Octobber 13, 2009
| This week’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Hogpen Gap to Wolf Laurel Top in GA northwest of Helen.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Jim Driggers, Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Pom Sinnock, Faye Sisson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. -Parking at Hogpen Gap, the trail first climbs over Wildcat Mountain and features several nice views then down to Tessnatee Gap next to the highway then up a mile to Cow Rock Mountain and down to the gap and up to Wolf Laurel Top. After lunch we returned to Cow Rock and hiked a side trail to an awsome rock face with great views. It is a beautiful hike featuring some of the best mountain views in Georgia. Total hiking distance – 6.5 miles R.T. It is a moderately strenuous hike due to elevation changes. Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348). Turn right and travel about 9 miles to Hog Pen Gap. The parking lot is on the right. Another great day for a hike! Fog early then Partly Cloudy and cool, temperatures ranged from the low 50’s to the mid 60’s F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Witch Hazel, Blue Wood Aster, White Wood Aster, Goldenrod , Heart Leafed Aster, Smartweed / Ladies Thumb, Mountain Gentian, Woodland Sunflower, Selfheal, Hawkweed, Blue Lobelia, White Snakeroot, Polkweed, Sourwood, Goldenrod , Purple Aster and Tall Coreopsis. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Birds Identified:Turkey, Blue Jay, Red Eyed Vireo, Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Pine Warbler, Northern Sapsucker, Towhee, Junco, Barred Owl, Tufted Titmouse, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, Raven, Turkey Buzzard, Chickadee, Nuthatch, Red Bellied Woodpecker. Other Fauna: Chipmunk, Black Bear, Garter Snake, Squirrel.
from today! |
 Starting out at Hogpen Gap in the fog! |
 As we hike up the trail the fog quickly lifts. |
 It was great to see beautiful fall color! |
 This is the view as we approach the summit of Cow Rock Mountain. |
 Nice blue sky, puffy clouds and mountains! |
 Nice views from Wolf Laurel Top! |
 Many great views from the side trail at Cow Rock. |
 Looking out from Cow Rock, we see the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. |
 More Color! |
 Yes it is Fall! |
 Yes! |
 80X zoom photo of Brasstown Bald in the far distance. |
 Fungi of the week! |
 Some of Today’s Wildflowers! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Geri Whitaker and David Whitaker. (l-r back) Bill Hunt, Pam Euliss, Donna Presley, Jack Jacobi, Phil Brownrigg, Faye Sisson, Dave Hinson, Carole Wintle, Pom Sinnock, Vic Robson, Don Preece, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers and Tony Presley. |