Panola Mountain to South River Trail (Rockdale County, Georgia)

I'm pushing myself pretty hard to get back into shape for some big events coming up in the spring. Today, I decided to check out the South River Trail starting at Panola Mountain State Park. This is a paved trail and part of the Arabia Mountain trail system, which is quite extensive and encompasses dozens of miles. I arrived at the parking area after showing my parks pass at the entrance to find it very cold. Luckily, I bundled up this morning. After getting my bearings, I started walking the trail. 

This paved trail was built with road bikes in mind and so, it relatively flat and I can set a good pace. It wanders through the woods of the park for the first couple of miles before turning northeast towards the South River. Along the way, I find a couple of sections that have been burned and discover an old fireplace still standing in a grove of pine trees. Not a quarter-mile further, I discover the ruins of another old house, which presumably burnt down as well. This later one has two tall fireplaces still rising from the foundation and must have been a fairly large dwelling in its day.

Just after exploring the ruins of that old house, the trail crosses a well made bridge across the South River. The bridge is large and seems very sturdy, but some of the wooden flooring has rotted away and needs to be replaced. I opt to walk along one of the cross beams just in case. The river itself is flowing slowly with  mostly clear water and either shore is covered with sand. I assume this is sand from the ancient piedmont that has been eroded away. 

The trail continues northeast and passes the Lyons Family Farm, a remnant of the early 1800's. It's been well preserved, but appears not much different from other old farm houses I've visited. Focused more on the exercise than the history today, I don't really spend any time wandering around the farm and simply continue along the trail, which now starts to turn back and run parallel to the river. 

At one point in the distance and through the trees, I see something that I think is a red backpack sitting atop a white kayak or canoe. I stare at it for a bit and even think I recognize a person there, but I decide to keep walking. A while later on the way back, I will realize that it is actually the engine block and front bumper of an old truck, which is rotted down to the frame. It's an interesting thing to see how it any way you look at it.

After reaching Miners Creek Park, I finally decided to turn around. I have plans this evening and need to get home in time to fix dinner for my family before heading off on my next adventure. The return trip is uneventful with a single exception. 

When back in the park, I take a spur trail to the Panola Mountain Overlook, which follows a long, straight boardwalk out to a viewing platform overlooking the tree-covered monadnock. Stretching out before me on the overlook is a field of lichen-covered granite, white and mint green. The landscape then falls way to the base of the mountain which rises again in the distance. Atop the mountain, which I've summited a few times over the years, it's easy to spot a few clear granite areas, where the trees have not yet taken root. 

Finally back at my car, I take off my puffy jacket and hat and prepare for the drive home. I got in about 8.8 miles today, which is not quite as much as I had wanted, but it's still not a bad day. One of my big adventures this year will have me doing a lot of road walking and so, walking on pavement like this occasionally is probably good training for my knees. I may return to this trail someday, but likely on my bike next time.