Thursday, February 6, 2025

 Here are 20 waterfalls within 25 miles of Hendersonville, NC, along with their Google Maps links:

In DuPont State Recreational Forest:

  1. Triple Falls: Google Maps - Trio of waterfalls cascading 120 ft. in forested state park, a setting in "Last of the Mohicans."
  2. High Falls: Google Maps - 150-ft.-tall waterfall on the Little River with scenic deciduous forest & a nearby covered bridge.
  3. Hooker Falls: Google Maps - A short, wide, waterfall in DuPont State Forest that is a popular destination for swimming.
  4. Bridal Veil Falls: Google Maps - Short hiking trail to a wide cascade over a plane of granite, used as a backdrop for several films.
  5. Grassy Creek Falls: Google Maps - A lesser-known but beautiful 60-foot waterfall in DuPont State Forest.

In Pisgah National Forest:

  1. Looking Glass Falls: Google Maps - Photo-ready waterfall (named for a smooth rock that freezes) with a plunge pool & quick road access.
  2. Moore Cove Falls: Google Maps - A 50-foot waterfall where you can actually stand under the falls! It's an easy 1.4-mile hike.
  3. Slick Rock Falls: Google Maps - A less-visited 35-foot waterfall that cascades off a cliff face. The road to the waterfall is a bit rough, but it's worth it for the solitude.
  4. Sliding Rock: Google Maps - A natural waterslide where you can slide down a 60-foot rock face into a pool of water. There is a small fee to enter.

Other Waterfalls:

  1. Wintergreen Falls: Google Maps - A 20-foot waterfall in DuPont State Forest, a slightly lesser-known option.
  2. Wildcat Falls: Google Maps - Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is a smaller waterfall but easily accessible.
  3. Skinny Dip Falls: Google Maps - Another waterfall near the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its swimming hole.
  4. Catawba Falls: Google Maps - A larger waterfall with multiple cascades, located a bit further away but still within 25 miles.
  5. Courthouse Falls: Google Maps - A beautiful waterfall with a large pool at the bottom, perfect for swimming.
  6. Little Bradley Falls: Google Maps - A smaller waterfall that's a good option for a short hike.
  7. Toms Creek Falls: Google Maps - A series of small waterfalls that are easily accessible.
  8. Elk River Falls: Google Maps - A large waterfall with a popular swimming hole.
  9. Crabtree Falls: Google Maps - A beautiful waterfall with a picnic area, a great option for a day trip.
  10. Glen Falls: Google Maps - A series of waterfalls that cascade down a mountainside.
  11. High Falls (Cullowhee): Google Maps - Not to be confused with High Falls in DuPont, this is another impressive waterfall located near Cullowhee.

Tips for visiting waterfalls:

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as some hikes can be strenuous.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails.
  • Pack out any trash you bring in.
  • Be respectful of the natural environment.

I hope this list helps you find some beautiful waterfalls to explore near Hendersonville!

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

South Carolina state tax return = NO

 As a North Carolina resident receiving a South Carolina employee pension, you do not need to file a South Carolina state tax return[3][9]. South Carolina does not tax the retirement income of nonresident individuals[9]. Your pension income will be taxable in your state of residence, which is North Carolina.


In North Carolina, your pension income will be subject to the state's flat income tax rate of 4.75%[3]. However, North Carolina offers some tax benefits for retirees:


1. Social Security benefits are not taxable in North Carolina[3].

2. North Carolina has a "Bailey exemption" for certain government pensions, but this applies only if you had five or more years of creditable service as of August 12, 1989[1].


It's important to note that while you don't need to file a South Carolina tax return, you will need to report this pension income on your North Carolina state tax return. North Carolina taxes most retirement income, including out-of-state pensions, at its flat rate[3].


Citations:

[1] https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/601218/8-things-you-must-know-about-retiring-to-the-carolinas

[2] https://pamharringtonexclusives.com/blog/south-carolina-retirement-taxes/

[3] https://www.actsretirement.org/resources-advice/finance-saving-money/tax-benefits-for-retirees/north-carolina/

[4] https://support.taxslayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/360028657632-Is-my-retirement-income-taxable-to-South-Carolina

[5] https://www.actsretirement.org/resources-advice/finance-saving-money/tax-benefits-for-retirees/south-carolina/

[6] https://wildewood-downs.com/blog/tax-deductions-for-senior-citizens-in-south-carolina/

[7] https://smartasset.com/retirement/south-carolina-retirement-taxes

[8] https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/602202/taxes-in-retirement-how-all-50-states-tax-retirees

[9] https://dor.sc.gov/tax/individual-income/faq


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Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share