Autumn
time of year
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Ranger Falls Loop Trail, Nantahala National Forest, NC
($5/car)
(2.4 mile loop, 567’ elevation). I’ve had my eye on Ranger Loop for a few months now. We took the loop clockwise on recommendation from AllTrails and we’re glad we did. This trail goes through mossy woods, has lots of ups and downs, numerous stream crossings, a very pretty waterfall and, to change it up a little, a couple of grassy fields. Along the trail are educational plaques with interesting information. We had a great hike and learned some things along the way.
8.5
difficulty: 5
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We ate a picnic lunch and had a short rest before heading to our next adventure.
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Greenland Creek Falls Trail, Panthertown, NC
($0). This place was quite a drive away from where we’re staying (almost an hour of winding roads). We went counter-clockwise this time and I think it was the best way to go again. The trail went down through woods to Macs Falls which was quite overgrown and steep to get to and we didn’t really get a good view of the falls. The trail from there to Greenland Creek was jungly and overgrown with lots of roots, patches of mud and stream crossings. Greenland Creek Falls was a beautiful waterfall with big rocks to sit on and admire it from. We took Macs Gap trail back, a gentle slope along the side of the valley. This was a fun, technical but not strenuous hike.
8.2
difficulty: 5
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Driving back to Cashiers we saw an all white squirrel.
It was very cool.
https://whitesquirrelinstitute.org/white-squirrel-research-institute/what-is-a-white-squirrel
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We got a takeout dinner for Las Margaritas, just a few steps from our hotel.
Las Margaritas has all the regular options plus a large seafood section and quite a few items I haven’t seen before. Our dinner was unique and delicious and very reasonably priced. Definitely check them out if you’re in the area.
9
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