| Today’s hike was on the Chattooga River Trail starting from Highway 76 Bridge on the SC side of the river and hiking northward. We also did the short side trail down to Bull Sluice rapids (class 5). Total hike – 9.8 milesround trip.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Lynne Saporito, Pom Sinnock, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFORMATION – Parking at the trailhead at the trail facility on the SC side of the bridge, the trail first goes down the staircase to the trail sidewalk across the bridge to the GA side of the river and follows the river northward. The trail is in excellent shape as it leads the hiker through a beautiful forest with the Wild and Scenic Chattooga river on the right. The trail meanders away from the river for a distance through rich coves and rolling terrain and gradually the trail comes back alongside the river. None of the hills are extreme and we consider the hike moderately easy. Directions: Take highway 76 east out of Clayton, GA and continue 7.2 miles to the Highway 76 Bridge at the river. Cross the bridge and park at the trail facility on the left. Another great day for a hike! Mostly cloudy and cool with temperatures ranging from the mid to upper 40’s F. Hiking distance – 9.8 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: – none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian Fly Catcher, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren |
 The trailhead at the trail facility near the highway 76 bridge. |
 First, we took the short trail down to the Bull Sluice rapids. |
 Looking up the river as we cross the bridge to the GA side. |
 The large boulder trail marker with trail monkey! |
 A beautiful well-maintained trail! |
 Another great day for a hike with a monkey! |
 Lunchtime on the banks of the Chattooga! |
 Our lunchtime view! |
 The crystal clear water of the Chattooga! |
 The fungus of the week! |
 A calm spot on the river. |
 This nice portion of the trail is on an old roadbed. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Bill Hunt, Donna Presley, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker and Tony Presley. (l-r standing) Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, Joe Raguckas, Dave Hinson, Pom Sinnock, Pam Euliss, Jack Jacobi, John Bellamy, June Bellamy and Doug Russell. |