January 26, 2010
| Today’s hike started at Little Brook Campground in Unicoi State Park near Helen, GA. The hike took us 5 miles to beautiful Anna Ruby Falls (10 miles round trip).
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Chuck Crisp, Jackie Crisp, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Dick Metzgar, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Pom Sinnock, Dave Standard, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful hike through rolling woodlands with great creeks and mountain views along with great viewing access for Anna Ruby Falls. The trail was in good shape overall with a few fallen trees that were being cleared by trail maintenance crews during our hike. There were also a couple of wet rocky areas requiring caution due to poor footing. Distance hiked – approximately 10 miles – difficulty – moderate due to elevation change. Directions: Just north of Helen, GA turn right onto Hwy 356 and drive past the lake and take the first left and drive a half mile or so and look for the Little Brook Campground sign. Another great day for a hike! Partly Cloudy, windy and cold with temperatures ranging from 30-42 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Ruffed Grouse, Turkey, Crow and Pileated Woodpecker |
 Today’s trailhead |
 We were surprised to find snow on the ground for portions of the trail! |
 Mountain views along the trail |
 We found lots of evidence of trail maintenance crews removing dead trees along the trail. |
 Here, a large tree crushed the footbridge. We were able to scramble around the obstacle and continue. On the return trip, we found that trail maintenance crews had already removed the tree. |
 This spot has difficult footing as you have to scramble up the roots and rocks. |
 Our lunchtime destination! After plentiful rains, Anna Ruby Falls was roaring and beautiful! |
 Information sign at the falls. |
 Lunchtime on the observation decks. |
 Headed back down to the Smith Creek Trail. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Seeing these tree trunks, we appreciate the difficult work done by the crews. |
 The beauty of a January hike in the Georgia mountains! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r front). Pam Euliss, Dick Metzgar, Vic Robson and Dave Hinson. (l-r back) Carole Wintle, Donna Presley, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Pom Sinnock, Dave Standard, Jackie Crisp, Chuck Crisp, Bill Hunt, Dan Ross, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Joe Raguckas and Tony Presley. |