We Hiked II

The day was overcast and cool but so humid that it left us covered in a layer of moisture. The hike: Rose River Falls Loop on the Skyline. We were told of it by a fellow hiker two days before while hiking High Knob. We agreed it was one of the best hikes we'd ever experienced, even without the bounty of wildlife that surprised us along the way.
1. A teenage looking black bear ambled seemingly out of nowhere about 25 feet in front of where we tromped along. (A little later we passed a group of young boys who were unnaturally quiet because they were "going to see a black bear" of which someone had told them.)
2. Some sort of snake resting on a rock in the middle of a rushing stream. It was so quiet we thought it might be dead, but with a little prodding from Philip (no fear as we were standing on a bridge yards above) the snake decided to try and swim away up a rather rushing section of the stream. It almost made it then failed and went rushing down a minor water fall. With chin up, the snake slithered out unharmed but kept to the water while we were around. As we took photos like the nature lovers we are :) two young people who seemed to be speaking German joined us and we pointed out the snake.
3. Two deer ate calmly by the stream farther up and could hardly be scared enough to raise their heads for a picture. (Later as we drove along Skyline we passed another mother deer with her spotted fawn. The fawn was spooked as the stepped along and dashed into the woods. The mother calmly looked over her shoulder as if to roll her eyes at the fawn's fear.
4. Butterflies pelted our way and seemed to enjoy all the water ways we walked along as much as we did.
We recommend the hike.
We also recommend finding one of the many splashing pools between the mossy rocks in which to dip your toes.