Water Falls

[hdspyder]

Last Saturday was going to be a beautiful fall day and I intended to make the most of it since the days are becoming shorter. I had not been in the southern mountains for some time. I decided to ride to Highlands and visit Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls.


I headed west on Hwy 74 and merged onto I-26 west. This section of 26 between Columbus and Hendersonville is very scenic and fun as you go up and down the Saluda grade and the Green River Gorge.


Hwy 64 west was the next road I was going to take from Hendersonville. I was tempted to take a side trip to Dupont Forest and visit Hooker and Triple Falls but continued on my way to Brevard.


It was a little chilly in Brevard so I stopped and put on my insulated bibs. They felt good and I was comfortable again.


I had forgotten how much fun 64 is with its inclines and twisties. The leaves were starting to turn but I think this weekend will be the peak for colors.


Highland was very busy with people enjoying the fall colors and mountains. The temperature had risen and was ryding in jeans and tee shirt. I made my way to Bridal Veil Falls which is located right on 64. There is a pull off at the falls. Also there is a paved road under the falls so you can walk or drive under it and take pictures. As you can see this is very popular. On this day the water flow was very low with not much water falling.

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Dry falls is just a mile or so west on the left. It had good water flow and the falls were rushing. It gets its name because you can walk behind the falls and not get too wet depending on the volume of water.

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On my way back I decided to take Rt 215 north and ride the parkway for awhile. Rt 215 has a lot of twist and turns and can be challenging. There was a little more color at higher elevations. I took Rt 276 back down to Brevard and stopped at Looking Glass Falls. It was also crowded with people enjoying the day.
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I had filled the tank in Highland and wondered if I had enough gas to get me home? Twelve miles from Shelby the last bar disappeared. I was determined to keep going; I was by myself so no big deal. I would just call my son and ask him to bring gas if I didn’t make it.


I made it back to Shelby and filled the tank. It took 5.5 gallons at 161 miles, mileage came to 29.3. As it turned out I had plenty of gas. I would have gotten better mileage if I had dropped the RPM’s going up 64 and 215, but the smiles would have been less.


Enjoy the ryde!

[Chupaca]

awsome pic's of the falls. Glad you made it with a half gallon to spare. Looks like a great place to see and ryde...be safe..!!

[Cruzr Joe]

Very Cool, i am so jealous

Cruzr Joe

[btcherm]

Nice picture.

[fastfraser]

Great pics ! Thanks for sharing. We rode that road the week of the owners event. Awesome road, our new favourite.

[blacklightning]

Very nice pictures. I went to the Bridal Veil falls for the first time this past summer. We do the Maggie Valley/Gatlinburg area every summer and I cannot wait to go back next year.

[ARtraveler]

Beautiful pictures. Those impressive falls are gorgeous to look at. You have to drive far and wide to find places like that.

[Bob Ledford]

Enjoy it while you can its will into winter sooner then later .

[SPYD3R]

I'M HURT...
WHY DIDN'T YOU INVITE ME....?????
SERIOUSLY, NEXT TIME, GIVE ME A BUZZ (PM) AND I'LL MEET UP WITH YOU AT A LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE... I RIDE THOSE ROUTES QUITE OFTEN...

OH, AND IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN TO 'HELEN BACK'... YOU NEED TO TRY THAT RIDE... THAT'S HELEN, GA FOR THOSE OF YOU FROM YOBA LINDA.....
PS; AWESOME PIX....

[maliamd]

We will be heading to Bridal Veil Falls and others next October at the Spyder in the Smokies Rally. Can't wait!! To see more about the rally you can go to www.spyderinthesmokies.com

[pickelhead]

Next time you're in the area, give me a shout, I'd be happy to ride with you!