February 8, 2011
| Today’s hike was near Toccoa, GA on the Broad River Trail. – 10.2 miles.
HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Bill Hunt, David Hinson, Jack Jacobi, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, Rick Porter-Whitmire, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – Forest Service Rd. 87 was gated at the Game Checking Station today so we parked there and hiked on the road 1.6 miles to the traihead at Dicks Creek. The trail is 3.8 miles from Dicks Creek to Farmer Bottoms. We had lunch at the Bottoms and opted to hike back on the forest service road 87 for a total hike of 10.2 miles. The trail is in excellent shape as it follows closely along Dicks Creek as it merges into the Broad River and continues to Farmers Bottom where the trail ends. The trail is through a mixed forest of Chestnut Oak, Beech, Red Oak, White Oak, Poplar, Pine, American Holly, Rhododendron, and Mountain Laurel among others. The terrain is mostly gently rolling with some flat stretches. We rate it moderately easy. There are many nice river views all along the trail. Directions: From Toccoa take Highway 123 west and continue straight through the Jeanette Jameison intersection and continue on about a mile and a half and turn left onto Ayersville Rd. (Patterson Pump Inc.). Continue about a half mile or so and turn left onto F.S. Road 87 (dirt) continue past the game checking station (if the gate is open) for 1.6 mi and look for a trail on the right. Park on the side of the road. (If you are coming from Cornelia/Clarkesville on the 4-lane Highway 17, turn to the right at the traffic light at Jeanette Jameison Intersection and continue as above.) Another great day for a hike! Fair and breezy with temperatures ranging from 32 to 45 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Belted Kingfisher, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Brown Thrasher, Pileated Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren and Downey Woodpecker . |
 Due to the gate being closed, we parked at the game checking station. |
 We hiked the road 1.6 miles to the trailhead. |
 Along the road, we see lots of evidence of beaver activity! |
 The Broad River Trailhead |
 Looking down on Dicks Creek. |
 Nature’s marvel – We always enjoy seeing this old hemlock tree that somehow got twisted when it was young and grew into a circle. It still has green growth! |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 More amazing beaver activity! |
 Crossing the Broad River at Farmers Bottom. |
 Lunchtime at Farmers Bottom |
 After lunch, we head back up F.S. Rd. 87 to the game checking station making the hike a loop of 10.2 miles. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r kneeling) Tony Presley, “Honey”, Dave Hinson, Lynne Saporito, “Nugget”, Geri Whitaker, Vic Robson, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor and Rick Porter-Whitmire. (l-r standing) David Whitaker, Donna Presley, Bill Hunt, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, “Merlin”, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, John Bellamy, Don Preece, Dan Ross, Joe Raguckas and Jack Jacobi. |