June 14, 2011
| Today’s hike was on the Jack’s Knob Trail up to the summit of Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 ft.) On clear days, the spectacular 360-degree view from atop the mountain allows you to see four states, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Hiking distance approximately 7 miles round trip.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Jim Driggers, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Wanda Miller, Jeanne O’Connor, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, Rick Porter-Whitmire, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Pom Sinnock and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Jack’s Knob Trail is a steep climb from the intersection of Highway 180 and Alt. 180 up to the parking lot of Brasstown Bald. From the parking lot there is a .6 mile asphalt trail up to the summit to the Brasstown Bald Visitors Center which has a nice interpretive center with great observation deck for the awesome 360 degree views. Total hiking distance today – 7 miles round trip with lots of uphill on the way to the top. A moderately strenuous hike. Directions: Drive North from Helen on Hwy 75 past Unicoi Gap and continue down the other side of the mountain and continue to the intersection of Hwy 180. Turn left on Hwy. 180 and drive to the Hwy. “alt 180” intersection on the right (stop here). There is a parking lot at this intersection for access to the Jack’s Knob Trail. Another great day for a hike! Sunny and cool to mild – Temperatures ranged from 60 to 75 F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Fire Pink, Daisy Fleabane, Oxeye Daisy, Tall Bluet, Mountain Hydrangea, Mountail Laurel, Flame Azalea Sweet Azalea, Cow Wheat, Pipsissawa, Sourwood, Galax, Sundrop, Spiderwort, Whorled Loosestrife, Common Milkweed Hop Clover, Yellow Woodsorrell and Tall Meadow rue. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Grouse, Red-eyed Vireo, Pine Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, Veery, Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Wood Thrush American Crow, Blue Jay and Dark-eyed Junco. |
 Our trail-head today at the intersection of Highway 180 and Alt. 180. (the start of the access road to Brasstown Bald) |
 Headed up the long steep climb on The Jack’s Knob Trail. |
 Old knarled tree and hikers. |
 We exit the Jack’s Knob trail onto the parking lot at Brasstown Bald. |
 Walking up the large parking lot to the base of Brasstown Bald. |
 The Brasstown Bald Trail starts behind the General Store. |
 The beautiful visitors center at the Bald. |
 The observation decks allow spectacular 360 degree views from Georgia’s highest point! |
 Visibility was the best of the season today! |
 From this viewpoint, we see Hiawassee, GA and Lake Chatuge. |
 Lunchtime on the observation decks at the visitors center. |
 The trail has lots of nice wildflowers! Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa) |
 We spot this Grouse and chick on the road just below the bald. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Vic Robson, Dick Metzgar, Tony Presley and Wanda Miller. (l-r back) Jim Driggers, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Pom Sinnock, Don Preece, Dan Ross, Jack Jacobi, Bill Hunt, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, Rick Porter-Whitmire, Carole Wintle, Donna Presley, Jeanne O’Connor and Wayne Miller. |
VIDEO FROM TODAY’S HIKE!