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Falling Waters Trail Overnight - page 2 of 2

Just beyond the head of Stairs Falls, we discovered a relatively level spot that others had camped at before. Although it was too near the trail to meet the official guidelines for backcountry camping, we thought it would be better to stay there than to risk messing up a new unspoiled area.

Unfortunately, the site was a bit messy, but we cleaned it up (and later packed out the garbage), and then set up camp. First, I helped Erin and Holly set up their tent, a Eureka Timberline that we borrowed from our neighbors. Then, Toi and I set up our Jack Wolfskin Blue Moon, which is actually a winter mountaineering tent, but was fine in the cool fall weather.

When we were done setting up camp, we scrambled down to the brook to filter some water for lunch. After slipping on the rocks trying to get close to a deep pool in the brook, Holly and I decided to use a second bottle and stand on drier ground while filtering. While we messed around with the filter, Muffin found her own way to get a drink.

After lunch a short rest, we decided to take a hike upstream to Cloudland Falls. On the way, we crossed Dry Brook again just below Swiftwater Falls, then climbed up a steep embankment to the head of the falls.

Finally, we reached Cloudland Falls, which at 80 ft, are the highest falls along the trail. The falls are quite pretty, and we could feel the cool spray before we even saw the falls. Erin and Holly continued up the trail to the head of the falls, while I stayed down with Toi and Muffin, relaxing and enjoying the views.

Later, back at our campsite, we cooked macaroni and cheese for supper, cleaned up, and listened to the relaxing sound of nearby Stairs Falls. After it began to get dark, we built a fire in the fire ring that someone had made in the site, and sat around singing Girl Scout campfire songs and eating s'mores. In the distance, we could see the light at the top of the tramway on Cannon Mtn, and a few stars filtering through the trees. Finally, we put everything away, hung up the bear bag for the night, and went to bed.

We had a little trouble sleeping because the site wasn't perfectly level and we kept sliding to one end of the tent. But it wasn't too serious, and the fresh mountain air made up for it. We woke up to a foggy fall morning, had breakfast, took down camp, and headed back to the car.

Setting up camp. I'm helping Erin and Holly set up their tent, a Eureka Timberline that we borrowed from our neighbors.

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Holly and I filtering water. After slipping on the rocks trying to get close to a deep pool in the brook, we decided to use a second bottle and stand on drier ground.

filtering water.jpg (59041 bytes)

Muffin drinking water. While we pumped, Muffin had her own, easier way of getting a drink.

muffin drinking.jpg (59086 bytes)

Toi crossing Dry Brook just below Swiftwater Falls.

toi crossing brook.jpg (61138 bytes)

Holly and Muffin resting on the Falling Waters Trail, not far from Cloudland Falls.

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Cloudland Falls. At 80 ft, this fan-shaped ribbon of water is the highest falls along the trail.

cloudland falls.jpg (70350 bytes)

By the campfire. Before going to bed, we had a campfire in the existing fire ring, sung some Girl Scout camping songs, and snacked on s'mores.

campfire.jpg (64995 bytes)

Map

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