March 1, 2011
| Today’s hike on the Three Forks Trail started on Highway 28 just beyond Big Creek, in Rabun Co., GA. We hiked to Three Forks which is the point where Overflow Creek, Big Creek and Holcomb Creek converge to form the West Fork of the Chattoga River. Round trip hike of 6.8 miles.
HIKERS – David Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Rick Porter-Whitmire, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Pom Sinnock, and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful hike to a spectacular spot. Starting near where highway 28 crosses Big Creek, there is a parking spot on the left. Immediately, there is a creek to ford and today, we were able to cross on the rocks and stay dry. The trail starts as an old roadbed and is rolling along the ridge above Big Creek and after about 3 miles, there is a steep descent down to the convergence of the three creeks at Three Forks. The trail was in good shape with only a couple of blowdowns that were easy to negotiate. Distance hiked – 6.8 miles – difficulty – Mostly moderate with about a quarter mile of very strenuous as you return from the river. Directions: Take Warwoman road out of Clayton until it ends at Highway 28 (the Highlands Highway) Turn left and continue several miles and look for the highway crossing of Big Creek and continue a short distance and you will see a parking area on the left side of the road. The trail starts here as it crosses a creek. Some people ford the creek in 4X4 vehicles or you can usually ford it walking on some rocks. Another great day for a hike! Mostly sunny and mild with temperatures ranging from 42-58 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Alder, Trailing Arbutus (buds), Red Maple. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pine Warbler, Carolina Chickadee, Pileated Woodpecker and Mourning Dove. |
 Crossing the creek at the start. |
 Headed for Three Forks. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Arriving at Three Forks. |
 Three Creeks (Overflow, Big, and Holcomb) converge here to form the West Fork Chattooga River. |
 Cascading waterfall at the end of Big Creek. |
 Lunchtime at Three Forks! |
 Big Creek – left, Overflow Creek – right and Holcomb Creek on the other side. |
 Beautiful! |
 Alder Catkins on the edge of the water. |
 Colorful Moss and Mushroom. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike (l-r front) Jack Jacobi, Tony Presley, Donna Presley, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, “Merlin”, “Honey”, Rick Porter-Whitmire, Carole Wintle and “Ty” (l-r back) Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Jeanne O’Connor, David Hinson, Bruce O’Connor, Pom Sinnock and Bill Hunt. |