Huckleberry Knob & Hooper's Bald Trails

 Wow!  What a change in weather.  We were warned by the hike leader just in time that this hike was to be on the cold side!  We had a long drive, first to the Visitors Information Center, which we enjoyed.  The temperature was not so bad, nothing we couldn't handle.  It was a beautiful sunshiny day in the 40s.  We left the center and began climbing up the mountain.  The fall colors were incredible, probably the best I have ever seen.  We were so busy enjoying the colors that we failed to notice the temperature gauge falling and falling and falling.  Finally we were above the fall colors and looked at the temperature.  First down into the 30s then down into the 20s.  Finally the temperature settled at about 23 degrees! Brrrrrrrrrr!  The 22 of us took two hikes which were relatively easy except that the altitude was over 5000 feet.  The distance of the two hikes combined was just under three miles. You can see from the pictures that it was pretty dismal at the top of the two hikes, but there were some views and still interesting.  Following the hike we went to the Grain Bakery and had an excellent sandwich and drink.   

If you would like to see some pictures, altitude graphs and maps from this hike, click here or on the picture to the right.  

Cloudland Canyon, Bear Creek Trail

 This week we hiked at Cloudland Canyon, the Bear Creek trail, which had only a few hikers and campers.  The morning started cool, but warmed quickly as we descended to Bear Creek.  The creek, mostly dry, was easily crossed on the river rocks.  Ascending to the rim, scrambling up some rocks on the edge of a cliff, the forest delighted our eyes with brilliant yellows and stunning reds against a backdrop of green leaves yet to change their hue.  Short spur paths led to spectacular overlooks on the east rim.  The deep gorge separated us from people we could see on the west rim of the canyon.  We waved but didn't see anyone return our waves.  Hiking back to the trailhead, we logged about 9 miles with an elevation gain of 1371 feet.  

If you would like to see some beautiful pictures taken during this hike, click here.  

Conasauga Trail 10.11.2022

 It was a beautiful day with the 19 of us hiking first in N. Georgia for a one mile in and out relatively steep hike to the river.  We drove to the main trailhead in TN where we hiked along a more level grade along the river for a couple of miles.  Half of the group did a turn around back to the trail and the other half of our group continued on down river.  Betsy chose to hike another area in the region.  I hope she finds her way back.  Look for the trout in the water picture.  

If you would like to see a couple more pictures taken on this hike, click here.

Benton Falls 10.4.2022

 There were 15 eager hikers on this almost perfect day.  This hike was a total of 3.9 miles and took 2hrs and 50 minutes.  We averaged 2.0 mph.  Although we had hiked this trail to Benton Falls several times in the past, we had new members who hadn't been to Benton Falls before, so we decided to do it again.  It is a relatively easy hike but there are some rocks and roots on the trail.  Along the trail we did see where wild boar or feral pigs have been digging in the ground for food (see pictures).  In previous years I hadn't seen much activity from boars or pigs, but now it is common.  They are definitely expanding there territory.  Once we reached the falls we stopped for a short snack and then began our hike back.  Four of the hikers decided on continuing on a little farther so they left the group.  The rest continued on the trail back.  On the way back we rescued a little Ringneck snake from what appeared to be a very aggressive mouse, or maybe it was the other way around)?  Anyway, someone was saved this day.    

If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike including maps and an altitude graph, please click here or on the picture to the right.

Clemmer Trail to Benton Falls 10.1.2022

It was a beautiful fay for hiking - uphill in the morning, downhill in the afternoon.  Not a lot of water coming over the falls, but still beautiful.  Some great views on the return trup to the cars.  At the parking lot, met up with some people who were hunting baarres!

If you would like to see a couple photos taken during this hike, click here or on the photo to the right.