September 28, 2010
| This week’s hike was on the Smith Creek Trail in Unicoi State Park, GA. The trail starts at Little Brook Campground and ends at Anna Ruby Falls after 5 miles. It was an absolutely perfect day for hiking with temperatures mostly in the upper 50’s and 60’s. Total hike today 10 miles.
HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Pam Euliss, Jeanne O’Connor, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – A very nice trail through this beautiful mountain hardwood forest leading to Majestic Anna Ruby Falls. The 5 mile trail is in good shape but there are a couple of rocky areas which require careful footing. There are some moderate hills along the way. Overall difficulty – moderate. Total hike distance 10 miles round trip. 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! Mostly Sunny and mild with temperatures ranging from 56 to 69 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: FLOWERS IN BLOOM: White Snakeroot, White Woods Aster, White Whorled Aster, Blue Aster, Bushy Aster, Wreath Goldenrod, Featherbells, Spiked Lobelia, Tall Lobelia, Southern Harebells, Woodland Sunflower, Joe Pye Weed, Foamflower, Horse Balm, Spotted Jewelweed and Begger’s Lice. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Blue Jay, Carolina Wren, Titmouse, Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Chipping Sparrow, Red Tailed Hawk, Red Eyed Vireo, Northern Flicker. FAUNA IDENTIFIED: Ribbon Snake and 2 White-tailed Deer. |
 The trailhead at Little Brook Campground. |
 Sign at the trail-head. |
 Another Great Day for a Hike! |
 Mushroom of the week! |
 Approaching Anna Ruby Falls. |
 Anna Ruby is double falls. This portion is formed by Curtis Creek. |
 This portion is formed by York Creek and the two combine to form Smith Creek. |
 Warning to stay on the trail or decks and do not explore the falls! |
 Lunchtime on the deck at Anna Ruby Falls! |
 Historical sign at the falls. |
 Wildflower of the week! Blue Wood Aster |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Pam Euliss, Jim Driggers, Greta Driggers, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Vic Robson, Donna Presley, Phil Brownrigg, Don Preece, Jeanne O’Connor, Dan Ross and Tony Presley. |