April 8, 2014
| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail hiking from Hogpen Gap to Wolf Laurel Top and Cow Rock Mountain in GA.
HIKERS – Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Stephen Gales, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Tim Hale, Bob Magee, David Hinson, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Huck Phillips, Tony Presley, Vic Robson and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFORMATION – This section of the A.T. always offers breathtaking views from Cow Rock Mountain and Wolf Laurel Top. The very best views are on a side trail to the back side of Cow Rock to a large rock lookoff. The first part of the hike takes you up a steep climb over Wildcat Mountain over to Tesnatee Gap then another climb up to Cow Rock then a less challenging walk over to Wolf Laurel Top. We rate the hike strenuous due to elevation changes but the views make it more than worth the effort. If you prefer, on the return trip you can walk up the highway to Hogpen when you get back to Tesnatee Gap to avoid the long climb back over Wildcat Mountain. 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 Hogpen Gap. The parking lot is on the right. Another great day for a hike! Mostly sunny windy and cool with temperatures ranging from 38 to 58 degrees F. Hiking distance – 6.3 miles. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Bloodroot, Bluets, Pussey Toes, Toad-shade Trillium (both purple and yellow), Dandelion and Purple Violets BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Carolina Chickadee, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow and Turkey Vulture and Pergrine Falcon. OTHER FAUNA: A young black bear. |
 Leaving Hogpen Gap headed up Wildcat Mountain. |
 You can tell that it is cold by all of the hoodies! |
 We are finally seeing wildflowers much later than usual. Here we have a Yellow Toadshade Trillium. |
 We have great views as we approach the summit of Cowrock Mountain. |
 On the massive rock face of Cow Rock Mt. |
 Great views from Cow Rock! |
 Our favorite lunch spot on the back side of Cow Rock! |
 Here are our Appalachian Trail Thru-hikers for the day. About 35 miles into their 2000+ mile journey! |
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 Just as we were headed home from Hogpen Gap, we spotted this young Black Bear along the side of the road! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Carole Wintle, Tony Presley, Jeanne O’Connor, Greta Driggers, Vic Robson, Jim Driggers, Dick Metzgar, David Hinson, Phil Brownrigg, Tim Hale, Karen Brown, Huck Phillips, Stephen Gales, Bob Magee and Pam Euliss. |