March 28, 2017
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Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail in Union County GA . We hiked from Hogpen Gap to Cowrock Mountain then to Wolf Laurel Top and back. Total of 6.6 miles HIKERS: John Anderson, Mike Bell, Bob Browe, Joe Collins, Renee Corbett, Pam Euliss, Angela Evans, Stephen Gales, Huck Hale, Tim Hale, Whitney Hutchinson, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Terre Pratt, Don Preece, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Justin Schub and Linda Schultz. 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. THRU-HIKERS – Today, we met 35 thru-hikers on their way to Maine. More than 25 states and 3 foreign countries were represented! Their photos are at the bottom of this page. We rate the hike strenuous due to large 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 to partly cloudy, windy and mild with temperatures ranging from 68 to 74 degrees F. Hiking distance – 6.6 miles. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Red Toadshade Trillium and Blue Violets. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Grouse, Towhee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Carolina Chickadee, American Crow and Junco. scroll down for photos from today…….
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