Exploring the Somer Brook Gorge-SGL 57

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Exploring the Somer Brook Gorge-SGL 57

This map is for general directional purposes, it is not a gps track. Red is off trail. Brown is a trail, but blazes and tread may be faint.

SGL 57 is one of the crown jewels in the Mid Atlantic. Somer Brook is just one of its many beautiful streams. I’ve been to Somer Brook many times, exploring different sections, but I have never hiked the entire gorge. I finally did, and it was incredible. A true waterfall and cascade wonder in an isolated, wilderness setting.

A few things about this hike- there is no trail along Somer Brook, just follow it upstream. You will have to cross the creek many times, so expect wet feet. Do not attempt in high water, as Somer Brook becomes a ferocious whitewater torrent. It is best to park at the “High Knob Trail parking area” as shown on Google maps. But this is only accessible during hunting season. The road is in decent shape, but a vehicle with some clearance is recommended. There is year-round access from Windy Valley/Bellasylva Road via the Swinging Bridge or Meat Trails. However, you must cross Mehoopany Creek without a bridge. If Somer Brook is high, you do not want to even consider crossing Mehoopany Creek. This description begins from the “High Knob Trail parking area”. This hike is roughly 9-10 miles in length. It is challenging, incredibly beautiful, and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. It’s a good idea to bring a friend.

From the parking area, walk around the gate and head north on the road. Enter a stunning red spruce forest with moss. Turn left on the next road, this is Southbrook Road and cross a small stream. Leave the red spruce and cross another creek; you will be completing the loop here. Pass the stone cabin and continue on the road, passing the High Knob Trail to the left. To the right is the deep gorge of Somer Brook; you will likely be able to hear the waterfalls and cascades.

Where the road makes a left turn, look for a sign for the Meat Trail, take it as it descends. There may be some old blazes. A treadway should identify the trail. As you reach the bottom, leave the Meat Trail to the right. The off trail section begins. Hike to Somer Brook and follow it upstream, crossing as necessary. There are areas of brush along the trail, but you can bypass. The first feature is a slide cascade. Continue on the west side, or right side, of the brook. Reach Kovaleski Cascade, an impressive spot with a giant, angled boulder. Now stay on the left side of the creek since the right has a steep cliff. Reach beautiful Sunrise Falls and its deep pool.

I typically stayed on the left side until I reached a side stream. If flowing, take it to Atkinson Falls, a fifteen foot falls with large boulders in a beautiful glen. If flowing well, there are countless boulder cascades above the falls. Return to Somer Brook and continue upstream.

You will soon reach one of my favorite spots, the Endless Cascades. This place is incredible. For hundreds of feet, the creek cascades and tumbles over a gauntlet of large, mossy boulders. Water falls in every direction and angle. You are surrounded by it. There are deep pools and bedrock slides. A highlight is a wide twin falls that fans out into a grotto with trickling springs.

The Endless Cascades continue until you turn the corner and reach where the two branches of Somer Brook meet. This is a gorgeous place with huge boulders, grottos, and pools. If the trees are bare, you can see towering Somer Brook Falls, an incredible sight. Take the branch to the right and see Mashed Potato Falls, so called because of its appearance when frozen. Reach the base of Somer Brook Falls as it tumbles down a steep glen. This falls is roughly 80 feet high in total. Hike above the falls to the left, or east. At the top are some more cascades in a beautiful spruce and moss forest.

When another creek joins from the right, follow it back to Southbrook Road. Retrace your steps back to your car. You won’t soon forget this hike.