January 22, 2008
| Today’s hike was in the Lake Russell Campground and Recreation Area near Cornelia, GA. There are three hiking trails here and today we hiked the Lake Russell Loop. We started with cloudy and 31 degrees F. and finished with light freezing rain at 31 degrees. Another great day for a hike!
HIKERS – Dan Ross, Bill Hunt, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Tony Presley, Doug Russell, Pom Sinnock , Bob Thompson. TRAIL INFO. – This is a beautiful 4.6 mile loop trail that circles Lake Russell in the Lake Russell Campground and Recreation Area near Cornelia, GA. The trail is very scenic as it stays very close to the water for most of the way and gives lots of opportunites to spot various kinds of ducks, geese, and other wildlife. Directions: On U.S. 123 East of Cornelia, near the Mt. Airy, GA railroad bridge, turn onto the Lake Russell Recreation Area access road. Drive about 2.5 miles to the parking lot at Nancytown Lake. Another great day for a hike! Cloudy with occasional light freezing rain. Temperature stayed constant in the low 30’s F. Hiking distance – 4.6 miles Difficulty – Easy with a few mostly gentle hills. One of our favorite hiking trails. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Belted Kingfisher, Winter Wren, Towhee, Crow, Brown Headed and White Breasted Nuthaches and Chickadee along with some un-identified ducks. |
 The start of our hike near the parking lot at Nancytown Lake. |
 Early into the hike we arrive at the upper end of Lake Russell. |
 Here, the trail follows the road for a short distance. |
 Beautiful reflections from the calm lake. . |
 Looking across to the swimming area…. we all forgot our swimsuits! |
 About a mile and a half out, we come to this trail sign. |
 The trail passes below the dam of Lake Russell. |
 The creek below the dam. |
 Wood Duck habitat. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Jet thought it was another great day for a swim! |
 Almost back to our starting point, we cross the creek below Nancytown Dam. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r) Doug Russell, Bob Thompson, “Jet” the trail dog, Wayne Miller, Wanda Miller, Pom Sinnock, Bob Presley, Bill Hunt, Dan Ross, and Tony Presley. |