Date: 01/10/2022
Name: Rhododendron Trail at Lake Russel near Mt. Airy, GA.
Distance: 5.6
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Climbing Elevation: 961
Type: Loop
Notes: This was a exploratory hike for our group of local hikers based on reviews of other AllTrails hikers. This trail is relatively easy except for the first 0.3 mile of the access trail to the Chenocetah Fire Tower from the main trail. That section is a bit steeper with only one switchback. The trail is in fairly good condition with no trail obstructions on the east side and a few passible deadfalls on the west side of the loop. The trail is not well marked with the westward turnoff above Cascade Falls easy to overlook by since the trail marker is after you turn off. The east side of the loop is quite pleasant with the creek paralleling much of the trail. There are a number of small cascades along this portion of the trail. The west side of the trail is an old logging road, much of it through a pine forest. The views from Chenocetah Fire Tower are best in the Winter although there is one large cut in the tree line looking down toward Lake Russell. The tower is quite beautiful and is currently undergoing restoration to be complete by the end of January 2022.
AllTrails Link: Rhododendron Trail at Lake Russel near Mt. Airy, GA.
Additional Search Terms: January