Jump Off Rock, Laurel Park, NC

Jump Off Rock, near Hendersonville, NC (not to be confused with Jumping Off Rock near SC's Lake Jocassee) offers a great view of the Blue Ridge Mountains just yards from the street.

From Hwy 64 in Hendersonville, we went south on Main St then right on 5th, just past The Mast General Store. A few stoplights later, 5th St changes to Laurel Park Highway, and we twisted and wound along the two-lane road as it gained elevation. At the end, the road split into a small loop. Here, we parked and took the pathway to the rock outcropping known as Jump Off Rock.

Short walk from the street to Jump Off

Jump Off Rock

While the outcropping is called Jump Off, please don't! According to several sources, the destination derives its name from the legend of a young native who supposedly jumped after receiving word of her love's death. Instead, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view, which includes Cold Mountain, and Mount Pisgah.

View from Jump Off Rock. For a larger image, click on the photo.

There are three hiking trails near Jump Off Rock. We were unable to explore any of the trails on this trip, but plan to when we return. A sign on the premises states visitors are to hike at their own risk, so use the utmost caution while on the trails.

For more information on Jump Off Rock, go to www.historichendersonville.org/jump_off_rock.htm

Wildlife at Mattamuskeet

I have some information and photos of Jump Off Rock in Henversonville to pass along, but couldn't wait to share a few photos from our recent trip to Lake Mattamuskeet (the big hole in the flap of land along the NC coast.)

View Larger Map

It's December, which means Tundra Swans, Snow and Canada geese, and thousands of other migrating waterfowl have stopped by the state to rest a spell before moving southward. Many of the birds were near the shore, so we had some great views. It's a long drive, but well worth the visit.

For a full-size slideshow on Webshots, click on the link below the box.

Mattamuskeet Slideshow on Webshots

Panoramic shot of the cypress islands at Mattamuskeet:

Paris Mountain, Greenville, SC

I'm a huge fan of Upstate South Carolina. Home to Greenville, the Reedy River, Landrum, Scenic Hwy 11, the Blue Wall, Table Rock with all its scenery and trails, the rare wildflower called Oconee Bells, Caesar's Head, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness, waterfalls, and so, so much more, Upstate SC is a great place to visit, and to live.

Just north of Greenville, near Travelers Rest, sits Paris Mountain. Officially a state park, Paris Mountain provides a place to hike, bike, or picnic, and for G'ville-area residents, a mountain experience without the long drive.

While living in the Upstate, we would often pop over to the park on a Saturday morning or after work for a relaxing hike. We've hiked both the Sulfur Springs Loop and Brassy Ridge Trails, and enjoyed both. Paris Mountain also offers an interpretive trail around the lake, and an Old Firetower Bike Trail.

For more information, go to
http://southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/722.aspx