Georgia Wilderness Society
Oconee State Park Trip
March 11-14, 2025
Back at the cars, some of us went into Walhalla for a Mexican lunch, while the others headed back to the cabin, I think. From lunch, our group went to the local library to check out the used book sale. We took away three boxes worth, most at $1-$2 for each book or DVD/CD. Once back at the park, the men and Irene played Bocce Ball, in a couple of close games.
The evening’s meal, a wonderful one, was supplied by the Ross/Bush cabin mates. Terry grilled shish-ka-bobs with some very succulent meat, Susan cooked the rice and supplied brownies and fine chocolates, and Rosemary fed us a delicious seafood soup. A little alcohol may have also been consumed (responsibly) over the course of the trip. Dinner was followed by the whole bunch playing Scrabble. Naturally, Terry cleaned up on the rest of us.
Seven Georgia Wilderness Society members got together at Oconee State Park for some leisure time, and a couple of very short hikes. From what I’ve heard, all had a good time. These cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Cabin 6 is a log cabin, while cabin 18 is built of sawn lumber.
All these cabins have fireplaces. Unfortunately, they also now have TVs. These are a recent addition. Wi-Fi is also available in each cabin. Upon arrival, I unplugged ours to put the outlet to better use - a wireless speaker for music. The cabins rent for about $110-$140/night, with the log cabins being the least.
We arrived on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with the Coles and Mangums staying in cabin 6, while cabin 18 was the Bush/Ross hangout. (A reservation SNAFU kept them from getting cabin 5, adjacent to the Cole/Mangum bunch.) Both cabins were lake side with nice views of the lake, and there was a nice trail between cabins.
Once we settled in, we sat on the screened porch to solve the world’s problems and admire the lake and frog choruses. We lucked out with great spring weather throughout the trip. For the evening meal, Irene prepared a very nice meal of BBQ chicken, baked beans and cole slaw. This was followed by her world-famous banana pudding (well, it should be world famous.) It was too windy for a campfire, so we had a fire in the fireplace as we let the food settle in our stuffed bellies.
On Wednesday, chef Irene was back at work preparing eggs, sausage, raisin toast and coffee for breakfast for cabin 6. We all took turns doing dishes on this trip. After breakfast, the seven of us piled into two cars, and drove to Silver Run Falls, a pretty falls just a couple hundred yards or so from the parking area. From there, we headed to Cashiers for lunch, with some taking a light lunch with them, others buying lunch at the local Subway. We all ate our meals in The Village Green, a pretty park in town.
After lunch, the Ross/Bush team headed for the grocery store, while the Cole/Mangum team headed for Whitewater Falls. This is a beautiful falls in the Carolina mountains. It is claimed to be 411’ high, the highest falls east of the Mississippi. But the web site for Amicalola Falls State Park claims Amicalola Falls as a magnificent 729-foot waterfall that’s the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Whatever the case, it is a sight to behold.
Thursday, chef Irene served cabin 6 French toast, then we all headed off to Riley Moore Falls, on the Chauga River. This trail is usually described as an easy to moderate trail of about 2.2 miles round trip. Most of us made it to the falls with no problems, and it turns out to be a river-wide falls of 10’-12’, with a big sandy beach.
That evening, the Mangums treated us to a wonderful spaghetti dinner, with pita and naan bread, salad, and for dessert, apple and pecan pies. We played Boggle afterward, with Joe easily claiming the top score.
Check out was at 10:00 Friday, so cabin 6 had a quick but tasty breakfast of pastry and bread, courtesy of the Mangums, before packing up to leave.
From my perspective, it was a very enjoyable trip, made all the better by spending it with friends. Irene and I rent cabins once or twice a year, mostly in fall or winter, and enjoy the slow pace. Maybe next time, you can join us.
Thanks to those who participated, which included: Susan Bush, Curt (trip leader) & Irene Cole, Joe & Jane Mangum, and Terry & Rosemary Ross.
