Stone Moutain - Autumnal Equinox (DeKalb County, Georgia)

Though the actual autumnal equinox is not until Tuesday, I decided to schedule an event to watch the sunset from the top of Stone Mountain two days early. I have plans Tuesday and figured a day or two wouldn't make that much difference (it's actually 3 minutes to be exact). Though I had already lead a hike on the Sutalee Trace Trail today, my legs are feeling great and a walk up the steep summit trail should be a nice workout. 

Meeting up with the participants near the restrooms, I'm a little disappointed to see there will only be three of us. A storm system is supposed to start moving through very soon and I suspect this scared a lot of people off. Either way, it will be a nice hike for us. Though I've hiked with both gentlemen before, we do a quick round of introductions and then begin climbing up the steep monadnock towards the summit. Along the way, I point out some of the intricate carvings made in the granite in decades past. Some of these date back to just after the Civil War. I always love the history. 

As we near the summit, I see that the storm is going to be a thing and warn the others that if we see any lightning in the distance that I'll be heading down. Being on top of a treeless granite dome during a lightning storm is a very stupid idea. They agree. With that said, we find a spot on the summit to watch the descending sun to the west and the approaching dark clouds from the north. We even spot a rainbow in those dark clouds. 

The sunset is quite beautiful as it passes behind the skyscrapers of downtown Atlanta. Unfortunately, we begin to feel some raindrops just five minutes or so before the actual sunset. I don't mind getting wet, but there are sections of this granite that get incredibly slick and dangerous when wet. The others suggest and I agree that we should head back. We quickly make our way down the mountain, though the rain never does more than a few drops. Still, better safe than sorry. Total distance of this evening hike was only about 2.1 miles, but the elevation change of Stone Mountain always makes it a nice workout.

Sutalee Trace Trail (Cherokee County, Georgia)

A few months ago when I was training for the Camino, I found and hiked the Sutalee Trace Trail near Canton, GA. I found it to be a nice hike with a few options in the trail system. I mentioned it to the owner of the Meetup group I often lead hikes for and suggested it might be a nice trail to fit into his Sunday rotation. With ample parking, relatively easy grades, nice views of the Etowah River, and a few side trail options, it seemed like a great fit. He was interested and asked me to post an event for it later in the year when my schedule would allow me to lead it. Today is the day.

Arriving at the parking lot a few minutes before our scheduled start time, I had to wander off into the woods to use the restroom as the physical restrooms were roped off for some reason. Returning to my car, I found a couple of people had arrived and asked if they were here for the hike. Others began to arrive, including the group owner. Before our introductions, I gave a little overview of the trail including the limited history I know about it from my research. This route is supposedly the same one or at least near the one used by the Cherokee for hundreds of years and then by the early European settlers to this area to travel between villages. Some years ago, the pseudo-historical route was marked as a hiking trail and part of the Etowah River Trail System. I always love a little history in my adventures. 

Departing the parking area, we make our way into the woods and before long see some excellent views of the river, though the brush is much thicker than when I hiked here back in the late winter. This part of the path is nearly level and well maintained. We pass a few other hikers along our route. At one point we reach what I refer to as the crossroads, which is the intersection of a couple of dirt roads and hiking trails. Reviewing the map here, we discuss exploring a couple of other options, but for now continue along the white trail. 

After taking this path deeper into the woods, we finally reach the terminus at Jug Creek, where the trail hits another dirt road. We discuss what we want to do from here. Originally, I had planned to just hike out and back on the white trail and keep it easy to, but I'm fairly easily convinced to explore a couple of other options. 

We follow the dirt road and through an exposed area where the joro spiders have built their strong, sticky webs across the path in places. Luckily, I had picked up a stick and was already sweeping for them. I really don't like walking face first into spider webs. Eventually, we return to the white trail and head back towards the parking log, but not before exploring a couple of the other side trails. 

As it turns out one of the hikers had fallen behind and not brought enough water with him (which seems a bit careless on such a hot day). He had message me, but with only intermittent signal here in the woods, I didn't see the message until we returned to the parking area, where I found him waiting. He said he had made it back safely, which I was glad to hear. Total distance for the day was 8.9 miles. Everyone seemed to enjoy the trail and I expect the group will return. I leave the group pretty quickly though as I am leading another hike this evening and need to get back.

Arabia Mountain - Daisy Days (DeKalb County, Georgia)

I ran a 5k this morning, but after getting home and doing some chores, I decided I wanted to get in a few more miles. Thinking about where to go, I realized the daisies should be starting to bloom at Arabia Mountain (and at the other monadnocks southeast of Atlanta). That seemed like an ideal place to hike a few miles and see some nice scenery. 

It's only about a thirty minute drive from my house and I arrived to find the parking lot pretty full, but an open spot right by the entrance. With my car parked and plenty of water to keep my hydrated on this hot 'dog day' afternoon, I headed south on the paved path behind the nature center. 

The trails and routes at Arabia Mountain are pretty well known to me, as I've hiked here many times over the years I've lived in Atlanta. I decided to follow a route that takes me across Klondike Road and into the woods before popping out on the bare granite between the high point of Arabia Mountain and it's taller sibling, Bradley Mountain. With no shade on the granite surface, it's really hot and continue to drink water to try and stay cool.

When I descend from Bradley Mountain, I had expected to be overwhelmed by the bright yellow daisies littering the landscape and former quarry areas, but I didn't see many at first. I then thought it might be too early in the season. These yellow beauties generally start blooming in late September and continue into October. After walking a little further though towards the southern parking lot, I find many more. I still may be early, but there are several of them in bloom.

Walking up the boardwalk lot back towards the nature center, I find even more scattered along and below the walkway. They're really beautiful flowers and make for a magnificent hike. The butterflies dance among the blossoms and almost seem to have a playful nature about it.

Crossing over the road again, I head towards the Frog Pond and Mile Rock Trail. This side of the old quarry doesn't seem to have as many of the yellow flowers, but it's still a nice hike regardless. Between the old buildings of the quarry, the granite, and just the general landscape, Arabia Mountain is always an interesting place to hike.

After a short time, I'm back at my car having hiked about 3.1 miles along these granite paths. I'd like to get in more, but I have some other events going on tonight and need to get cleaned up. The heat has rally caused me to sweat quite a bit and I'm sure I don't smell suitable for being around people right now. 

Cauley Creek and Rogers Bridge (Gwinnett County, Georgia)

It's been so incredibly hot and humid the last couple of weeks, which I've mentioned in previous blogs, but today I decided to get up early and drive to a nearby park I've only just learned about. Cauley Creek Park is only about six miles from my house, but sits on the other side of the Chattahoochee River. Luckily, a neighboring park built around the old Rogers Bridge offers a way to cross. 

I left the house a little before sunrise and arrived just a few minutes later. Thankfully, the heat hasn't kicked in this early and I might be able to get a nice walk in without sweating my ass off. I park and quickly cross over the modern Rogers Bridge. As I walk across, I note a great number of walkers and runners on these trails. The river below has a thick fog covering it, which makes for a nice picture. 

The trails here are all paved and covered with a bouncy, rubber like substance (that is likely produced from recycled car tires). It makes for an easy walk and I'm able to maintain a great pace as I get my miles in. My route circles the outside of the park and cuts into the woods in a few places. Along one of the sections, I spot a couple of deer, including a fawn - always a welcomed site when out on a hike.

Rounding the last section, I head back over the bridge towards my car and as I do so, a fellow walk mentions to me that he used to jump off the bridge here into the cold river below. I believe he was talking about the previous bridge, but he mentions that the water directly below us roughly eight feet deep and that there is a little boat ramp just a few meters downstream (and now overgrown with brush) that he would swim to and climb out on. I wish him a good day and finish my walk. Total distance for the morning was about 3.7 miles, which is not bad at all for a weekday.

Phinizy Swamp - Equalization Pond Loop (Richmond County, Georgia)

As hot and humid as it is today, I debated on just heading home after my previous hike, but since I'm in the area, I decided to check out one more interesting place near Augusta. The Phinizy Swamp seems like a place that Snoop Dog might enjoy visiting, but today, it's me paying it a visit. This swamp is created by the confluence of the Savannah River and Butler Creek and is home to a variety of waterfowl and amphibians, including alligators.

Even getting out of my car, I'm second guessing my decision to hike further in this heat, but I'm here now and I've got to check it out. My plan was to hike about five miles around the facility. We'll see how far I get before heat exhaustion sets in. The trail starts easily enough and wanders through the swampy forest from the parking area to the visitors center, which only takes about five minutes to walk. Here a number of structures, picnic areas, and other facilities offer a variety of amenities to those brave enough to come to the swamp.

I head out towards the SunRise deck, which takes me over a winding boardwalk to a wooden platform built in the reeds and presumably which offers a view of the rising sun early in the morning. I bet it would be at least a little cooler at that time of day. Continuing on, I follow the trail, which is mostly boardwalk out to the ponds where the wildlife lives.

First, I walk along a long straight boardwalk northward to Equalization Pond. This pond is surrounded by a low fence, but the bottom is open, presumably allowing the critters to crawl in and out as they please. I make a lap of the small pond, which is covered with a thick green moss that provides lots of feeding areas for the waterfowl who seem to love being here. I also note that I'm not the only one observing the birds. In the center of the pond, I see two eyes and a snout just above the water's surface. A small alligator is watching for any opportunity to get some lunch.

Passing by part of the fence, I disturb fifteen or so birds of the same species (I'm really not sure what they were). It's not my intention to bother them, but I can't get past without walking by them and so, they soon fly off. As I continue around the backside of the lake, I'm really starting to feel this heat. I make sure to drink plenty of water as I continue, but I'm not sure it's enough. I feel like I'm starting to get the first signs of a heat-related problem. I continue the walk and head back across the long straight bridge intending to go back the way I came to the car. 

However, at the junction of this side trail and the one I entered on, I meet a group of three other visitors and they mention a large alligator just ahead and on the right (a different path than I had planned). Of course, I can't let that go and head they way they pointed. This path follows some kind of fenced canal in the center of the facility that goes on a long way. There's no place to cross over it and I'm forced to decide on one side or the other. Given my intention to leave, I stay on the interior path all the while searching for gators. 

I do eventually see one in the large open water area, but he's at quite a distance and I'm never able to get a great shot from here. When I reach the other side of this pond though, there is a family there and a man playing baby alligator grunts from his phone, which appears to attract this big guy. He swims fairly close to the shore. I would estimate he's about six feet long, but it's always hard to tell at a distance. While I don't think he would attack a full grown man, he might be tempted to after the small children here and there mother watches over them diligently just in case. I chat with the family for just a moment, take a couple of snapshots, and then head back towards the car. 

While I'm really enjoying this place and of course seeing the wildlife, I need to cool off. Back at my car, I hop in and turn the AC up full blast while I down more water. I only hiked about 3.8 miles here, which is still more than I thought I would get, but as long as there are no long term effects from the heat exhaustion, it was worth it the alligator encounter was worth it.

Augusta Canal National Heritage Trail (Columbia County, Georgia)

I spent the night in Charlotte, NC last night after attending a concert given by my favorite band. Rather than head straight home this morning though, I decided to head south and visit Augusta, GA for the first time. I had a couple of trails I wanted to check out. That said though, the weather has been fairly unpredictable and not super friendly to hiking these last few days. There was a pretty heavy rain during much of the concert last night, but luckily my seats were under the amphitheater roof. Add to that super high temperatures and humidity, and it doesn't make for great weather to be outdoors. Still, I'm going to give it a go.

My first stop takes me to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Trail. This path runs parallel to the Augusta Canal cut alongside the Savannah River in 1845 to power cotton mills and other factories in the area. It was instrumental in the industrialization of the south. This canal is the only one if it's kind in the US that is fully intact and although none of the plants are still in operation, the hydroelectricity is still used by the community and Augusta's municipal water system is drawn from the canal.

As I drive around the trailhead at Savannah River Rapids Park and soon find a parking spot, I notice this is a popular recreation area. There are a number of kayakers, runners, walkers, bikers, and photographers busy at whatever their focus happens to be. I can't blame them; its' a very pretty area.

Walking down the hill from the parking area, I follow along Reed Creek, which empties into the canal, but not before passing over a beautiful little double waterfall. Vibrant colors of green and red make for a terrific picture and I'm already enjoying this place.

Just a bit further, I cross a sturdy bridge which takes me over the canal to narrow strip of land separating the canal from the river. The trail is small gravel, but well maintained and perfectly flat and seemingly perfectly straight, at least for the length I decide to walk. Both the river and the canal appears to be pretty shallow since I can see the bottom in many places and in the river, a number of shoals crop up from the water's surface offering some refuge to the local waterfowl and an army of turtles. There are also a great many turtles in the canal balancing on floating logs and other debris. Some of them drop into the water at the slightest move in their direction.

As I make my way down the trail on this incredibly warm day, I decide to take my shirt off and at least get a little color on my farmer's tan. I'm passed by a number of runners and bikers and in turn pass a number of walkers (as usual my pace is pretty fast), but I do take the time to take in the beautiful scenery all around me. 

I also notice that the joro spiders have arrived and they seem to be even bigger here than they are back home. I spot several of them who's leg spans would appear to be more than four inches, though it's difficult to tell at a distance. I'm sure they get well fed here on the river's shoreline. 

After passing a sign for a place called the Old Fish Camp Path, which seems to lead down to the river, I decide to turn around and head back. It's just so hot and humid today. Back at my car, I see that I only hiked about 2.8 miles and I now that this trail extends well beyond where I turned around. I may have to visit again when it's a bit cooler and finish out the remaining miles. For now though, I settle for just this taste.

Ocmulgee River Trail (Jasper County, Georgia)

The weekend is going far too fast, but thankfully it's Labor Day, which means a rare Monday off of work. I decided to join the Atlanta Outdoor Club for another hike today. The Ocmulgee River Trail will be our destination. I saw this one get posted a couple of weeks ago and it immediately caught my interest since I haven't explore the area. I was a bit confused though in that the meeting location had a couple of different pins. I had emailed the organizer and he mentioned that it was a "exploratory" hike, which I completely understand, but it would still be nice to ensure we all start at the same place.

It's a couple of hours of driving to get to the trailhead and once I arrived, I didn't find anyone at first. I rechecked the coordinates and just as I confirmed I was in the correct place, another gentleman showed up. We called the organizer who was at one of the other points and bushwhacking to find anything resembling a trail. As we spoke, a third hiker drive back from further up the gravel road we were parked on and reported a parking area about a half-mile further in. We relayed this to the organizer on the phone and before long, everyone had arrived at the turn-off. We chatted for a moment and then caravanned to the parking area hoping it was the spot we were looking for. It was, though it was pretty overgrown.

Everyone parked their car and got out the bug spray and their gear before doing a quick round of introductions. As we walk through the partially overgrown parking area, I note a lot of poison ivy growing and mention this to the group. Knowing this hike was exploratory, I wore long pants to protect myself from the 'devil weed', which causes a horrible rash on me. It seems I was the only one that thought this way though as everyone else is in shorts. 

We quickly locate the trail and begin our trek through this forest that is unknown to us. The hiking is easy, but the trail doesn't seem to get a lot of use. It's pretty easy to follow, but there are several blow-downs and the weeks (and poison ivy) make obvious attempts to reclaim it. Heading north through the woods for the first part of the trail, when we finally turn around, we are just above the river. Unfortunately, it is so overgrown we are rewarded with only a couple of views. One of them though does give us the opportunity to watch a small fishing boat 'climb' up over a shallow waterfall. It was pretty impressive piloting.

Returning to the parking area, we discuss possibly explore the area south, but with the skies starting to darken, we assume a thunderstorm is in our future and decide to call it a day. I was still able to get in 8.7 miles on this trail, which is pretty nice. It was also nice chatting with these folks, several of whom have been doing international adventure recently, just as I have. It's good conversation.