3/13/2012 Appalachian Trail- Hogpen Gap – Wolf Laurel Top

Appalachian Trail – Hogpen Gap to Wolf Laurel Top, GA

March 13, 2012

Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia from Hogpen Gap to Wolf Laurel Top. The hike includes the short side trail to the back side rock cliff on Cowrock Mountain. Total hike – 6.5 miles.

HIKERS – Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Lynne Saporito, Pom Sinnock and Carole Wintle.

TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail has great mountain views all along the trail as you climb Hogpen Mountain, Cowrock Mountain and Wolf Laurel Top. The hills and rocky terrain are typical of the Georgia portion of the A.T. We met quite a number of thru-hikers on their way to Maine.

Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348). Turn right and travel about 9 miles to Hog Pen Gap. The parking lot is on the right.

Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and mild with temperatures ranging from 58 to 68 degrees F.

Distance hiked – 6.5 miles.

FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Thyme-leafed Bluets, Blue Violet, Red Maple, and Dandelion.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Pine Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, Downey Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow, Turkey Vulture and Wild Turkey.

Our starting point for today’s hike.

After crossing the highway, we start southward toward Tessnatee Gap.

Early morning fog filled the valleys.

These Appalachian Trail angels were setting up at Tessnatee Gap
to provide free refreshments for thru-hikers headed to Maine.

We get this early view from Cowrock Mountain.

This is the view from Wolf Laurel Top.

Now, we have returned to Cowrock.

We took the side trail to the back side of Cowrock Mt. for some spectacular views.

Our lunchtime view from Cowrock.

Lunch on the rocks!

Parting shot from Cowrock.

Colorful Micheaux’s Saxifrage

Returning to Tessnatee Gap we find the Trail Angels refreshment stand bustling with activity.

The OFHC gang for today’s hike! (l-r) Bill Hunt, Carole Wintle, trail dog “Ty”, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Pom Sinnock, Vic Robson, Dick Metzgar, Lynne Saporito, trail dog “Josh”, Dave Hinson and Tony Presley.

click below for video!
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