8/2/2016 A.T. Wayah Crest Picnic Area – Siler Bald, NC

Hikingsouth Hike of the Week

Raven Cliffs Trail Hike – Near Helen, GA

August 2, 2016

Two This week’s hike was on the Raven Cliffs Falls Trail to Raven Cliffs Falls.

HIKERS: John Anderson, Mike Bell, Jenny Bell, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Ray Clark, Joe Collins, Tim Hale, Bill Hunt, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Tony Presley and Vic Robson .

TTRAIL INFORMATION – Beautiful Raven Cliffs Trail is located in White County, GA north of Helen on the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. The trail is 5 mi round trip as it follows Dodd Creek up to the massive rock cliffs called Raven Cliffs and Falls. The Falls flows between a large crack in the cliffs. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the state of Georgia.

We rate the hikes mostly easy to moderate. Very careful footing is required as you climb up a steep slope at Raven Cliffs (if you decide to hike up to the split in the cliffs).

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. Turn right and travel 2.8 miles to the trailhead sign and parking area on the left.

Another great day for a hike! Mostly fair, mild with temperatures ranging from 67-75 with a nice breeze. Hiking distance – 5 miles.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Spotted Jewelweed, Beggar Lice, Coreopsis, Rattlesnake Plantain, Alumroot, Spiderwort, Goldenrod, Joe Pye Weed and Wood Aster .

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Hooded warbler, Blue Jay, Pine Warbler and American Crow.

pic1
Parking lot at Wayah Crest Picnic Area.
pic2
Back on the A.T. Today!
pic3
Headed for Siler Bald.
pic4
A great day for wildflowers!
pic5
This is the gap just below Siler Bald.
pic6
Starting the climb up the grassy slope to the summit of Siler Bald .
pic7
Near the summit of Siler.
pic8
The marker at the summit.
pic9
Beautiful views even in the clouds!
pic10
Starting down the grassy slope.
pic11
Lunchtime at the Siler Bald Shelter!
pic12
More wildflowers!
pic13
Trail Art!
pic14
The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Phil Brownrigg, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle, Jack Wintle, John Anderson, Jenny Bell, Mike Bell, Joe Collins, Pam Euliss, Tim Hale, Dick Metzgar, Terre Pratt, Stephen Gales and Bob Magee.