Okefenokee Swamp Adventure Weekend (Charlton County, Georgia)

 

I have a distinct memory of watching an episode of Scooby Doo as a child. In this story, the gang visits the Okefenokee Swamp and investigates some kind of strange alligator creature. I can't remember much more about it, but the thought of the Okefenokee Swamp has stuck with me for all of these decades and since moving to Georgia, I've been interested in visiting this place. Luckily, the Georgia Conservancy organizes such a trip each year. Though it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, I was able to register for this year's trip.

With a full weekend of exploration planned, I make the five hour drive from my home near Atlanta to the Suwanee Eco-Lodge in Fargo, GA, near the Florida border. This will be our base camp for the weekend's adventures. After checking in, I get my tent set up on the outskirts of the facility and then head back over to the lodge. There were options to get a room here, but I'm perfectly comfortable in my tent, and it seems many others that will be on this adventure felt the same way, as there are a dozen or so tents pitched around the facility. As I make the short walk over to the lodge for the evening's festivities, I make small talk with some of my fellow adventurers. 

The evening begins with a happy hour sponsored by Sweetwater Brewing Company out of Atlanta and continues in the dining area with a fantastic turkey chili. While eating dinner, the organizers go over the weekend's agenda and cover several housekeeping items. As we finish our meals, the naturalist, Cathy Sakas, gives an interesting lecture on the ecology of the swamp. Finally, we all retire to a raging campfire outside, not far from my tent. I spend a little time with the group, but it's getting late and we have an early call in the morning.

Rising a little before 6:00 AM, I crawl out from under my quilt. The temperatures were perfect for camping last night, hovering right around 50 degrees. It's a little cool, when I step out of my tent, but very tolerable. I make my way over to the lodge for some coffee, while the crew finishes preparing breakfast. On this morning's menu are steel-cut oats with fresh strawberries and blueberries. I must say that these berries seem to have been picked earlier this morning as they are bursting with flavor. After everyone gets some food in their bellies, we caravan over to Stephen C. Foster State Park, which is about twenty miles away. From Here, we will launch our kayaks and canoes into the black waters of the swamp.

Though I have recently just purchased a new kayak, I didn't know that I would have it by the time this trip came around and so, I opted to share a rented canoe seat with another participant. In this case, it's Brian, the Communications Director for the Conservancy. He's very knowledgeable and a great paddler. I've never actually used a canoe before and it's quite different than a kayak. It takes a little getting used to, but eventually and with Brian's guidance, we begin working well as a team.

Our first paddle takes us east on the Suwanee River to Billy's Island. This is not my first time in a swamp, but each time, I'm left in awe of the diversity of life in these wet and wild wonderlands. Numerous bird species fly above us and feed from the water. Plants of all varieties, including Cypress Trees and the Spanish Moss hanging from them, frame the area in a almost mystical way.

After about two miles on the slow moving water, we reach Billy's Island. Truthfully, it's somewhat difficult to discern dry land from swamp here due to the thick vegetation, but luckily our guides know where they are going. We exit our watercraft and head to a large clearing for lunch. These were not provided by the organizers, but I had the forethought to purchase a couple of Jimmy John's subs for today and tomorrow and keep them in the cooler. It's very tasty and several of my peers comment that they should have done the same thing, as they enjoy their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Soon, Cathy Sakas, from last night's lecture, begins a short hike around the island, pointing out the diverse life along the way, including several spider species. It seems we are strolling through the now overgrown remains of the Herbard Cypress Company Logging Camp, which ceased operations here nearly a century ago. Over the decades, much of the equipment and shelters have been dismantled and moved, but some remnants still remain. These include two boilers from steam locomotive engines, which were used to transport the felled cypress logs, and the frame of an old car. I'm sure there are more artifacts in and among the palmettos that cover this area now, but it is protected and Cathy asks us not to venture beyond the warning signs, which I can certainly respect.

Loading ourselves back into the boats, we begin the paddle back to the launch point. Along the way, the group splits in two and some of us head north up Minnie's Lake Run, which is a narrow passage to a remote canoe dock and camping platform. Of course, I choose to take this detour and explore. After all, that's what I'm here for. The passage is much more narrow than the river, with sections only a few feet wide. It's something of a comedy to see some of the inexperienced paddlers trying to maneuver in and around the cypress trees rising from the water. We even have a couple of gentle pileups, but luckily no one is hurt or goes in for a swim. We do see a few small alligators along this passage and Cathy says we are likely to see even larger ones on tomorrows route. Eventually, we reach the dock and make our turn. According to Brian, we are the first group to actually get this far on the trip. On most years, several paddlers make the attempt but are forced to turn back due to time constraints.

Returning to the launch point, we take our boats out of the water and head back to the lodge. Another lively happy hour gives way to a terrific barbeque dinner complete with all the fixins. While we enjoy our dinner, members of the conservancy discuss their efforts to protect and preserve the swamp we have spent our day exploring. I think part of the strategy of the conservancy is to bring people out here to connect with the swamp and thereby become invested in it. Once invested, visitors are more likely to contribute to efforts to preserve the natural environment. The strategy works!

Once we finish dinner, we head out to stargaze. An astronomy club from one of the local universities has brought out several medium sized telescopes and have targeted several of the wonders of the night sky. This is the perfect place to do such a thing and the skies are gorgeous and open here. In fact, this is the only place east of the Mississippi that I have ever been able to see the Milky Way. Taking advantage of the telescopes, I'm treated to wonderful views of Saturn, Jupiter, and a few other heavenly bodies. After a bit, I head over to the campfire and join my compatriots for some merriment before I head back to my tent for a good night's sleep.

Again, the overnight temperatures were just about perfect. Unfortunately, I had a few too many post-happy hour beers and suffered from a couple bouts of the hiccups through the night. I still managed to get a decent night's sleep, but it could have been better. Sleeping in slightly later this morning, the sun is almost up when I make my way over to the lodge for coffee and breakfast. On the menu today, we have a sausage and onion quiche, which is quite tasty, especially with some hot sauce and jalapenos added to it.

We'll return to the swamp for one last paddle before we end our weekend. Today, I'll be sharing a canoe with Christine, another participant. We actually have some pretty challenging struggles in steering the boat and end up making a few 360 degree turns on the water, but eventually, we seem to get the hang of it.

Today, we're paddling west towards Mixon's Hammock. This route takes us through gator territory and while none of them appear to be walking on two legs like as in my memory of the Scooby Doo villain, we do encounter some pretty good sized ones. At point, our boat is floating through lily pads and we end up just ten to twelve feet away from a six footer sunning himself on a log. While this was completely accidental and the result of another team steering problem, the animal is docile in these cool temperatures and barely gives any sign that he notices us.

Reaching the Mixon's Hammock, another small island, we leave our boats and find a nice camping area to enjoy our lunch. Again, Cathy shares tales of the ecology and some of her past adventures in this area. It's all very enjoyable and is over far too soon. With a few final words, we climb back into our canoe and paddle back to the launch point. As we leave, I point out a pair of cypress trees to the north that currently have no less than five black buzzards roosting in them. Is this an ominous sign? I can't say, but it's not the last wildlife the group will see. Though Christine and I get there too late to see them, others from our group spot three black bears in an area not far from the launch point. Very diverse wild life in this place. 

Soon, we are back on dry land and saying our goodbyes. This has been an outstanding trip and I have gained a new appreciation for the murky, but life-giving waters of the swamp. I thank the organizers for their efforts and head back to my jeep. I do a quick change of clothes just to get something dry on and then I'm on my way back home.

Little River and Birdwalk Loop Trail (Cook County, Georgia)

Since I still have time remaining before I need to be at the lodge where I will be staying the next couple of nights, I decide to hike another trail at Reed Bingham State Park. This time, I'll be walking along the Little River and Birdwalk Loop Trail, which will pass over several boardwalks through the swampy bog.

The trail starts out easy enough as it heads into the woods along a wide, well-maintained path. Soon, I hit a couple of junctions, but opt to stay on my current route, which soon takes me along the river and move up onto the first of several well-constructed, but aging board walks. The ground below is a soupy black color, with lots of vegetation both growing out of and floating on top of the surface. The boardwalk is slippery in places. I'm sure both this and the state of the woods decay are aided by the humid air and the molds and other fungus that thrive in such environments.

As I continue along the river, a couple of spots allow me to walk out onto overlooks. It's a pretty standard view of a river in the south. The waters seems to sit in an perpetual state of stagnation while all kinds of plants and insects thrive around the area. All along the trail, I'm watchful for gators, snakes, or other inhabitants, but the only resident I see is a small tree squirrel who barks at me for interrupting his search for food as he runs off to climb one of the trees growing nearby the board walk.

The return trip along the Birdwalk Trail is nothing really noteworthy, but I do catch up to a couple on a small weekend vacation and enjoy a nice conversation with them as we return to the parking lot. My GPS track informs me that I hiked about 2.3 miles along this short path through the swamp. It was nice and a great way to stretch my legs a bit, but now it's time to move onto the prime target for the weekend, the Okefenokee Swamp.

Gopher Tortoise Trail (Cook County, Georgia)

 

My next stop en route to the southern Georgia sees me stop at Reed Bingham State Park. After locating the small trailhead, I park the jeep and head out to explore the Gopher Tortoise Trail, which is only a short walk in the woods. The ecosystem is subtropical here, with palmettos, pine trees, and Spanish Moss all over the woods. 

The trail makes a short half-mile loop through the area and the surface is a combination of sand and dry earth. On the first half, I don't spot any burrows, but returning on the other part of the loop, I finally locate a few. The endangered gopher tortoise digs out large holes in the sandy soil and uses them for shelter. When they move on, other creatures take up residence. I first saw these holes while visiting a set of Native American mounds in western Georgia a couple of years ago and I was later surprised to learn their source, but now I know exactly what I'm looking for and locate about five on the walk back to the jeep. I don't see any of the shelled construction crews though. Perhaps they have retreated deeper into the den or have simply moved on for green pastures.

Radium Springs (Dougherty County, Georgia)

I'm on my way to southern Georgia for a weekend camping with the Georgia Conservancy, but with a drive of over four hours and plenty of time to spare, I thought it would be nice to stretch my legs along the way. My first stop takes me to what has been deemed one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia, Radium Springs. Known as "Skywater" to the indigenous peoples and later as "Blue Springs" to the Colonials, trace amounts of radium were discovered in the water around 1925 and this largest natural spring in Georgia was given a new moniker.

During the late 1800's and early 1900's, this site was a popular tourist attraction. A resort, golf course, and many other amenities were built in and around the large pool. Gorgeous blue waters rise from a deep cave system at a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year round and provide a moderate environment for fish and other aquatic species.

Today, the ruins of the once popular resort remain, though the main structure was demolished in 2003 after several successive floods had damaged it beyond repair. A short walk around the various stone walls and other features provides great views of the spring and the fish swimming within it. From the large pool, the waters flow south and soon join the Flint River. With a light fall breeze blowing through and no one else around, it's a very serene experience. It's time to return to the jeep though and get back on the road.

Ath Half - Half Marathon (Clarke County, Georgia)

I've been trying to get myself back in running shape, but it's been a hard road. Between breaking a finger last year and a horrific case of chigger bites, I've had a few set backs that have delayed my schedule at various times. That said, I've still be able to sprinkle in the occasional race this year. I just haven't been able to stay as consistent as years past and it certainly shows in my times. This morning, I'm running the Ath Half. This is a half-marathon course through the college town of Athens, GA.

My alarm sounded at 4:30 AM this morning and I have to admit, I had second thoughts about getting up so early just to punish myself, but I managed to roll out of bed and begin getting ready for the run. Athens is nearly an hour east of my home near Atlanta, but the drive is pretty easy. I found a parking spot and was at the start line forty-five minutes before the races scheduled start time at 7:30 AM. These sunrise starts are a little problematic for me as my sunglasses, which I run with are prescription, while my normal glasses are very loose fitting and wouldn't be conducive to running. This means that I tend to walk around without wearing my glasses before the start, which makes every thing a little fuzzy in the distance. Add to that, the brisk air of a late October morning. All good though; I'll persevere.

As the start time approaches, all of the runners get into the corrals. I don't know the exact count, but there must be at least a couple of thousand runners for this event. It's a fairly popular one. With the sound of an air-horn, we're off. The large crowd of half-marathoners makes a number of turns as we weave our way through downtown Athens. The race route is clearly marked and volunteers and law enforcement do a wonderful job of controlling the traffic flow to protect the race participants. 

I start to settle into my pace and mentally get myself set for the next couple of hours. Signs held by crowds all along the way offer words of encouragement. The best that I saw was "Don't Half Ath your Ath Half!", which got a giggle out of me. Water stations and restrooms are spaced at every two mile mark, which is terrific and I take advantage of the restroom at the two mile mark. 

As I approach the four mile mark, I see a family in their front yard with signs indicating they are giving away beer to runners. I see a number of pitchers out on the table and some young children handing it out to interested runners as we pass. Loving beer as I do, I'm almost obligated to have one. As a seven or eight year-old hands me a small Dixie cup of cold beer, I can hear him ask for my ID, even through my head phones. With the white of my full beard clearly demonstrating my legality, the parent laughs and waves me on. That said though, being "carded" by such a youngster was one of the highlights of the day. 

Again at the six mile mark, I decide to relieve my bladder. Perhaps it was that shot of beer. Either way, I loose at least five minutes here waiting in line to use one of the two porta-potties. With that quick pit stop, I'm on my way and won't have to go again until the finish line. The next several miles take us through the hill laden outskirts of town and finally through the campus of the University of Georgia. 

As I approach the finish line, I realize that it is actually located inside the football stadium. We first run past the finish and then make a lap around the inside of the stadium before returning to and finally crossing through the archway. I'm exhausted, but I ran slightly better than I thought I would. My finishing chip time is 2:38:41, which is a far cry from my best times just two and a half years ago when I ran two sub-two-hour half-marathons. I'm satisfied with the time though, as I was expecting around a 2:45. After enjoying some of the races supplied snacks and refreshment, I relax for just a little bit and listen to a pretty decent funk band playing at the finish. Now it's time to head home.

Blood Mountain Sunset and Moonrise Hike via Byron Reese Trail (Union County, Georgia)

 

There are essentially four trailheads available to reach the summit of Blood Mountain, which is the tallest point along the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail. I've hiked from three of those four to the summit since moving to this region two years ago. When I saw that one of the local hiking groups had posted an event to hike from the fourth, the Byron Reese Trail, I just had to take advantage of the opportunity. To make it even more interesting, the event was scheduled on an evening where the moon would rise in the east mere moments after the sun had set in the west, and both would be visible along with some vibrant colors from the summit of the mountain.

I wanted to get an early start and so I left work a bit early and arrived at the trail head just before 4:30 PM, with the hike scheduled to start at 5:00 PM. Over the next few minutes, others started to arrive and with a quick "Are you here with AOC?" (AOC stands for Atlanta Outdoor Club), we easily identified each other. The event organizer and his wife arrived ten minutes or so before the scheduled start time. At the appointed time, we did a quick circle up and round of introductions, before quickly hitting the trail. We are on something of a timer as we want to ensure we reach the summit with plenty of time to spare before the sunset.

The skies are a clear blue with just the occasional wisp of cloud and the mountain foliage has just started to turn to it's fall palate. Color will definitely be the theme of tonight's hike. This trail is considerably shorter than the others that I have used to reach the summit. That said, it makes up for the shorter distance by having a steep incline and a very rocky path to the top. We will gain approximately 1,440 feet over a distance of only about 2.2 miles as we make our way to the top. Not the steepest trail I've ever hiked, but it should still be a good workout.

The group maintains a really good pace on the way up and manages to stick pretty closely together. Even as we navigate our way up stone steps and through a couple of rocky pinch points, we keep moving up the mountain. The trail uses as set of switchbacks to make the elevation gain a bit more manageable and eventually, we reach the stone shelter on the summit, often used by through hikers as an overnight lodge.

From there, we climb up to the top of the rocky outcropping that offers a spectacular view of the setting sun. The southern peaks of the Appalachians are laid out before us and with the sleepy sun preparing for it's nightly rest, a haze over the green and orange mountaintops adds some ambiance to the rolling hills before us. Everyone takes a few pictures and enjoys whatever snack or dinner they brought with them. After just a few minutes, the sun has retreated behind the horizon and a rich red lingers in the distant clouds. With each passing minute, it becomes a deeper shade of red. While I've been told that Blood Mountain was so named because of battles fought between the Cherokee and other neighboring tribes in the distant past, I can't help but wonder if it also might have been inspired by this rich color scheme I am now witness to.

Climbing back down the rock outcropping, hiking back past the shelter, and stopping on another flat rocky section just a couple of hundred feet back the way we came, we can now see the bright orange full moon rising over the mountains to the east. It appears gigantic as it makes its first appearance of the night and over the next few minutes resumes it's normal yellowish-white color, but as it has just awoken, that bright orange takes a little bit of time to fade.

Though it is now night time technically, the full moon offers some degree of light as we begin our trip back down the mountain. Everyone has brought headlamps or other light sources along and we are able to return to the parking lot without issue. I do notice a few black newts or salamanders as we make our way down the steep trail, and warn those walking behind me to be careful not to step on the little nocturnal guys. 

Finally returning to the cars at the trailhead, we thank the organizer and wish each other safe journeys home. My tracking app shows that this hike was only about 4.7 miles total, but the marvelous colors made it all worth while.

Carolina Renaissance Festival (Mecklenburg County, North Carolina)

 

Instead of hiking this weekend, we decided to drive up to the Carolina Renaissance Festival, held just outside of Charlotte, NC. This one is run by the same organization that puts on the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which we've attended a couple of times in the past. The hotel was only about seven miles away from the fair grounds, but at this is one of the largest events of its kind in the country, traffic was backed up and it took us a while to get in and parked in the gigantic grass field designated for that purpose.

Upon entering the fair, the world is transformed (at least partially) to the times of long ago. The town crier announces at the top of his lungs, the merriment that are underway and planned for later in the day. Among the items on our agenda are sitting in on a couple of shows of our favorite comedy troupe, the Tortuga Twins. Additionally, there is a brewfest here today, which has my attention.

As we make our way around, we grab some period food to fuel our walking. Everyone seems to be in a great mood and the festival workers do a great job of putting on a show. Around every turn, there is some musical or comedy act. Eventually, reaching the brewfest, I have a few samples. Out front of this mini-event, a brewing setup, proper to the period, has been set up and a brewer is explaining the process to interested visitors.

From there, we enjoy some of the shops and games, and towards the end of the day, make our way to the Edgewood Stage to see the final show of the Tortuga Twins, which they deem the "R-rated Show", as the content tends to be a bit racier than their earlier shows. We've seen this show a couple of times before, but it's no less funny. The twins (all three of them) make a joke of parents who have brought their nine-year-old daughter to the show - all in good fun. I've not seen this behavior before, but throughout the show, audience members approach the stage and stuff money in the twins' belts. It's almost like a strip show, without the stripping thankfully, lol.

After the show ends, we begin the long trek back to the parking area. It's been a fun day, but I'm a little sunburn and my back is killing me from standing (or sitting without backs support) all day. It will be good to get some dinner and then crash back at the hotel.

Moore Cove Waterfall (Transylvania County, North Carolina)

 

The second waterfall I will be visiting today is at Moore Cove, which is only a mile or so up the winding mountain road from my last stop at Looking Glass Falls. Here too, a number of cars a re parked alongside the road allowing their owners to visit the natural wonder. This one, however unlike it's neighbor, does require a short hike through the woods to visit. 

The trail is very well worn leaving little doubt of the correct path. It starts out by crossing a bridge over what I believe is Looking Glass Creek once again, but I may be incorrect and this could be a tributary. Either way, the trails heads slightly uphill from there. Recent rains have left the surface a little muddy, but still in pretty good condition. This trail is pretty popular and I pass a lot of families as I make my way. For better or worse, my hiking pace is much faster than the average site-seer. 

Arriving at the waterfall, erosion has carved out an area behind and under the drop. While it's possible to get back there, I decide to stay dry and avoid the muddy section today. The flow of this water passing over the cliff is much less than my previous stop, but it's still an impressive site as the small stream descends fifty or so feet to the creek below. I take a few pictures before turning around and heading back for my jeep. I still have a couple hours of driving to do before I get home. This little 1.4 mile hike was a nice, relaxing break though and to see a couple of beautiful waterfalls is always a joy.

Looking Glass Falls (Transylvania County, North Carolina)

 I attended a terrific craft beer festival in Asheville, NC yesterday and being responsible, I stayed at a nearby hotel last night so that I didn't have to drive after imbibing so much outstanding beer. Since I'm driving back to Atlanta this morning, I figured I would take the scenic route and hit a couple of waterfalls on my way. It will be a good way to stretch my legs during the three hour drive.

The first is Looking Glass Falls, which isn't far from the Blue Ridge Highway. Several vehicles parked along side the road near leave little doubt as to where the waterfall is located. There really isn't a hike to this one, but more a series of observation decks accessed by well constructed wooden steps. The waterfall itself is magnificently picturesque. As Looking Glass Creek tumbles approximately sixty feet over the cliff, it fans out into a beautiful water feature. Almost perfectly framed by the cliff walls and foliage from the observation decks, this is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls I've encountered. While no where near the biggest or tallest, it may be one of the most perfect.

Little Mulberry Trail (Gwinnett County, Georgia)

 

Not content with only doing a little over five miles on my previous hike and with the timing working out just about right, I decided to join one of the Meetup Groups for a second hike today. This time, I'm heading to Little Mulberry Park, which isn't terribly far from my home and offers a number of terrific trails. I don't generally like to hike in the same place multiple times, but as it has been a while since I've been able to hike with this group, I thought it would be nice to make an appearance and enjoy one of my favorite local parks.

Just as I pull into the parking lot, the group is forming up and Charlie, the organizer, immediately calls on me for his traditional question. Today's is "pick a good name for a trivia team". I often play trivia with Charlie and Sharon at some of the local bars. Unfortunately, I'm stumped having no time to prepare an answer. He gives me a pass and a moment or two later, we hit the trail.

It's great to seem some familiar faces and we make quick work of the trail miles here. Most of these trails, I've hiked before, but one area in particular is new to me. From what appears to be a kayak and canoe launching platform that has been closed off with steel cables, we are offered view of the small island in the middle of Miller Lake. The lake is covered with trees that are starting to turn to their fall colors, but a clearing is visible only from this platform and there, we can see a concrete walkway leading up to the statue of a Tyrannosaurus Rex standing perfectly in the center of the small island. It's actually a pretty big surprise to me, as I thought I knew this park pretty well, but had no idea this was here. 

We continue on around the loop, making good time. As we near the end of the large loop, storms which had been predicted, begin blowing in. The sky to the southeast has turned dark gray and droplets of rain begin to fill the air. It seems we returned to the parking area just in time. As I wish everyone well and get in my jeep, the rain begins to come down. I check my GPS tracker and see that I added an additional 7.8 miles to my day, bringing my total to almost exactly 13 for the day. Not bad and with the storm moving in, it's probably a good time to head home.

Simpsonwood (Fulton County, Georgia)

Wanting to get some miles in today, but not wanting to drive too far since I just got back from a multi-day backpacking trip on the west coast, I decided to join the Atlanta Outdoor Club for a hike of Simpsonwood. Prior to the event list, I had never heard of this park, which made it even more appealing.

Meeting the group at the main parking area, we did a quick round of introductions and then hit the trail just a couple of minutes after the scheduled time. The trail enters the woods almost immediately and seems to be pretty well-traveled. As we make our way, I note several large joro spiders and their expansive webs. This recently introduced invasive species from Asia is making a particularly strong appearance this year in this part of the country. The outskirts of my own yard is filled with them. I chat with a couple of the other hikers about these invaders, which seem fairly unknown to most. I only know about them because I've been doing some research since noticing their appearance in the last couple of months. 

The trail meanders through the woods and in a couple of places runs parallel to the Chattahoochee River. A few spots right by the river have partially washed out, making them a little perilous, but the worst that could happen is a splashdown into the river only a couple of feet below. Everyone makes it past without incident though.

Stopping occasionally to ensure the group is keeping up, the trip leader holds us to a solid pace, which I appreciate. At one point, we go off trail for a short distance to connect to another trail. The leader catches his foot on a fallen tree branch and does a gentle face-plant into the grass and fallen leaves. Thankfully, he seems okay. I and several other check with him, but all seems well and he's ready to continue, only having injured his pride a little.

At one point, we come across a stone maze that has been laid out using brick-sized stones. It looks to have been here a very long time and while I don't have the time to go through the maze, I can certainly appreciate the idea of someone putting this together. 

As we round the final turn before heading back to the parking lot, I wish my fellow hikers a fond farewell and thank the organizer for his efforts. It looks like I got in about 5.2 miles along this gem of a trail. While it's very similar to other trails in and around Atlanta, this one was very nice in that it seems somewhat unknown and therefore not super crowded.