Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls Part I

For this year's summer trip, my dad, brother and I decided to take a road trip up to the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.  We decided on a route that would take us through Amicalola Falls in Georgia, Pisgah in North Carolina and finally Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. 

All the campgrounds we were staying at allowed pets, so I decided to bring my dog Louie along for the adventure.

Day 1: Dad and I took off from South Florida and headed up to Orlando to pick up my brother Matthew.  After getting his gear situated and him in the back of the cab with a 75 pound dog, we were back on the road.  This day was basically just a driving day.  We went straight through Atlanta and continued up to Dawsonville where we were staying in a cheap hotel for the first night.

On the way to Dawsonville we passed by the town Cumming.  Many, many jokes followed.  My favorite was, "There's no free way to Cumming."  We were on a toll road.

We were all a little deliouis from the drive, so we all knocked out quickly that night.

Day 2:  It was a rainy and dreary day when we awoke.  We questioned whether or not to stop at Amicalola Falls or just skip it and continue onto Pisgah.  We decided to just go despite the rain since we were already there.

Louie at Amicalola Falls State Park.

Top of the falls.

The metal grate stairs down to the base of the falls was hurting the pads of Louie's feet, so I decided to get a work out in for the day.  I like to call this shot Lamb of God. He got heavy quick, but at least we were going down.

From Amicalola we headed towards Pisgah, stopping along the way to check out some creeks and waterfalls.

A waterfall along 64.

The trusty Taco.

Dry Falls.  Don't be fooled by the name.

Campsite in Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest.

Sleeping deck in the back of the truck set up for Lou and myself.  Gear stored below.

Up close and personal.

Day 3: I slept great in the back of the truck.  It was nice and cool out and with the vents open it was pefect.  My dad got the espresso and breakfast going first thing.  Does it get any better than this?

After breakfast we headed out in search of some more falls.  Here is Looking Glass Falls.

Next up, a nice hike to Moore Cove Falls.

There was a trail to hike up to the top of the falls.

We decided to stop by Sliding Rock Falls next and take a dip.  The water was freezing.

We dried off and headed up to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  It was an awesome drive.

Decided we had the energy to do another hike, so we hiked to the top of the Mount Pisgah Trail.  Everyone was having a good times as evidence by the silly grins.

On the way back to camp we decided to explore some forest roads and check out another waterfall, Slick Rock Falls.

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls Part II

Day 4:  When we woke up the next morning it was chilly out.

From Pisgah we down to Mrytle Beach, SC.  The traffic was terrible and it was hot, but at least we could enjoy the beach. Louie is definitely a beach pup.  He was loving the sand and surf.

It was way too hot to sleep in the back of the truck at the Myrtle Beach campsite.  Even with all the windows open it steamed up and became a sauna.  In the middle of the night I couldn't take it anymore and Lou dog and I had to get in the tent with my dad and brother. It was at least a little cooler.

Day 5: We packed up our campsite and headed out on the long drive home to South Florida.

We stopped in Charleston on the way home.