Hemlock Cliffs might be a small area, but it’s rugged. To get to the clearing on top of the water fall, hikers walk along a narrow path not far from the edge of the cliff. Single-file is a must. To reach the creek bed, hikers descend a collection of large stones that passes for stairs.
If the stones are wet or covered with leaves, they’re slick. One misstep could lead to a concussion. Traversing the beginning of the trail near the waterfall and a section farther down the creek near a giant basin carved out of the sandstone from centuries of erosion is more like bouldering than hiking, but it’s worth the physical exertion.
In the early spring warmth, the icicles have started to melt, making the cliffside glitter under the clear blue sky. Even when there’s not a cloud in sight, it sounds like it’s raining and the ground is damp from the melting ice. A few green spots are starting to pop out.
It’s not just the recreation that makes Hemlock Cliffs a unique place. The U.S Department of Agriculture Forest Service recognizes Hemlock Cliffs as a designated special place for its archaeological and botanical value.
Native American artifacts from as early as 10,000 years ago have been unearthed in the area, and historians believe the ancient people used the caves carved into the sandstone as shelters. For plant lovers, wintergreen, a rare type of mint, wild geranium, French shooting stars, liverwort, mountain laurel and, of course, hemlock trees all grow in the creek bed.
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I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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I like these posts as it is interesting to know what interesting places are in which we would not imagine this kind of outdoor experience.
That’s why I do it Tim. Hoping to provide found experiences with a national, even international, flavor. Hiking is something to be enjoyed at any age, in any country, no matter your economic circumstance.
I heartily agree. BTW Went out today to Wilson Creek Wilderness area outside of Morganton. Not been there in awhile. It was a re-awakening of the beauty and ruggedness of this area straddling the foothills and the mountains.