April 27, 2010
| Today’s hike was on two trails in Union County GA. First, we did the Sosbee Cove Trail which features one of the most lush wildflower habitats and old-growth tree habitats in the southeastern U.S. Next, we moved down the road a mile or so and hiked on the Coosa Backcountry Trail near Vogel State Park.
HIKERS – Thomas Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Chuck Crisp, Jackie Crisp, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Pam Euliss, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Don Preece, Gary Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFORMATION – The Sosbee Cove Trail is short but spectacular in terms of botanical habitat. It is a great time of year to view a great variety of wildflowers in bloom. The old-growth trees are also amazing with huge Tulip Poplars, and Yellow Buckeyes among many others. This area has not been logged in 107 years. The portion of the Coosa Backcountry Trail that we hiked is the section between State Rd. 180 (Wolfpen Rd) and the Forest Service Road at Wolf Creek (out and back). It is a nice trail with lots of creeks through a beautiful hardwood forest. The trail is somewhat hilly but only moderately difficult. Total combined hiking distance – 6.5 miles. Directions: Take highway 129 N. out of Cleveland, GA and continue past Neels Gap and Vogel State Park . Just past the entrance to Vogel State Park, turn left (west) on GA Hwy. 180 and travel 4-5 miles. Look for the Sosebee Cove sign on the right. Next, we accessed the Coosa Backcountry trail back down the road about a quarter mile toward Vogel State Park. The trail crosses Hwy 180 here. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and cool with temperatures ranging from the upper 40’s to upper 50’s F. Hiking distance – 6.5 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Showy Orchis, Flame Azalea, Large-flowered Trillium, White Erect Trillium, Purple Toadshade Trillium, Purple Violet, Sweet White Violet, Halberd-leafed Violet, Spurred Violet,Yellow Mandarin, Foam Flower, Dogwood, Black Locust, Yellow Buckeye, Silverbell, Blue Cohosh, Yellowroot, Dwarf Iris, Sweet Shrub, Toothwort, Cut-leafed Toothwort, Tall Buttercup, Hooked Buttercup, Robin’s Plantain, Pussytoes, Wild Geranium, Rue Anemone, Small-flowered Bellwort, Golden Alexander, May Apple, Meadow Rue, Poison Ivy, Twisted Stalk, Solomon’s Seal, Red Baneberry and Cinquefoil. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Blue Jay, Black Throated Green Warbler, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Oven Bird, Hooded Warbler, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red Eyed Vireo, Red Bellied Woodpecker, White Eyed Vireo, Black & White Warbler, Black Capped Chickadee, Wood Thrush. |
 Our first trail today! The botanical paradise known as Sosebee Cove…. |
 We believe this to be the largest Yellow Buckeye tree in GA. |
 Some of today’s many wildflowers! (top left then clockwise) White Erect Trillium, Showy Orchis, Toothwort, Yellow Toadshade Trillium. |
 None planted by man! |
 Our second trail of the day. Coosa Backcountry… |
 We started this hike at the Wolf Creek foot-bridge. |
 Taking a break at a nice camping spot. |
 Here, the trail crosses a beautiful cascading waterfall. |
 There was one large tree blocking the trail here. |
 Lunchtime on the Coosa Backcountry Trail. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Our turn-around point at Wolfpen Gap Rd. (GA 180) |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front kneeling) Tony Presley, David Whitaker and Chuck Crisp. (l-r standing) Jack Jacobi, Bill Hunt, Phil Brownrigg, Geri Whitaker, Don Preece, Pam Euliss, Gary Preece, Donna Presley, Dan Ross, Thomas Bowers, Vic Robson, Greta Driggers, Jackie Crisp and Jim Driggers. |