We can all thank Bernie for not being able to just sit around and do nothing. He had recently been exploring the Big Laurel area off of Horsepasture Rd which is off of Hwy 178 not too far south of the NC/SC state line. It's the same road that goes out to Jumping Off Rock and the parking area is beyond the gate that only opens during hunting season. So you only have until the end of the year if you want to see it any time soon. Next chance will be in early Spring for a few weeks, then again in the fall. So obviously if you go - wear bright orange!!

Bernie took us to 3 nice waterfalls - this is the first one and it's on Laurel Creek. Take Horsepasture Rd to Laurel Gap at the parking for Virginia Hawkins Falls. The road is open to this point year around. Keep going straight past the green gate and up the steep hill. 4X4 is a must! Drive about 2.2 miles farther, pass the view on the right, then park at the red gate on the left right around the corner. It's an easy walk down that road, then some minor bushwhacking to the base of the falls. From the gate, walk about 10 minutes to a fork - go right. After 20-30 minutes, listen for a small creek on the right. This creek feeds into Laurel Creek right below the waterfall. Keep going for another 10 or so minutes and look for a 3-4 foot flatish rock on the right in a curve to the left. Leave the road here and continue down the ridge towards Laurel Creek and the sound of the waterfall.