| Today’s hike started on the Jack’s Knob Trail at Highway 180 and connected with the Appalachian Trail near Chattahoochee Gap. A short side trail led us down to the spring that is said to be the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. We then continued on the AT to Horsetrough Mountain. This was an out and back hike of almost 10 miles.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Linda Johnson, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Ric Porter, Don Preece, Joe Raguckas, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Lynne Saporito, Faye Sisson, Dave Standard, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFORMATION – The trail is strenuous at the start as it heads up to Chattahoochee Gap. After that, it moderates to less extreme hills and a nice long flat stretch along an old road bed with many stacked stone culverts from the 1930’s built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. We rate this hike moderately difficult. This is the season when the thru-hikers are headed for Maine from Springer Mountain GA. Today, we saw 9 hikers on their 2100+ mile journey. Directions: Drive North from Helen, GA on Hwy 75 past Unicoi Gap and continue down the other side of the mountain and continue to the intersection of Hwy 180. Turn left on Hwy. 180 and drive to the Hwy. “alt 180” intersection on the right (stop here). There is a parking lot at this intersection for access to the Jack’s Knob Trail. Another great day for a hike! Fair and mild with temperatures ranging from 56 to 80 degrees F. Hiking distance – approx. 10 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Pine Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadee, Robin, Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Broadwing Hawk. |
 Trail sign near the start at Highway 180. |
 Start of the first climb. |
 “Tony said there was some nice flat walking if we ever get over the mountain!” |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 We look across to the distant mountain top and can barely see the Brasstown Bald Visitors Center. (Georgia’s highest point) |
 From the same spot, Bill Hunt does this incredible 70X zoom photo of the visitors Center! |
 A beautiful hike through tall timber! |
 Fungus of the week! |
 Snail of the week! |
 At Chattahoochee Gap, we walk down to the spring that is reported to be the upper headwaters of the mighty Chattahoochee River. |
 We met a thru-hiker from Kansas headed to Maine. – nickname “Jaybird” |
 Here we are on the long flat portion of the trail. This portion is an old roadbed with lots of these stacked-stone culverts from the 1930’s. |
 Lunchtime on the Appalachian Trail! |
 Many nice mountain views along the trail. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Lynne Saporito, Geri Whitaker, Linda Johnson, Faye Sisson and Bruce O’Connor. (l-r standing) Doug Russell, Jack Jacobi, David Whitaker, Dave Hinson, Joe Raguckas, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Pam Euliss, Dan Ross, Dave Standard, Don Preece, Ric Porter, Jeanne O’Connor, Carole Wintle and Bill Hunt. |