02/01/2022 – Rhododendron Trail & Chenocetah Fire Tower Loop at Lake Russel near Mt. Airy, GA.

Date: 02/01/2022

Name: Rhododendron Trail & Chenocetah Fire Tower Loop at Lake Russel near Mt. Airy, GA.

Distance: 5.7

Difficulty: Moderate

Total Climbing Elevation: 951

Type: Loop

Notes: Another "great day" for a hike with sunny skies and cool temperatures. After a short walk from the boat ramp parking area, we proceeded up the gentle uphill slope of the Rhododendron Trail. Along the Rhododendron Trail we passed by Trailside, Tiny Dancer and Peek-a-Boo Falls. The names and locations of these falls shown as waypoints on this map are from the Georgia Waterfalls Index (https://www.gawaterfalls.com/). We turned southwestward on the Chenocetah Tower Trail to reach the historic fire tower. Three-tenths of a mile of this section is quite steep with 16-23% grades. The 1937 granite fire tower is quite impressive and has nice views of the valley below. Hiking back down the tower access trail we returned by a trail through a pine forest, then along an old logging road till we reached the park. Finally, we joined the Lake Russell Loop Trail back to our parking area. With the exception of the difficult, steep section of the tower access trail, this trail is a pleasant and easy hike. Show less

AllTrails Link: Rhododendron Trail & Chenocetah Fire Tower Loop at Lake Russel near Mt. Airy, GA.

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