February 16, 2010
| Today’s hike started at the Highway 76 Bridge on the GA – SC state line. The parking area is on the SC side of the bridge. Also, there is a side trail down to the Bull Sluice rapids. We hiked northward up the Chattooga River Trail to a camping area on the banks of the river for lunch. After hiking back to the parking area, we walked down the side trail to Bull Sluice. The total hiking distance today was around 9.8 miles.
HIKERS – Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Pom Sinnock and Jeanne O’Connor. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful but cold hike on the Chattooga River Trail along the GA side of the river. This portion of the trail features rolling terrain with nice views of this Nationally designated “Wild and Scenic River”. The trail is very well maintained! The Bull Sluice Rapids are featured on a short side trail from the parking area. Distance hiked – approximately 9.8 miles – difficulty – moderately easy with rolling hills along with flat portions. 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 sunny, breezy and COLD with temperatures ranging from 22-32 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Canada Goose and Hermit Thrush. |
 Today’s trailhead parking at the park on the SC side of the Highway 76 bridge. |
 Headed down the stairs to the bridge across the river. |
 There is a nice walkway across the bridge to the GA side and the start of the trail. |
 The nice view from the bridge! |
 The large engraved boulder at the start. |
 Jack Frost along the trail on this cold morning. |
 Looking back down to the bridge from the trail. |
 Fungi and moss of the week! |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 A nice spot along the river! |
 A nice warm fire was welcome at lunchtime! |
 Lunchtime on the Chattooga River! |
 We ended the hike with a walk down to the famous Bull Sluice Rapids. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r) Phil Brownrigg, Vic Robson, Pom Sinnock, Jeanne O’Connor, Karen Brown and Dan Ross. |