March 5, 2008
| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Dicks Creek Gap southward to the Deep Gap Shelter in GA. Hiking distance 8 miles round trip.
HIKERS – Karen Brown, Chuck Crisp, Greta Driggers, Dan Euliss, Pam Euliss, Alan Herrin, Jack Jacobi, Bob Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Jeff Tudor, and Wayne Miller. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail is a beautiful walk through the mountains with great woodland views along with an excellent overlook view through the mountains overlooking Lake Burton. Our group met several early bird through hikers on their way to Maine! Directions: Take Hwy. 76 W from Clayton, GA toward Hiawassee, GA. and drive approximately 15 to 18 miles and look for the Appalachian Trail crossing signs. The parking lot is on the right. Another great day for a hike! Fog early then fair skies with temperatures ranging from the upper 20’s to mid 50’s F. There was lots of Rime Ice in the trees during the morning hours. Hiking distance – 8 miles Difficulty – Moderately difficult with lots of elevation change. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco and Tufted Titmouse. |
 Parking at Dick’s Creek Gap on Highway 76 west of Clayton, GA. |
 The stone marker at our starting point. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Looking up to the mountain top, we see rime ice. . |
 The trees were sparkling! |
 Beautiful rime ice up close. |
 The sign at Deep Gap. We turned left here to go to the shelter. |
 The Deep Gap trail shelter. |
 A chilly lunch at Deep Gap. |
 On the return trip, we walk out to this magnificent overlook. We can see a portion of Lake Burton. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r front)Pam Euliss, Karen Brown, Greta Driggers, Vic Robson, Bob Presley. (l-r Standing) Jack Jacobi, Dan Ross, Chuck Crisp, Doug Russell, Dan Euliss, Joe Ruguckas, Jeff Tudor, Alan Herrin and Wayne Miller. |