February 6, 2007
| This week, we hiked in the Tallulah Gorge State Park on the Stoneplace Trail to Tugalo Lake.This trail is almost 10 miles round trip and is a nice walk over old roadbeds to the Stoneplace Boat Ramp.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Pom Sinnock, Dave Standard, Bob Thompson, and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – The Stoneplace Trail starts at the upper end of the parking lot at Tallulah Gorge State Park’s Interpretive Center. Each hiker must register at the Interpretive Center and carry a hiker permit. Trail isover moderately easy terrain. We also walked out to the north rim trail for nice gorge views just behind the Interpretive Center. Total hike today- 10 miles. Directions: Take Highway 441 to Tallulah Falls, GA and turn onto Jane Hurt Yarn Drive (coming from the south, the road is on the right about a quarter mile past the bridge.) and follow the signs to the Interpretive Center. A $4 parking permit (or GA State Parks Pass) is required every day except Wednesdays. Another great day for a hike – Mostly sunny and cool.Temperatures from the mid 20’s to low 40’s F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Trailing Arbutus. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, Chickadee, Raven, Crow, Pine Warbler, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Tohee, Tufted Titmouse, Junco, Cardinal, and Turkey Vulture. |
 At the Visitors Center, we walk out to the gorge overlook. |
 Looking over to the south rim of the gorge. |
 Early into the hike we get this view of Currahee Mountain in Toccoa. |
 There were still remnants of last week’s snow. |
 This is the end of the Stoneplace Trail. |
 Now, we head back toward the Interpretive Center. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Lunchtime at the trail shelter. |
 One of the earliest Springtime wildflowers Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens) |
 Pretty ice crystals |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Dave Standard, Dick Metzgar, Phil Brownrigg, Dan Ross, Carole Wintle, Pom Sinnock, June Bellamy, Doug Russell, Bob Thompson, John Bellamy, and Wayne Miller. |