A loop de loop ride to Mt. Sassafrass, SC

[..]

There were a few missing road name signs which led to a slightly circuitous route.

All part of the fun of riding.

Relive found it difficult to follow the route. That's why there's a straight line in part of it.


https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKgyJnmwO

I have ridden past this falls many times over the years and given it a cursory glance. Today I rode past as usual and then turned back. I'm pleased I did.

Sunburst Falls

Tucked into a curve of Hwy 215, Sunburst Falls is a roadside waterfall with no hiking required to view the upper section. Find this fall in Canton, NC in the Middle Prong Wilderness.  This waterfall is easy to navigate to and there are some parking spots along either side of the bridge or 0.25 mi up or down from the falls. The falls have an upper and lower section. The lower falls can be accessed via a trail across from the bridge to the left if you are facing away from the falls. The lower falls access is a steep scramble, and can be slippery. Rocks are very slippery in fog and rain conditions and climbing on them to explore is not recommended.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N_6YRnbZ_s

Riding up to the BRP on 215 I waved past me a hustling Mustang and its Porsche partner. They were flying and I wasn't in a hurry enjoying the road and views.

Lunch was at the Twin Dragon buffet in Brevard. The salmon in garlic sauce is great.


Sassafras Mountain: elevation 3,553’. It’s the highest point in the state of South Carolina, and definitely a spot to keep in mind as you’re planning summer adventures! The peak straddles not only the line between North and South Carolina, but the Eastern Continental Divide; from its summit four states are visible on a clear day.

In the 1990s the SC DNR acquired the acreage of what is now known as the Jocassee Gorges. At that time the last 4.5 miles of road to the summit were paved, a parking lot was installed, and in 2010, three acres of trees were cleared from the summit, revealing the views that can be seen today. The breakthrough came in 2019 when the viewing plaza at the top of Sassafras Mountain was completed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptRpnS0DndU

[DirtyDan]

 

I recognized that name…

Dan

[RNFWP]

Thanks Paul 
I need to find Sunburst Falls next time I'm on 215.
The BRP is one of my favorites (avoiding the crowded days)

[..]

Thanks Paul 
I need to find Sunburst Falls next time I'm on 215.
The BRP is one of my favorites (avoiding the crowded days)

South from Waynesville riding up to the BRP and it's on a sharpish left bend with a gravel pull out to the right.

[hubcapsc]

It is this one... you see it when you pass by...



-Mike

[carolinarider09]

Regarding Sassafras Mountain, is the road paved all the way from US 178?  We are headed that way in a few weeks and would like to stop.

[hubcapsc]

Regarding Sassafras Mountain, is the road paved all the way from US 178?  We are headed that way in a few weeks and would like to stop.

I don't know when you were there last, but it has been paved "almost
to the top" for years. I haven't been since they opened the observation
deck, surly they paved the rest of the way up to that...

On the way back down, there's a road to the right... probably
the second one. If you take it, it leads to a giant network of roads
that can both take you you Rosman and bring you to 276 way
past Caesar's Head.

-Mike

[..]

Regarding Sassafras Mountain, is the road paved all the way from US 178?  We are headed that way in a few weeks and would like to stop.

I don't know when you were there last, but it has been paved "almost
to the top" for years. I haven't been since they opened the observation
deck, surly they paved the rest of the way up to that...



-Mike

Nope. it's still gated at the parking lot.

[carolinarider09]

Thanks,  I might have been there (Sassafras Mountain) sometime in the distance past, just did not remember it. 

Use to have a friend whose parents lived in Lake Toxaway and we would go up there several times a year but that was a long time ago.  Still include it (Lake Toxaway) on my trips to the mountains when I can, just because....

[..]

Thanks Paul 
I need to find Sunburst Falls next time I'm on 215.
The BRP is one of my favorites (avoiding the crowded days)

BRP wasn't too busy but ALL the main waterfall parking lots on 276 by Brevard WERE FULL and lotsa cars heading to them.

The highest point sign was deserted at 5pm and it was a breezy 50F.