The mornings are crisp and cool with the days sunny and bright. Lesley and her family are spending their day together on Lake Toxaway. I’m meeting friends, Stacy and Rich, to do some hiking. We agree to meet at the DuPont State Recreational Forest Visitor Center.

I arrive first and check out the map outside with a list of what hikes are closed.

When Stacy and Rich arrive, we talk to the forest ranger who provides guidance. We decide to hike to Bridal Veil Falls and stop at High Falls on the way back. It’s a 4.6 mile easy hike with the reward being the falls. The signage in this area excellent.

The hike is on a gravel roadway. You cross over a covered bridge, continuing on the road, until you get closer to the falls where you take a trail through the woods to the falls.

Along the way, a horse barn and corral seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Evidence of the Hurricane Helene flooding is along the edge of the road with the debris of branches and in the woods some downed trees. Other than that, you’d never know things were flooded, except of course, the map with all the hiking trail closures. We hike cross the Lake Julia Spillway and then hike along Lake Julia. Such a beautiful area.

The Bridal Veil Falls flow down a flat rock. It is very different from what you expect of a waterfall that usually free falls over a cliff.

On our hike back, we stop for a light snack generously provided by Stacy. Then we start up again towards High Falls. Spring is the time to come here. Nothing is crowded so you can get right up to falls and enjoy the views.

I drive back to the Greystone Inn and that night’s dinner with family is at Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant. Delicious authentic food was enjoyed by all.

The spring flowers are everywhere and the mountain colors in the morning sun are awesome.