Old Roswell Mill at Vickery Creek (Fulton County, Georgia)

 

It's been raining pretty steadily for the last four days. I was hoping to get some big trail miles in this weekend, but the downpours put a damper on that. I was able to get out to the Old Mill Park in Roswell along Vickery Creek this afternoon for a little bit at least. I've hiked around this area a while back, but not this specific trail. I'm also hoping that the man-made waterfall will be raging with all of the precipitation we've had.

After parking at a mostly empty lot at the park, I took some time to walk the paved trails in and around the old mill and the dam that powered it. As I had hoped, the creek is really raging right now. There's actually quite a bit of rusted old equipment left at the mill. A number of giant gears and feeder mechanisms remain a testament to this place of necessity from yesteryear. 

Walking a bit further towards the falls, there is a nice overlook from which one can truly see the power of the creek that would have been harnessed to grind local farmer's grain century or more ago. The muddy waters flow over the damn and plummet thirty or forty feet into the creek bed below, filling the air with a thunderous echo that can be heard for some distance.

From there, I walked back the way I came and crossed over the covered bridge that connects this park to the Vickery Creek Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which has many miles of trails. I only be doing a few of those miles today. After climbing the steps up from the bridge, I find myself at one of the trail junctions and use the posted map to plan a route for the day. Hopefully, staying on the high ground will keep me out of most of the mud.

This is a popular area and there a quite a few other hikers out on the trails even with the recent rains. Perhaps, their plans had to be changed as mine were. I hit a number of junctions and end up getting a nice loop in. The woods all through here is really quite beautiful and it offers some nice views of the creek far below in a couple of places. 

Circling back to the bridge, I finally decide to call it a day and head back to my car. I put in about 3.2 miles today, which really isn't much, but it's better than nothing and getting to see the raging creek and just get some fresh air is always worthwhile.

Little Mulberry Park (Gwinnett County, Georgia)

 It has been extremely cold in Georgia the last couple of days, with temperatures in the low teens and will chills dipping into the single digits. Originally, I had planned to head to mountains today for some trail miles, but with the blast of arctic air, I decided to stay a little closer to home and ended up joining one of the Meetup groups for a few miles at the nearby Little Mulberry Park. It's an extremely nice area with many miles of trails (much of it paved) and I've hiked here many times in the past. 

There was some confusion on which parking lot to meet the group at, but after getting that sorted, the twenty or so of us that braved the cold air hit the trail. First walking by the old oak tree and then on towards the waterfall along the Ravine Trail. The waterfall was partially frozen, which always makes for a good shot. I dropped down over the railed observation area to get a picture clear of the trees. A couple of others joined me, but we quickly rejoined the larger group.

As always, we got into a number of discussions about a variety of topics. These are a great bunch of people and I enjoy hiking with them. The conversations continue as we do a little bushwhacking and end up just doing a circle in the woods. We couldn't find a less-used trail today's leader was looking for and eventually gave up on it. The decaying leaves cover the forest floor and make a loud rustling sound as so many feet push through them, but it's a pleasant sound.

Back on the well marked trails, we head around to the lake and T-rex Island. I've visited and written of this before, but just beyond this wooden landing structure, there is a small island in the lake and a Tyrannosaurus Rex statue has been erected right in the center of it. There's no explanation given anywhere, but it makes for an interesting conversation piece.

As we make our way back towards the parking area, I see that we've put in about 8.2 miles today, which is just about perfect to plan. Some of the others are headed to enjoy a group dinner, but I must head home for now. I'll look forward to the next hike with this group.

Amicalola Falls (Dawson County, Georgia)

After hiking back to my car from an overnight stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn, I couldn't help but stop for a view of Georgia's tallest waterfall and the namesake of the state park, where I left my car last night. Unfortunately, the lower trail is completely closed for construction. After driving down and discovering that, I decided to head back up the the West Ridge Access Trail, which leads to a bridge across the mid-section of the waterfall. 

Parking is nearly full, but I manage to find a spot and then walk the short distance to the bridge. The falls are raging right now, with all of the water we've recently had. I don't stay long though. I've visited this waterfall before and there isn't much new to see. I have a hour+ drive to get back home and I'm anxious to get it started. So, I'll say adieu to the falls for now.

Len Foote Hike Inn (Dawson County, Georgia)

After my quick stop at Smithgall Woods, I headed to Amicalola Falls State Park for the weekend's main event - an overnight hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn along the Appalachian Trail Approach. I've stayed at the Inn once before and made reservations a couple of other times, but cancelled those trips due to poor weather. This time, it looks like the weather is going to be cooperative, other than being cold. If I'm lucky, I'll get to see and hike through some snow on my way in today or my way out tomorrow. We'll see what Mother Nature has planned. 

Once I arrived at the park, I checked into the Inn at the new visitor's center, which is much nicer than the facilities that were here last time I visited. Instructions ask me to leave a voice mail before starting my hike and leave details about my name, my party, and my vehicle. With that all done, I head to the upper parking lot. I toss my mid-sized backpack on and hit the trail. It's just an overnight in an hostel-like facility, but last time, my day-pack didn't seem adequate for a change of clothes, blanket, and other essentials. So, I opted for the larger 33L pack this time. 

Leaving the parking area, I head across the road and into the woods. There are two trails, which essentially form a loop meeting at the Hike Inn. One side (to the west) is the AT Approach Trail, while the other side (to the east) is the Len Foote Hike Inn Trail. It's possible to go either way, but I decided to take the eastern trail in and I will likely take the other side on my way out tomorrow morning. 

The trail itself is pleasant and well-maintained, but relatively uneventful. There's some elevation gain, but not much and I only stop a couple of times to take in some vistas and drink some water. Before long, I've arrived at the Hike Inn. I check in at the front desk and then head to my room to drop my gear. The rooms here are very Spartan and only contain a set of bunk beds with basic mattress pads, a light, a stool, and a heater vent. It will serve my purposes though. After sitting for a couple of minutes and just enjoying the moment, I collect my clean clothes, the provided towel and wash cloth, and then head to the bath house, which is on the level below, connected by an outside walkway and set of stairs. The entire facility is made up of four buildings connected by walkways and stairs, one above the other and down the mountainside. 

I hope in to take a welcomed hot shower, though I try to be conservative on my water use. The Hike Inn prides itself on its extraordinarily ecologically efficient practices. They produce about 70% of their own electricity via solar panels and recycle and compost just about all of their waste. In fact, they have been award a platinum level LEED designation for their continuing efforts to help our environment. The shower feels great though. It's cold outside and after a moderate hike, I've gotten myself pretty sweaty. The warm water does wonders to refresh me. 

Once cleaned up, I head back to my room to drop my dirty clothes and then back to the front desk for the 5pm tour. I've done this tour before, but they take the time to explain their conservation efforts and some of the history of the inn. It's well worth hearing again. Almost immediately after the tour, the dinner bell sounds and we all head to the dining hall. Unlike my last trip here during the height of the CO-VID19 pandemic, there is only a single dinner service and we sit at community tables and get to make some new friends. My table consists of a family of four, as well as a woman traveling solo. We enjoy some great conversation about our other adventures over a wonderful meal of roast pork, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, corn bread, and a light salad. 

After dinner, most of us stick around for a post-dinner education presentation. Tonight, our host will discuss her time in Southeastern Alaska. It's a very interesting discussion and I think most of the audience enjoys the little talk. With the presentation complete, most head back to their rooms to start hunkering down for the night. I do the same. While the rooms are heated and blankets provided, I froze the last time I stayed here and so this time, I brought my own down-blanket. I decided to read a little bit from bed, but soon started feeling sleepy and decided to call it a night. 

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of the alarm clock on my phone blaring AC/DC. I fold back the covers and realize how much warmer it is under them than in the rest of my small dormitory-style room. I lay there for a few minutes before getting dressed and heading out to catch the sunrise. 

Sitting first inside the Sunroom and enjoying the warmth of a wood stove on this frosty January morning and then on the porch overlooking the eastern horizon, I await the rising sun to lighten and warm me. Most of the other guests have also gathered in this lowest room of the facility for the same reason. When the sun finally pops out, it doesn't disappoint. The orangish rays peak from behind the clouds and set the world around us ablaze with morning light. It's majestic from up here in the mountains. 

Breakfast is next on the agenda, and back in the dining hall, we are served a huge helping of scrambled eggs, sausage, cheesy grits, and some kind of peach crumble. I'm not a fan of peaches (I realize that statement can get me shot in Georgia, but it's true), but this is pretty good.

After breakfast, I head back to my room and quickly pack and check-out. The return hike is a little more difficult due to more elevation gain, but after a couple of hours on the trail, I've returned to my car. Total distance was almost exactly 10 miles. I reflect back on the experience and the people I met fondly. It's always a wonderful weekend at the Hike Inn. 

Chunanne Falls (White County, Georgia)

 It's a new year and I'm trying to get outside as much as I can. I spending the weekend at the Len Foote Hike in along the Appalachian Trail Approach, but decided to join the park service for their Second Saturday Hike to Chunanne Falls on my way. Arriving at the Smithgall Woods visitor's center a few minutes before the start of the scheduled hike, I check-in and then head out to meet the guide and other participants near the park's shuttle van. The guide describes what to expect and we all pack into the van for a short drive to the trailhead.

Once at the trailhead, the group heads into the wintery woods along a fairly well defined trail that runs parallel with the raging Dicks' Creek, emboldened by the recent rains we've had. The hike is only about a half-a-mile and soon, we arrive at the falls. I've visited once before, but in the summer there is only a trickle. Today, however, the water is pouring over the lovely little waterfall. After taking in the view for a short time, we head back to the van and return to the visitor's center. It was short and sweet, but I'm glad I made the trip. The waterfall was outstanding today.

Johnson Ferry - Morgan Falls Loop (Cobb County, Georgia)

 

I'm joining the Meetup group again today for a hike near the city. It's one I've done a number of times, but there are varying routes through this trail system in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and the scenery is pretty nice. That said, we had heavy rains yesterday morning and I'm sure there will be some muddy spots, but I have to stop letting the weather prevent me from getting my trail miles in.

I arrived at the trail head about twenty minutes before the designated start time and finished off some fast food in my car. It's fairly cold (mid-thirties) outside and I haven't had a chance to eat anything yet today. Soon, the other hikers begin showing up and we form a circle for a quick round of introductions. Today's leader explains what has happened to the Meetup group's owner, much as I did last week, and soon we're on the trail.

It partially follows the river, but traverses some wetlands. The trails through these wetlands are pretty muddy as I predicted, but what's a little mud to a group of hikers. We make our way through the wetlands and the woods with a couple of small creek crossings. These are some of my favorite spots in the area due to the way the rock has been eroded by the running waters. From there, we head out towards Morgan Falls Dam, which I find to be improperly named. There is no waterfall here, only a small hydro-electric dam. It's not overly scenic, but due to construction our route is somewhat limited and from here we turn back.

The return trip to the parking lot is uneventful, but pleasant and I enjoy the conversations with my fellow hikers. Soon we arrive back at our cars, having hiked about 5.9 miles today. It's a short one, but at least I got outside and didn't let the wet weather keep me from what I love.

New Years Day Half-Marathon (Forsyth County, Georgia)

 

As I've been realizing with my recent hikes, I'm very out of shape at the moment and I really need to get my butt motivated to fix that. A few weeks ago, I learned of a half-marathon being run on New Years Day in nearby Forsyth County. While I'm not in shape for it, I though it might be a good motivator and so I signed up. Also, the very inexpensive registration fee meant that if I ended up skipping it, I would only be out $24.

Having gone to bed well before midnight last night, I awoke early and debated if I really wanted to run this morning or not. It's dark and cold outside, and I'm going to run a horrible time. I forced myself to get up and get dressed though. I know how I work and it's very easy for me to make and accept excuses for not doing things like this. It's a habit I need to stop and this morning is as good a place as any to start.

After the forty or so minute drive to the starting location, I left my car to check-in. It's cold this morning, around 37°, but the only way to do a thing is to do it. That's just what I'm going to do. I returned to my car to pin my bib to my shorts and enjoy the heat until just before the starting 'gun'. As the countdown finished, fifty or so people crossed the starting line and began our journey. This is actually my least favorite type of race, which includes repeating the same route multiple times. I would generally never sign up for a race like this, as I tend to prefer scenic routes, but given the price and my need to get motivated, I signed up anyway.

I ran the vast majority of the first lap, but soon had to take a walking break for a bit. From there, I would alternate between walking and running the next three laps, which the last lap being almost entirely walking. By that point, my legs were shot and I was just forcing myself forward to finish. I crossed the finish line near the back of the pack with a time of 3:02:59, which is horrible for me. I need to do better and I hope that this experience gives me the motivation I need. For now, I feel exhausted and I'm heading home to shower and relax.