The Long Way to Big Bradley

The long way to Big Bradley begins in the Green River Cove at the upstream concrete bridge over the Green River. This is a rather long hike and some sections are challenging. Sights along the trip make exceed those on the shorter route from the east. I last took this route about 30 years ago. The log barn and log cabin are very old and interesting.

The moon loomed high over head prior to noon. The leaves have just begun to turn and temperatures dropped near freezing creating a nice frost. The cascades just below Big Bradley are as impressive as many other waterfalls in the area and better than more than a few.

The base of Big Bradley was quite cool. The mist made the narrow gorge very cool and damp.

After walking into gorge and taking these photos of Big Bradley Falls I climbed the knotted rope to gain access to the overlook. The trees are beginning to lose leaves as the colors change. I expect the upcoming weekend to be near the peak of the color change. After taking more photos from the overlook I decided to try a new trail. I encountered some angry ground bees along my trek and decided to blaze a new trail down the side of the mountain. One step on a weak log lead to a 25 foot fall and slid down the mountain but no harm.

The trip back involved another side trip along Cove Creek nearly to the Green River and a forge point; next summer I'll finish this hike. The hike took just over five and half hours including a brief break at the overlook to drink two good beers, a bottle of water, and some trail mix. I walked about seven miles in total on this hike.

I rested about 30 minutes prior to riding to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock to drop off some newsletters at Heavenly Hoggs and Margaritagrille while visiting the local bikers and tourists. I met a few more folks in the dark who tried to tell me I had to wear a helmet. I corrected them that it was a matter of choice regardless of any law and gave them a newsletter. I passed a Lake Lure cop but he did not seem inclined to stop or ticket me for riding lidless as I returned to the cove.

Sunday I rode to Lake Bowen and visited the Lake Bowen Country Club Bike Games where I distributed more newsletters while looking for potential freedom fighters and members for ABATE. I passed a Polk COunty Sheriff Deputy on my way out of the cove and wondered to myself if he was the same one that stopped me on my last trip for not wearing a helmet. I also passed a North Carolina State Trooper on I-26 but he was too busy to stop me for riding lidless. After my stop near Lake Bowen I made a few more stops to visit friends along my way home to Charleston

Until next time keep your knees in the breeze and rider free!

Big Bradley in the Winter | Big Bradley in the Summer