December 28, 2010
| Today, we hiked on the Chattooga River Trail from Highway 76 to a point on the river for lunch and back including the side trail to Bull Sluice Rapids. approx. 9.8 mi total.
HIKERS: Phil Brownrigg, Bill Hunt, Dick Metzgar, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, John Ray, Vic Robson and Dan Ross. TRAIL INFO. – Portions of the trail were still covered with snow from our Christmas day snow showers. This portion of the trail which starts at the trailhead on the SC side of the Hwy. 76 bridge 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. 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. Weather: Another great day for a hike! Fair and cold with temperatures ranging from 17 to near 40 degrees F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Turkey Vulture, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Dark-eyed Junco, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker and Grey Gnatcatcher. OTHER: Gray squirrel and Chipmunk. |
 At the start today… 17degrees F. |
 Down the steps to the Hwy. 76 bridge. |
 Approaching the Chattooga River |
 Looking up the icy Chattooga from the bridge. |
 The footbridges were snowy and icy! |
 And just think…..we could be at home by the fire! |
 Walking along the snow-covered trail! |
 Lunchtime by the campfire! |
 Our lunchtime view of the river. |
 Taking the short side-trail to Bull Sluice. |
 Icy Bull Sluice rapids. |
 Nice view of the snow-covered mountains! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Bruce O’Connor, Bill Hunt, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson, Phil Brownrigg, John Ray, Dick Metzgar and Dan Ross. |