10/19/2010 Appalachian Trail – Three Forks – Springer Mountain – GA

HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Thomas Bowers, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Pam Euliss, John Mooneyham, Jeanne O’Connor, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Pom Sinnock, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker.

TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian leads to one of the two most recognized landmarks of the A.T., Springer Mountain, GA. The southern terminus of the A.T. can be reached from Amicolola Falls State Park, 8 miles. or from forest service rd. 42 one mile or further down the road from Three Forks 4.1 miles.

Directions: We accessed Three Forks from Dahlonega at Camp Merrill taking the Cooper Gap Rd, Hightower Gap, Winding Stair Gap Rd. a total of more than 13 miles on the gravel roads, it seems like 30 miles so this is the only negative aspect of the hike. the A.T. crosses the forest service rd. at Three Forks. The GPS coordinates for Three Forks are: 34.663577,-84.184214

Another great day for a hike! Mostly Sunny and cool with temperatures ranging from 55 to 72 degrees F.Total distance hiked – 8.2 miles.

FLOWERS IS BLOOM: Blue Aster, White Woods Aster, White Snakeroot, Wreath Goldenrod, Silverrod, Mountain Gentian, Stiff Gentian and Lady’s Thumb.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Red Eyed Vireo, Nuthatch, Blue Jay, Chickadee, Pileated Woodpecker, Turkey Vulture, Red Shouldered Hawk, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, Crow, Titmouse. .

OTHER FAUNA: chipmunk and Grey Squirrel.