Enterprise South 2.21.23

 Ten hikers met at Enterprise South near the visitor's center.  The hike was estimated to be about 5 miles and that is exactly what is was at 5.02 miles.  As usual we ambled through Enterprise South for 2 hrs and 40 minutes at an average of 2.3 mph.  It was overcast initially but about 3/4 of the way through the hike the sun began to peak out and the temperature climbed into the 70's.  Very nice hike led by a very competent leader.  Following this hike the group split up and went to a couple of different places.  I went to Champy's and had a nice catfish dinner although the prices have gone up considerably making it not so much of a value.  

If you would like to see a few pictures taken during this hike, including maps, click here or on the picture above.  

Bulletin;  Police car loses wheels to thief!  Cops are working tirelessly to nab suspect.  

Savage Gulf South Rim 2.18.2023

 Ten hikers gathered on Saturday hiking to the falls at Savage Gulf and beyond on the South Rim trail.  The falls, turbulent and pounding, nearly overflowed its banks.  Mist swirled and icicles formed on nearby tree branches.  Next we climbed to the rim and were warmed by the sun climbing in the brilliant blue sky.  Small patches of snow lingered in the shadows.  Every spur trail was explored as we peered over the rocky rim to see the gorge below and the north rim opposite of us.  The promise was that the next overlook would be even better…and it was!  Finally a lunch break rested our weary feet.  It was the turnaround point to return to the trailhead.  We hiked 11.4 miles with an elevation gaian of 1,109 feet.  Good job hikers and thanks to our hike leader, Joan!

If you would like to see a few pictures taken during this hike just click here or on the picture above.  

Chickamauga Battlefield 2.14.2023

 On this somewhat overcast and cool Valentines Day, ten hikers gathered at the lower parking lot of the Visitors Center and began an easy five mile hike.  The hike took 2 hrs and 36 minutes and made a large loop through the Northern part of the park.  This area was chosen as the Southern part of the part is noted for being quite muddy after periods of rain.  We did encounter some muddy areas but they were easily negotiated.  Following the hike some of the hikers decided to partake of the Visitors Center attractions and went in to see the exhibits and watch a short movie about what took place at this park.  Since there was a lot of chatter during this hike I believe everyone had a very nice time.  

If you would like to see a few pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the "Hikers" picture.   

Len Foote Inn

 Last summer our Chapter visited Gibbs Garden in Dawsonville and were told about a nearby hike-in by the name of Len Foote Inn.  Trish and others talked about what a great experience they had while visiting.  So we scheduled February 7, 8, 9 a trip to see what it was all about.  The hike ascends from Amicalola State Park in Dawsonville.

It is one of the most popular mountain trails in the North Georgia Blue Ridge.  The five mile journey to the Inn took us across small streams, transverse scenic ridges and ambled through stands of mountain laurel and rhododendron.  We witnessed giant White Oaks, Persimmon and many other trees and plants.  As typical day hikers we had great relief when we reached the Inn as we were packing in for a three day event. 

T he Inn experience did not disappoint as they offered us many comforts of home in a rustic and beautiful setting.  A soft bed, a warm shower and a hot meal awaited us.  Not luxurious but comfortable. 

The tour of the Inn shared its conservation efforts through a self contained facility with solar panels, composting and design of the buildings to take advantage of the mountain grade without disruption of the soil.  We were told to be ready for beautiful sunrises but the cloud cover had other plans. 

Our mission on day two was to reach the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.  We had to step on the trail after reaching it to validate bragging rights that we had been there.  This round trip took five and a half hours with 1.877 feet of elevation gain and 9.70 miles of trekking around beautiful fields of Rhododendron and massive forest through ridges and gorges.  We heard nothing but nature and social conversation. 

Our first two days were mostly cloudy with spring like temperatures.  As we departed the Inn to return to the State Park and our cars, we experienced off and on light showers.  We were blessed with great weather over all.  As we descended and heard the return to traffic noise we had the reality of the peace we had experienced for the past three days and the wakeup call that we had to reenter into reality.  We finished our journey with a Kum ba yah moment to confirm our closeness to new and old friends.  Everyone had a smile on their face! 

Our journey explained why this is considered one of the “Best American Hikes”.  

If you would like to see some very nice photos taken during this adventure, click here or on the "Hikers" picture.  

North Chick 2.4.2023

 It was a cold start, 20s something, on the North Chickamauga Trail Saturday morning.  We had a little bit of everything  -  icicles from the bluff dripping on the trail below, multiple waterfalls from the recent rains, many rock-hopping streams and negotiating which rocks were ice-covered and which were “safe”.  Rock houses and bluffs framed one side of the trail, winter vistas of the gorge on the other side.  We ascended and descended wooden stairs and ladders, crossed a boulder field and had lunch at Stevenson’s camp – refueling and resting on our rock seats.  Then we pressed on to see the waterfall at Stevenson’s camp #2, crossing the stream on a “log bridge”.  As we turned around to head back to the Montlake Trailhead, we encountered more TTA Hikers doing a thru-hike.  Our hike was 10 miles with an elevation gain of 2080 feet. Good Job, hikers!

If you would like to see a whole bunch of beautiful pictures, click here or on the blog "Hikers" picture.