First Day Hike 2016: Margarette Falls

This New Year's Day we decided to change things up a bit. Instead of doing our first hike of the year at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, we opted to hike with the Greeneville Hiking Club at Margarette Falls in the Cherokee National Forest. We arrived at the trailhead just before hike time at 10:00 am,

took a group photo, and hit the trail.

Temperatures were cool, but not too cold to be uncomfortable. We slowly made our way upstream along the creek. Eventually arriving at our destination: Margarette Falls.

There was more water flowing at the falls today than on any of our previous trips.

We relaxed

and ate a snack at the falls.

Eventually, we started to make our way back to the trailhead. Even with the high water of the creek, the unbridged crossing was not too difficult.

Soon we were back at the parking area where we were greeted with hot chocolate and cookies!

A great way to start our 2016!