Buzzards Roost Loop at Rocky Face Ridge (Whitfield County, Georgia)

What better way to end the year than with getting in some decent trail miles on a completely new trail. Some time back, I saw one of the local hiking groups post an event for the Buzzard's Roost Loop at Rocky Face Ridge and I was interested in going. Unfortunately, something came up for me or weather forced the organizer to cancel or for whatever reason, the hike didn't happen. Since then, I've been looking for an excuse to check out this trail. When planning the New Year's Eve hike that I would eventually post for the Meetup I lead hikes for, I was considering two other trails, but eventually, landed on this one. 

The drive from my home is just under two hours, but the trailhead is very easy to find as it is just off of Interstate 75 a few miles south of Chattanooga, TN. Rocky Face Ridge is a long straight ridge that runs parallel to the highway. The trailhead is a large open gravel lot with a restroom and map dispenser. When I arrived, I found the other hikers from my group that had signed up and wanted to check out this new trail. We all knew each other and so we skipped the introductions and quickly started walking. 

The initial part of the trail crosses a grassy field with a well worn winding path through it. Along the way, we pass a couple of mock Civil War cannons. I don't know the exact history of this place, but we all speculate that this area must have seen battle as General Sherman marched his troops towards Atlanta. The cannons likely commemorate the battle that took place here. Before long, we pass by a home just at the edge of the wooded area that blankets the side of the mountain. From there, we are in the tree-cover.

Our path leads up the side of the ridge via a series of switchbacks. This is a popular mountain biking area and straight section of trail intersects the switchbacks at many points to provide a straight-ish downhill for those seeking an adrenal rush. Eventually, the trail levels out and we begin heading south along the eastern side of the ridge. 

At the southern tip, we are offered a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape. The ridge is not too tall, but still rises a couple of hundred feet above the surrounding plane. The view is spectacular though. We also notice that there is another trail here leading to the summit of the mountain, called Buzzard's Roost. While I consider checking that one out, I suspect it would be slightly less mileage than continuing the loop that drops down the western side of the mountain and then heads north. We choose the longer route. 

After another couple of miles, we stop for a lunch break on some rocks that litter the side of the mountain. I pull out my peanut butter sandwich and an apple, while my companions starting eating sandwiches of their own construction. My apple, the honey crisp variety, is one of the juiciest I've ever eaten and I'm forced to wipe myself clean after finishing it. We're only stopped for a few minutes and then get back to our walk. 

We pass a couple of mountain bikers along the western side and then eventually start the inevitable climb back up and over. This really is a nice trail and I bet it would be great for mountain biking. Though I don't really participate in the sport (I prefer road biking), I'll recommend this park to a couple of friends. 

Finally junction where we chose to go south earlier, we start our trek down the ridge and back towards our cars. Once we arrive a the parking lot, I check the mileage and see we got in about 10.6 miles. Not a bad way to spend the day. We say our goodbyes and head to our respective homes. I'll probably enjoy some snacks and wine with my family tonight, but early to bed, as I have another moderate hike early tomorrow morning.