Slick Rock Falls

Driving directions**: From the college, drive right on Broad Street for several miles until you get to the Pisgah Forest intersection (near the Wal-Mart store). Turn left into Pisgah Forest (Route 276N). Continue for 5.2 miles and turn left onto 475 (toward the fish hatchery). Drive 1.6 miles on 475 (0.1 miles past the hatchery), then turn right onto Forest Route 475B. Go 1.1 miles on the gravel road and park on the wide shoulder of the road. It is not well marked. It is the first place on a sharp turn where several cars can park. There is a staircase leading up to a new large sign on the right side of the road. The trail will go up the hill to the right. The falls is very easy to get to (and is not extremely spectacular, but is pretty). It is only 100 yards off the road and is about 30 feet high. The trail continues up the mountain .

Hiking directions- take the trail up the mountain. You'll see Slick Rock Falls off to the right in about 100 yards. Take the path to the bottom of the falls to see it up close (be careful - Slick Rock is named for a reason). For a longer hike, continue up the trail - I hear it travels on the southwest side of Looking Glass Rock and the trail eventually leads to the summit of Looking Glass Rock. The Forest Service map says that it continues for only 0.7 miles and doesn't show that it intersects with other trails. I hiked up the mountain for what seemed like at least the .7 miles, then had to head back. On the way down, I saw a large group of backpackers heading up, saying they were going to Looking Glass Rock - so maybe you can get to it via this trail. The hike seemed to me to be a steady climb, and along the way I passed several camping spots and saw that they were popular places. I never came to an open area with great views, but perhaps, if I'd only had time to go a wee bit farther. Let me know what you find out if you keep going!

Here is what they had to say this web site (http://www.blackdogexpeditions.com/TripReports/82899.htm): "The trail climbs steeply at first, then levels off as it winds about a mile through the forest along a small stream. It becomes steep again, and rocky as you approach the South Wall. Emerging from the trees, you look up at an expanse of several hundred feet of gray-white granite, rolling gently as it rises. The cliff line continues half a mile to the north, and a ways south as well."

• *As always, when hiking you should always:
• Hike with someone
• Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return
• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing (carry rain gear)
• Carry water (and snacks)
• Have a map of the area (available downtown at the Forest Place or at Dolly’s ice cream shop (at the corner of 64, 276 and 280, near Wal-Mart)

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