night.  Weather continues to cooperate for comfortable sleeping in the low 50's.