Today’s been a good day for a hike! Porter’s Creek Trail was the trail and Fern Branch Falls the destination. This trailhead is very close to another great trail called Ramsey Cascades. Oh, and by the way, Ramsey’s is closed (trail maintenance?) so call the park before heading over if you have plans to do that particular trail. Also, Alum Cave Trail is still closed Monday through Thursdays for trail maintenance. Ok, enough about closed trails!
Where was I….oh, Porter’s Creek Trail! The first mile or so of the trail goes along an old road that runs next to Porter’s Creek. You will pass by some stone walls on your right at about 2/3 of the way in. This is the old homestead of Elbert Cantrell. Just pass the homstead you will see Ownby Cemetary on your right
At the 1 mile mark, the old road turns into an actual trail and there’s a spur trail to the right that leads to the John Messer farm site.
Pic’s along the way…
At 1.6 miles you will cross a footbridge. I kept trying to get a shot that would make this bridge look more menacing but I couldn’t…It was a little nerve racking crossing it. It’s a lot higher off the creek than it looks in the middle. All was well, no rescue of a clumsy hiker needed today!
At 2 miles, I finally reach my destination, Fern Branch Falls. There was barely a trickle at the very top. Sorry pic is zoomed out. I had read that the falls is pretty spectacular when there’s higher water flows, but honestly didn’t expect much with the lack of rain we’ve had lately. Not disappointed, I’m sure it’ll start flowing when it gets ready.
Did I say the trail was all up from the very beginning? Well, it was. Only 2 miles in, 2 miles out for a total 4 miles. There were a lot of people on the trail today and I had the pleasure of speaking to a few.
Thank you all for reading!
Adventure Blog 
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