Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

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You’ll eventually leave the stairs for an earth trail that traverses the moist creek bottom. In a forest of hemlocks, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels, the rushing waters of Daniel Creek grow louder and louder. The path ends at a raised wood platform that stands before the 60-foot falls draped over a wall of rough, grey stone.

Return to Waypoint 3, go straight a few feet, and turn right to descend the steps toward Falls #1. The payoff at the end of this path is even greater than that of the previous waterfall. Rather than ending at a wood platform that confines you, the trail ends practically at the edge of a large pool that catches water falling 100 feet. From here, retrace your steps to Waypoint 2.

At Waypoint 2, if you’ve followed the trip as described so far, you will have hiked a little less than a mile. To continue on the West Rim Loop Trail, turn right, traveling southeast. Walk about 20 feet, and then turn right to descend the steps.

Mountain laurels and oaks border the rocky path, which has a view of the creek below as it bends wide to crash and slide over a floor of rock the color of chocolate. At 1.1 miles, turn right and cross the creek via a wood footbridge. After a hairpin curve to the right, the trail climbs northwest. Then, at 1.2 miles, turn sharply left and climb to a small but obvious cave. Continue to the top of the bluff, where you will have winter views of the far side of the canyon.