First Day Hike: Falls to Farm (White County, Georgia)

 

It's the dawn of a new year and I want to start it out right with some good trail miles. Many of the Georgia State Parks offer "first day hikes", but I decided to repeat one I did two years ago and hike from "Falls to Farm". This 11ish mile supported hike will take me from Anna Ruby Falls through the streets of Helen, GA and all the way to Hardman Farm. It was a great experience when I did it in 2023 and hopefully, the 2025 edition will be the same.

I woke early and drove mostly in the dark to the check-in at Hardman Farm. The roads were barren, as most people were probably up celebrating into the wee hours. Arriving at the parking area, I easily found a spot and walked down the stairs to the visitor center, where volunteers checked me in and explained the itinerary of the morning.

The shuttles would take all hikers from here to Anna Ruby Falls visitor's center around 8:15 and from there we would begin our hike. Support stations would be available at Unicoi State Park and just outside the Bierhalle in Helen. Upon finishing the hike back here at the Hardman Farm, we would be greeted by a warm bowl of chili with all the fixins. Sounds like a wonderful plan to me. 

The ride to the falls was uneventful and a young college student sat next to me. We chatted about the hike. Once we arrived, I striped off my puffy jacket and stood for a group picture. It's cold this morning, but I know I would be burning up if I kept that jacket on. The 'be bold; start cold' has served me well in the past. As I started up the paved path to the water fall, the young man held my pace and we continued our conversation along the way. Reaching the falls, I stopped for a couple of pictures and then made the turn and my way up to the Smith Creek Trail, which would lead down to Unicoi State Park. 

As usual, I kept a good pace and passed a few hikers along the way. It's great to be out here this morning. The air is brisk, but renewing. And though, I was a bit cold when I started out, I soon feel good about my decision to pack the jacket into my backpack. 

This section of the trail is pretty uneventful, though it is gorgeous with just a touch of morning frost. The path crosses a couple of small streams that empty into Smith Creek below. The first of these requires a little bit of rock hopping, but nothing terribly difficult and everyone seems to make it without any wet shoes or worse. 

At one point, I miss a switchback and continue further down the trail, which has been worn pretty well. I suspect others have made that same mistake, but before long, I realize my mistake and turn back. Either way would have gotten me to the park, but I had might as well stick with the planned route. 

Arriving at Unicoi, we're greeted by more volunteers who offer us water and granola bars. I seem to remember this stop having breakfast sandwiches two years ago, but that could be just a wishful memory. I gratefully take a bar and a sip of water. The young man that had been hiking with me seems to have been taxed by my pace and wants to stay here and rest for a few minutes. I wish him well and continue the hike, having only stopped for a minute or two.

Continuing through the park along some of the roads, we soon hit the start of the Unicoi to Helen trail, which will take us through the woods and into the streets of Helen, GA, which is a quaint little Bavarian-inspired hamlet famous for it's Oktoberfest celebration. The trails through here are very easy and I make pretty quick work of the miles involved. 

Before long, I've reached Helen and the path continues through the streets. As I pass the Bierhalle, I ask the volunteers manning this second support station if there is a restroom nearby. The point me to a public park just ahead and once I reach it, I take a moment to relieve myself. From here, it will be a road and paved path walk the rest of the way to Hardman Farm. There are a few people out on the streets this morning breathing the fresh air of a near year. It's encouraging to see this much activity.

Arriving at the farm, I'm greeted by even more volunteers and congratulated on my speed. I was among the first five to complete the 10.8 mile hike and did so in about three-and-a-half hours. I wasn't trying to race anyone, but I did want to get a pretty good workout from the event. 

As I enjoy my bowl of chili, I begin a conversation with a nice woman about the hike and other similar events. The chili is delicious and most welcomed after a good hike. The volunteers explain that we are a welcome to join a guided tour of the main house of the farm, but as it will be take nearly an hour, neither I nor my new friend want to commit to that much time and instead decide just to walk over and view the house from the outside on our own. We chat along the way and compare notes from the hike before saying our goodbyes and returning to the parking area. 

Just as last time, this was a wonderful event and I'm glad I started the new year off this way. The weather was a bit chilly, but overall great for something like this. Now, as I begin my journey into a new year, I can only hope for good health and great adventure. I wish the same for you.