January 31, 2006
| Currahee Mountain is the southernmost mountain in the Blue Ridge chain. Today’s hike involved two trails near Toccoa, GA. We hiked to the summit of Currahee Mountain on the Trail starting behind the Currahee Voting Precinct Building off of Highway 184. Next, we moved down the road a few miles to the Frady Branch Trail system to hike the Leatherwood Creek Loop.
HIKERS – Melissa Anderson, John Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Terry Doyle, Jack Jacobi, Steve Jordan, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Bruce O’Connor, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Wenferd Shedd, Leona Stowe, David Tate, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, and Geri Whitaker . TRAIL INFO. – The Currahee Trail was in poor shape due to many trees down across the trail. We had to climb over, under and around quite a few trees. The Frady Branch Trails were in good shape other than a few muddy areas. Directions: Currahee Trail – Take Highway 123 West from Toccoa, GA – Turn left onto Highway 184 toward Homer. Drive for almost a mile and you will park at the old Currahee Voting building on the right. (simple white building with two doors). The trail starts just to the right of the building. Frady Branch Trails – Drive several miles south of the Currahee trail-head on Hwy. 184 and look for the sign on the right side of the road. Total hiking distance today, 8-9 miles. Another great day for a hike! Sunny with temperatures ranging from the low 40’s to the mid 50’s F. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Titmouse, Pine Warbler, Carolina Wren, Carolina Chickadee, Dove, Black Vulture, Crow WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Common Blue Violet |
 Parking at the Currahee Voting building. |
 The trail to the summit of Currahee Mtn. brings us past many large rock outcroppings and boulders. |
 We enjoyed the views from the rock cliffs on Currahee! |
 On over the top, we get this view to the north. |
 Another nice view. |
 Next, we move a short drive down the road to our next trail. |
 We walk down the Forest Service road and, take a break at the historic Ferabrew Cemetery. |
 We decided to take the Leatherwood Creek Loop today. |
 We had to rock hop across the creek three times today. Most made it across with dry feet. |
 Our trail dog “Jet” wondered why we were so careful! |
 Looking over to Currahee from the Leatherwood Creek trail. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike: (front) “Jet” the lab. (kneeling l-r) Bob Presley, Bruce O’Connor, Steve Jordan, Tony Presley. (standing l-r) Doug Russell, John Bellamy, Dan Ross, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Terry Doyle, Geri Whitaker, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, Donna Presley, David Tate, Melissa Anderson, Wayne Miller, Phil Brownrigg, Leona Stowe, and Wenferd Shedd. |