November 24, 2009
| This week’s hike was on the Dockery Lake Trail to the Appalachian Trail Near Woody Gap, GA. Total round trip – 8 miles.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. The Dockery Lake trail is a very nice hike that leads from the lake up to the the Appalachian Trail between Woody Gap and Neels Gap. Starting at Dockery Lake, the trail has a half-mile loop around the lake and a 3.7 mile trail to the Appalachian Trail. The trail is in excellent shape and it includes nice mountain views in the winter and several creeks, streams and small waterfalls along the trail. The trail has significant elevation gain between the lake and the Appalachian Trail. Total hiking distance today – 8 miles – Moderate difficulty with elevation changes – some easy portions. Directions: Take Hwy. 129 N from Cleveland, GA for about 15 mi. then turn left at Turner’s Corner and travel several miles to Hwy 60 (rock pile) turn right and drive toward the top of the mountain. Turn right at the sign for Dockery Lake and drive down the gravel road to the trail parking lot. Another great day for a hike! Cloudy and cool with temperatures ranging from 48 to 53 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: None BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, White Breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Black & White Warbler, Carolina Chickadee, Blue Jay. |
 Trailhead parking at Dockery Lake. |
 The start of the trail. |
 Dockery Lake with morning fog. |
 Headed for the Appalachian Trail. |
 There were 7 or 8 creek crossings! |
 Fungi of the week!. |
 Lunchtime near the A.T. |
 Lots of water features on this hike! |
 Simple beauty of a moss-covered boulder! |
 Even on a cloudy day, we get some nice mountain views! |
 Another creek crossing! |
 Back at beautiful Dockery Lake! |
 On the lake loop trail! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Bruce O’Connor, Vic Robson, Pam Euliss, Donna Presley, Geri Whitaker and David Whitaker. (l-r back) Phil Brownrigg, Don Preece, Jeanne O’Connor, Karen Brown, John Bellamy, June Bellamy and Tony Presley. |