November 16, 2004
| HIKERS – John Bellamy, Ray Cowan, Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Dan Ross, Bob Thompson, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker .
TRAIL INFO. – Today, we hiked on Jack’s Knob Trail and joined the Appalachian Trail after 2.5 miles. We continued past Chattahoochee Gap and had lunch and returned. We rated the hike moderately strenuous with lots of elevation change. Total hike today – 8 miles. Directions: Trail access – Take GA 75 north through Helen to GA 180; turn left (west) onto GA 180 (also GA 66); go 6 miles to the intersection of Alt. 180 and park at the parking lot. From here you can hike up the mountain to Brasstown Bald, but, today we hiked the opposite direction and connected with the Appalachian Trail and continued past Chattahoochee Gap. Another great day for a hike! Sunny with temps. ranging from the low 30’s to the low 50’s. FLORA IN BLOOM: Heal All, Purple Violet, Black-eyed Susan, Witch Hazel, Heart-leafed Aster. FAUNA: Birds Identified: Black-capped Chickadee, Hairy Woodpecker. |
 Shortly into the hike we came to this sign. |
 A beautiful November day in the mountains! |
 At Chattahoochee Gap, Ray stands next to the spring that is the official headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. |
 Here, Geri steps all the way across the Chattahoochee! |
 There are still some spots of nice color in the forest! |
 This sign indicates that we have entered the Mark Trail Wilderness Area. |
 Ever wonder why they call them the “Blue Ridge Mountains”? |
 This mountain view is only visible after the leaves have fallen. |
 There are only a few wildflower hold-outs. Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris) |
 The OFHC Gang for today’s hike (l-r) David Whitaker, John Bellamy, Geri Whitaker, Dan Ross, Bob Thompson, Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Ray Cowan, and Bob Presley. |