November 2, 2010
| Today, we hiked on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia from Neels Gap (Byron Herbert Reese Parking lot) to Wolf Laurel Top and back.
HIKERS: Becky Caschett, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Pam Euliss, Bill Hunt, Dick Metzgar, Don Preece, Vic Robson, Frank Sacco, Pom Sinnock, and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail. This portion of the A.T. starts at Neels Gap but parking is a half-mile beyond at the Byron Herbert Reese Memorial Park. After hiking up the highway 19/129 to the Walasi Yi Center you pass through the breezeway and continue northward up Levelland Mountain for a significant climb then continue past Swaim Gap, Rock Spring Top, Corbin Horse Stamp and on to Wolf Laurel Top. Views are very nice as you hike along the ridge on Levelland Mt. and you see mountain views on both sides of the ridge. Even though there is quite a bit of level hiking on the ridges, there are a couple of very strenuous climbs on this hike. Directions: Take US 19 and 129, north from Cleveland, GA and drive approximately 18 miles to the Byron Herbert Reese Park just a half mile past Neels Gap and the Walasi-Yi Center (Mountain Crossings). Another great day for a hike! Mostly cloudy with temperatures mostly in the 50’s F.Total distance hiked – 8 miles – moderate to very strenuous. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Blue Aster, White Woods Aster, Wreath Goldenrod, Phlox and Mountain Gentian . BIRDS IDENTIFIED: CROW, DOWNEY WOOD-PECKER, PILEATED WOOD-PECKER. Other Fauna: Chipmunk, Grey Squirrel, |
 Parking at Byron Herbert Reese Park below Neels Gap. |
 Here, the A.T. passes through the breezeway at Mountain Crossings (Walasi Yi) . |
 Trail marker at Neels Gap. |
 There are still some nice spots of color along the trail. |
 The old “monster-faced” tree! |
 Typical rocky spot along the A.T. in GA. |
 A view from Wolf Laurel Top! |
 Lunchtime on Wolf Laurel Top! |
 On the way back, the group takes a short break after a long tough climb. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Historic Marker at Neels Gap |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Frank Sacco, Vic Robson, Bill Hunt, Carole Wintle, Don Preece, Pam Euliss, Pom Sinnock, Becky Caschett, Greta Driggers, Dick Metzgar and Jim Driggers . |