December 20, 2011
| Today’s hike started at the Highway 76 Bridge on the GA – SC state line. The parking area is on the SC side of the bridge. Also, there is a side trail down to the Bull Sluice rapids. We hiked northward up the Chattooga River Trail to a camping area on the banks of the river for lunch. After hiking back to the parking area, we walked down the side trail to Bull Sluice. The total hiking distance today was around 9.2 miles.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Dick Metzgar, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Jeanne O’Connor. TRAIL INFO. – A beautiful hike on the Chattooga River Trail along the GA side of the river. This portion of the trail 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 from the parking area. Distance hiked – approximately 9.2 miles – difficulty – moderately easy with rolling hills along with flat portions. 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. Another great day for a hike! Cloudy and cool with some light drizzle on the return trip with temperatures ranging from 47-52 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Japanese Honeysuckle BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee. |
 Sign at the trail parking lot. |
 Walking across the Highway 76 bridge on the border of SC/GA. |
 Looking from the bridge up the Chattooga River. |
 Dried red fruit of Sumac. |
 Engraved boulder on the GA side of the Hwy 76 bridge. |
 Nice reminder for anyone hiking on any trail! |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 We encounter this tree-fall about 2.5 miles out. |
 The view from our lunch spot today! |
 Lunchtime on the Chattooga River Trail. |
 Beautiful spot on the river! |
 The Bull Sluice Rapids. |
 Kayakers enjoying the “Wild and Scenic” Chattooga River. |
 The OFHC Gang for today’s hike! (l-r) Tony Presley, Dick Metzgar, Phil Brownrigg, Donna Presley, Karen Brown, June Bellamy, Pam Euliss, John Bellamy, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson and Dan Ross. |