Big Bend Falls and Round Top Loop

Another sunny, but cold day, later warming up a bit. We started our hike outside the Cherry Hill Recreation Area gate, but we later found a parking area just off SC Hwy 107 where the trail crosses. The moderately used trail is in mixed condition with few roots and rocks on the first section prior to Big Bend, but rooty and rocky with narrow ledges along the Chattooga River. There is a significant climb up the return section of trail known as Crack-in-the-Rock Trail which turns off the Chattooga heading northeast to rejoin the Big Bend Trail. The turn-off is only marked with a couple of strands of red tape and the Crack-in-the-Rock Trail is not blazed. Care must be taken not to miss this turn-off. This section of the Chattooga River is just beautiful with numerous rapids. Unfortunately we never recognized Big Bend Falls.