As I have a release late tonight, I thought I would start work a little late this morning and get in a few trail miles near home. The Laurel Ridge Trail along and around the southern shores of Lake Lanier seemed like a good destination. It's only about twenty miles from my home. While I've lived in Georgia for several months now, I've yet to visit Lake Lanier, a large reservoir made by damming up the Chattahoochee River.
The drive the trailhead is uneventful and I easily find a parking spot on this early Tuesday morning. The trail is a combination of paved walkways, well groomed soil, and a few short boardwalks and bridges. The first half of the trail follows the shoreline, darting into the woods here and there. As seems to be the case this time of year in this part of the country, the humidity is tangible, and before long, I'm sweating like crazy.
This lake seems to offer a number of recreation facilities. As I make my way around this loop trail, I wander through several picnic areas and even find a small cove with a sandy beach and barricaded swimming area. All of the facilities seem to be very well maintained, leading me to believe that this would be a very popular area for families during a normal summer, which this most certainly is not. The COVID-19 Pandemic and large number of police reform protests around the country over the past month have discouraged many from outdoor recreation.
I do encounter a few animals while on the hike. I find a a small flock of Canadian geese (several adults and two youngsters) searching for food along the shore of one of the many little coves. I also encounter a doe trail-side. She's timid, but doesn't run off as I cautiously approach. It's always great to see wildlife while in the great outdoors. It speaks to my soul.
After leaving the shoreline, the trail enters a bit deeper into the woods and at one point crosses through one of the channels cut for electrical wires. Here the tall grasses have taken over and I'm cautious of snakes as I wander through. A few more hills and I pop out at the dam, where several people are fishing the escaping waters of the Chattahoochee.
Finally arriving back at my jeep, my timing is just about perfect. Just enough time to get home and take a shower before my first virtual meeting (not that my co-workers could smell my sweaty stench). The trail was just about 5.4 miles in length and surprisingly enjoyable given it's proximity. I'll have to continue to look for nearby trails like this one that I can knock out some miles on in the early mornings before work.
Living in a large metropolitan area, as I now do, I have to adjust my thinking and incorporate more urban-ish hikes into my plans. One such trail is the Suwanee Greenway Trail, which starts only a few miles from my home. It's a paved trail, but meanders through several wooded areas along Suwanee Creek.
I arrive at the parking lot at Suwanee Creek Park just a little after 7:00 AM and get started right away. It's a popular place, even this early in the morning. Along my route, I pass other walkers, runners, bikers, and even one person on roller-blades. In fact, I may consider doing some running on this well maintained trail in the near future.
The trail passes behind neighborhoods and crosses a few roads as it makes its way to the terminus at Suwanee Elementary School. The route is mostly paved, but also includes a number of boardwalk sections that traverse low-lying and exceptionally wet areas. One thing that really catches my interest as I make on the trail is a sign just after crossing one of the intersecting roadways. It advertises a local craft brewery that is only a quarter-mile up the road from here. I will definitely revisit this trail and make good use of that information at some point in the near future.
After returning to the parking lot, I check my mileage and find that I covered just over 6.5 miles on this little urban excursion. It was nice too because I was able to listen to some podcasts as I walked. I rarely do that when hiking in the woods, unless I know the trail really well. This being a paved trail in the city though, it seemed very reasonable.
My final stop for today takes me to the James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park in Northwestern, Georgia. The park is named for a former Georgia State Legislator with an unusual nickname that may require further research, but for now, I'm hear to visit a trail that I read about on one of those Explore X posts you often see on Facebook.
The Marble Mine Trail departs the parking lot on the eastern end of Upper Lake and heads into the woods with a mild ascent. It's a wide trail, enough so for a jeep to drive up here, though I don't see any tracks. It parallels a small creek below. After a mile or so, I arrive at my destination.
Much like Keown Falls, which I visited earlier today, a tall overhang about 35 feet above me gives way to a dripping waterfall, which is probably flowing much more strongly in the wet season. The droplets of water have formed a grayish-blue pool below the overhang and a wooden walkway has been constructed around the pool and under the waterfall. On either side of the area below the overhang tunnels have been carved into the rock face. Presumably (although, I've not really found any documentation on this) marble was mined from this site at some point in the past.
I spend a few minutes explore the area before heading out the other direction to complete a small loop trail that includes small sections of the Jenkins Gap Trail and Upper Lake Loop Trail. Upon returning to the jeep, I see I've covered about 2.7 miles on this little loop. It was interesting and I think I might like to visit again during the wet season to see the waterfall on a better day.
My second destination of the day allows me to dip my toe into the cold waters of Northern Alabama for the first time since moving to Georgia. The Little River Canyon National Preserve protects a beautiful river-carved canyon at the southern end of the Appalachians and offers numerous recreation opportunities for visitors.
After parking the jeep, I am greeted by a ranger with a park brochure before heading down the board walk to the viewing deck for Little River Falls, which is beautiful site. The waterfall drops about 45 feet into a large bowl that has been carved over the ages. I suspect that when the river is flowing more, this would look like a miniature Niagara Falls with several sections fall over the entire semi-circle that is the top of the bowl. Today though, it's just single wide waterfall.
I snap a few shots of the waterfall and then head down the Little Falls Trail to wherever it takes me. It follows the top of the canyon wall, and while the river now occupies only a small channel of the canyon, the steep stone drop offs below me provide evidence that it was once much wider. Trees and other growth have taken up residence between the cliff and river in modern times. It's roughly a seventy foot drop in most places from where the trail passes to the bottom of the canyon below.
After about a mile or so, I reach a set of stone-carved steps that lead down to the river. I carefully climb down them and arrive to find a large number of people enjoying various activities here in this channel. I see folks fishing others swimming, while still other people are taking the flume down a small waterfall connecting two larger pools. There is lots of stone to navigate on today, but when the river is higher, this would probably be more precarious.
After spending a few minutes here, I climb back up the steps and head back towards the parking lot. As I was necessarily planning to do any hiking here, I didn't track my distance or route, but I think it was about 1.8 miles in total.
The last couple of weeks have seen me spending lots of time with my legs propped up waiting for the nastiest case of poison ivy I've ever had. That last trip in the Pigeon Mountain area was full of poison ivy and my legs paid the price for my decision to wear shorts on that trip. That said, they are mostly healed up now and I'm ready to get back out there and get some more trail miles in.
Today's fist stop is to an interesting waterfall in Northwestern Georgia called Keown Falls. I arrive at the trailhead parking lot around 9:00 AM and only find two other cars there, which is nice. The trail immediately leaves the lot and heads into the woods. It's not as overgrown as Pigeon Mountain was, but there is a lot of growth here. The combination of humidity, bugs, and a slight uphill have me cursing. Ah well, that's life in Georgia. After about 3/4 of a mile, I arrive at a waterfall that I first think is the destination. It's only a dripping stream falling from a stone overhang, but I bet it would be really nice in the wet season. As the trail continues beyond here uphill, I assume there may be another waterfall and continue.
The actual Keown Falls is very similar to the one I mistook for it, but with a much larger depression carved out beneath the overhang. In fact, the hiking trail passes under the waterfall, which much like the first fall, is only dripping today. However, I bet this would be quite an adventure when the water is really flowing.
Beyond the waterfall, a set of steep stone-carved steps leads to an wooden observation deck. I make my way up the precarious staircase, but from the top the trees and other flora obscure the view of the waterfall. I am able to see a nice view of the surrounding landscape though. I head back down the stairs and make my around the second-half of the loop to return to my jeep and depart for today's next stop. Total distance for the loop was right at 2.1 miles.
Another Saturday; another hike. This time I decided to join one of the local meetup groups to hike a trail in the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wilderness Management Area. From my understanding there are a number of natural and man-made sites of interest on the slopes of the 2,330 foot mountain. Additionally, the trail we are taking includes a couple of smaller trails on my to-do list, including the Pocket Trail and the Shirley Miller Wildlife Trail.
Arriving at Blue Hole, which serves as our trailhead, I find that I'm the first one of the group here. There was another gravel parking area prior to this spot and after the muddy and somewhat rugged road to get to this spot, I wonder if the others changed the plan and met at that earlier lot. My jeep had no issues with getting to this spot, but I'm not sure a 2-wheel drive compact could get to this point. While I wait for the others, I explore around Blue Hole, which is a freshwater spring emerging from the foot of the mountain and feeding a small creek. Obviously named for the bluish-gray waters at the mouth of the spring, this place reminds me of some of the springs I visited in Kentucky long ago with my dad.
Soon, the rest of the group shows up having walked the short distance from the other parking lot. After a short discussion about our route, we hit the trail - thirteen of us in all. The trail departs directly behind the spring and starts a steep climb up the mountain. I'm in reasonably good shape, but the heat and humidity here is killing me. The air is as thick tomato soup and I'm sweating like a pig. I soon start to notice early signs of dehydration and I stop to get some water. I'm going to have to reconsider doing these long and strenuous hikes during this time of year in Georgia.
The trail is pretty muddy here and I assume there must be some run-off from somewhere. It just doesn't seem that rainwater would linger this long. After a couple of miles we come to the next interesting feature. This mountain is full of several solution caves, including the twelfth deepest cave in the US, Ellisons Cave, which features the deepest, unobstructed pit in the continental US. This is the first of a few entrances to the cave and it's quite small, but I suppose a daring contortionist could fit through.
Just a little further on, we come to the most popular entrance to the cave. The group has no interest in entering, which is probably wise. A sign at the trailhead offered a grim warning to those that may want to explore - "This cave will try to kill you!". From what I've read, the recent years have claimed three lives while they were exploring these depths. While I do enjoy a little dose of caving every now and again, I don't claim the skill level necessary to test myself in this monster and I'm glad we move on.
We next reach the top of Pocket Falls and while some of the group want to try and find a path down the steep cliff, several of us knowing that the Pocket Trail and Shirley Miller Wildflower Trailhead is just another quarter-mile down the road, opt for the safer option. In the end, those that took the safer route on the elaborate (and completely unnecessary) boardwalk actually arrive before those that descended the steep hillside. After the group rejoins, we continue on past the end of the boardwalk and follow the rugged trail to the bottom of the waterfall, where we stop to take a short lunch break.
Though the flow of water is pretty timid right now, the erosion of this area makes me believe this waterfall is mighty after a rain. From the top of the cliff, the water falls about thirty feet to strike a point of rock and bounce to several other small cascading falls that flow over erosion-carved steps before feeding the small creek that nourishes this place and for which it is named, the Pocket.
To this point, we've already put in more than seven miles and a short rest is definitely warranted. I also take advantage of the cold water coming off of the falls to soak my shirt and hat. As we head out on the winding boardwalk, I learn from another hiker in our group that this area contains some very rare wildflowers and that a hike in March offers the opportunity to see them in bloom.
Departing the Pocket Trailhead area, we continue our way around the backside of the mountain. This part of the trail is not well-traveled and is nearly overgrown with poison ivy and other plants. I'm sure I'll have to deal with that in the next few days. Additionally, we find a number of forest snails in the middle of the trail. We do our best to move them, but I sadly end up stepping on and crushing one of them. I feel really badly about that, but there isn't really anything that can be done to help the little guy.
Soon we approach the next interesting feature of this trail. Around the turn of the last century, a small community named Estelle existed here. All that remains are a number of foundations and other ruins and while we don't pass directly by those ruins, the trail does pass through several railroad tunnels that were carved through the undulating ridges. The group leader had mentioned that we should bring headlamps and they come in extremely handy as we negotiate our way through the dark passages. The cool air down here is extremely refreshing, but the climb out of the tunnels is fairly challenging in a couple of cases.
Shortly after the caves we begin the ascent back up the mountain and though it's not quite as difficult as the early climb, it's still pretty taxing after hiking as far as we have. Eventually, we rejoin the original ascent (though, we get to go downhill this time) completing the loop around the mountain. We make quick work of the two-mile downhill section and return to the Blue Hole. I'm a muddy, sweaty, exhausted mess, but it was a really great and interesting hike of 15.6 miles total. Quite a good workout, but I definitely need to pick and choose my hikes as we enter summer.
Blood Mountain is the sixth tallest peak in Georgia and the the tallest point on the Peach State's section of the Appalachian Trail. I've been meaning to hike to it's summit for a while now and a sunset hike with one of the local Meetup groups seemed like a perfect chance to do it.
Arriving at Vogel State Park a bit early, I explore the park a bit before gathering with the large group and heading up the trail. This is my first experience with this particular group, but as with all of the others I have met over the years, they seem to be extremely friendly and we chat on our way out of the park and up the mountain. After a short walk on the pavement, we quickly head into the lush woods of northern Georgia. There are a couple of small cascading waterfalls and extremely shallow creek on the early part of the trail making for a pleasant setting. While this early part of the trail is not overly steep, the group is keeping a good pace, which I appreciate.
There are a few trail intersections here in the woods and the group seems really good about ensuring everyone knows the direction to go. I have a number of good conversations with some of my fellow hikers as we make our through the woods. At one of the junctions, the group organizer mentions that we are about to start the most challenging part of the trail and as we begin this section, I move towards the front of the group and really push the pace. I want a good workout from tonight's hike. The grade is pretty steep, but I'm feeling good. That said though, I'm sweating like there's no tomorrow in this Georgia humidity.
As we approach the last section, I see signage and tree blazes indicating that we are now on the Appalachian Trail. As a hiker, I'm obviously aware of this historic trail, but these are my first steps on the actual route. It's actually kind of humbling. I have a few friends that have through-hiked the AT's 2,200 miles and I have dreams of someday doing it myself.
A number of switchbacks finally lead us to the summit and to a stone shelter that has been constructed for hikers. It's still about half-an-hour before sunset and we take the time to rest and enjoy some snacks, while gazing at the amazing views. After a few minutes though, the group organizer suggests dropping down to another larger outcropping that will offer a better angle for the setting sun.
Arriving at the final destination, I find a large rock to sit on that offers a great view of both the setting sun as well as the sea of trees, complete with undulating hills and mountains, spread out before me. It's the best view I've had since relocating to his part of the country. That said though, it is starting to get a cool. The combination of my sweaty self and a cool evening wind flowing over the mountain top here at 4,458 feet of elevation encourages me to pull out my windbreaker, which helps tremendously.
The group remains here while the brilliant oranges and reds fade into the night, before eventually pulling out our head lamps and preparing for a downhill hike in the dark. I strap two of my solar lanterns to my backpack straps in addition to donning my headlamp. The solar lanterns are the source of much curiosity and as I'm the most well illuminated member of the group, I take the lead as we head down the mountain.
Of course down is easier faster than up, and I try to maintain a steady and brisk pace. Arriving back at the park after only about an hour-and-a-half, we say our goodbyes and I head to my jeep to change shirts and shoes in preparing for the eighty or so mile drive home. It was a great hike with a great group of people. While very far from the most difficult hike I've ever done, it is certainly one of the more challenging hikes I've completed since moving to Georgia. Total mileage clocks in at about 10.4 miles with right around 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Good times.
