October 10, 2006
| This week’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Unicoi Gap (north of Helen, GA) to Chattahoochee Gap and back.
HIKERS – Melissa Anderson, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Terry Doyle, Wayne Miller, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Dave Standard, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail provides one of the more strenuous hikes of the GA section. From Unicoi Gap heading South, you start with a very long rocky climb up Blue Mountain. After that, it is a rolling course that leads you to our lunch spot for the day (Chattahoochee Gap). At Chattahoochee Gap, there is a short side trail that leads down to a small spring that is said to be the actual beginning of the Chattahoochee River. Total hiking distance – 9 miles round trip. Directions: Take Hwy. 75 N. out of Helen for approximately 9 mi.. look for the Appalachian Trail crossing signs. Another great day for a hike! Sunny, temperatures from the upper 50’s to the low 70’s F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Phlox, Alumroot, Heal All, Tall Lobelia, Canada Violet, Mountain Mint, Goldenrod, White Woods Aster, White Snakeroot, Mountain Gentian, Stiff Gentian, Panicled Aster, Bush Aster, Heart-leafed Aster, Perfoliated Aster, Blue Woodland Aster, Black-eyed Susan, Southern Harebell and Lady’s Thumb. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Blue Jay, Carolina Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Crow, Red Eyed Vireo, Towhee, Yellow Throated Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, White Breasted Nuthatch |
 Getting ready at Unicoi Gap. |
 Trail signs near Unicoi Gap. |
 All of the mountain views were through the trees. |
 In the Northeast GA mountains, we see Phlox blooming from Springtime thru frost. |
 Lunch break at Chattahoochee Gap. |
 Headed back to Unicoi Gap. |
 One of many rocky areas on the trail. |
 The trail passes directly under this large “Widow Maker” tree. |
 We return to Unicoi Gap. |
 A.T. marker at Unicoi Gap. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, David Whitaker, Wayne Miller, Geri Whitaker, Bob Thompson, Donna Presley, John Bellamy, Melissa Anderson, June Bellamy, Jeanne O’Connor, Dave Standard, Bruce O’Connor, Terry Doyle, and trail dog “Bo” Anderson. |