Since I've started leading hikes for the Meetup group here in Georgia, most of my the hikes that I've organized have been more challenging and definitely not for beginners, but I do recognize that some folks are just not up to doing 10+ miles on the trail. That said, I thought it would be nice to lead a less strenuous hike and encourage some of those members. Raven Cliff Falls near Helen, Georgia seemed an ideal location. This was one of the first hikes I did after moving to the Atlanta area and so, I know it's a pretty easy trail. Before the hike, I'm running a trail 5k at one of the nearby wineries, which in combination with the hike, should give me a decent workout for today.
The 5k was pretty strenuous as we run up and down the vineyard rows on the side of a steep hill, and so, I'm actually pretty glad I didn't schedule anything too crazy this afternoon. As expected the trail head parking lot is overflowing with cars, but I manage to find a spot to stash my jeep just a short distance away down a forest service road.
As the large group begins to assemble, I initiate a round of introductions and explain a little bit about the Meetup group and today's hike. There are a lot of new faces, likely encouraged by my listing this as a "beginner's" hike. One of the other organizers has joined us and I ask if should be willing to either lead or sweep, and give her the choice. She ends up leading and I end up sweeping, which is fine by me.
The trail, as on my last visit, is well-kept and well-traveled. It follows Dodd Creek as we make our way to Raven Cliff and the waterfall that time has carved through it. Along the way, I help a few of the older hikers with some of the minor obstacles, but all in all, we make it to the base of the falls without incident.There, we take a few minutes to enjoy a snack and take in the gorgeous landscape and waterfall.
After a short rest, I call the two minute warning and soon, we are back on the trail. Again, I sweep, while the other organizer leads us back towards the parking area. The return trip is uneventful as far as I can tell from the rear, but when we arrive back at the trailhead, I learn that our senior statesman got slapped in the forehead with a large tree limb. I ask him if I might examine him to ensure he doesn't have any sign of a concussion, which he agrees to. After talking with him a bit and doing a basic examine, it seem he is fine, but as a precaution, one of our other hikers is going to drive him home. All in all, it was a great leisurely hike of about 5.8 miles. Many of the members thank me for organizing and leading it and ask that I do more hikes of this type. I agree, but warn them that they will likely be few and far between, as I personally enjoy the more challenging stuff.
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