Lake Winfield Scott Loop

County: Union
Distance: 6 mile loop
Elevation: 3920
Difficulty: Moderate
Markings: Okay - Blue & White

On November 17, 2008, the Hiking Chicks achieved a new level of daring! We were originally set to hike Slaughter Creek Trail (in and out), but a friend of SnowFlake's warned that it was "a bit challenging". At the last moment--and I mean truly the last moment--we decided to make the loop that was supposedly a bit easier, even though it was a little bit longer. And all in 30-40 degrees Farenheit! Yes, there was even a little snow on the ground at the split of the AT and the Slaughter Creek Trail. We decided to enjoy the moment and have lunch rather than concentrate too much on the temperature.

This loop starts with a gradual ascent on the Jarrard Gap Trail from Lake Winfield Scott, which intersects with the Appalachian Trail after a mile. 2.4 miles on the AT then a left on the Slaughter Creek Trail on the back side of Blood Mountain. Another 2.7 miles and you're back at Lake Winfield Scott.

When the thermostat read 31 degrees after a fulfilling breakfast at Just Off the Square Cafe in Dahlonega, we thought we might have chosen the wrong day, but we were wrong. As with most hikes, as long as you layer well, you can remain comfortable throughout the day. The leaves have, for the most part, already fallen, so even though it was twiggy, the views were spectacular. Within 1/2 mile, we were already surrounded by mountain ranges on both sides of our steady ascent to the foot of Blood Mountain. The pictures just don't do it justice.

Since we changed our plan at the last minute, we didn't make the ascent all the way to the top of Blood Mountain (that will be the plan for the next time), but after descending the Slaughter Creek Trail, we were thankful that we had ascended via Jarrad Gap.

The diversity of the scenery was our favorite thing about this hike. From Blood Mountain and Slaughter Mountain looming before us to mountain laurel covered passes, there was beauty with every step. There are parts of the AT and Slaughter Creek Trail that are narrow with a long drop to the side, but definitely passable. We were a bit dismayed at the sign of campfires, especially knowing the drought in our area, but we hope we were successful at leaving no trace.

A new hiking chick, christened TrailBlazer for her prowess at leading the pack, joined us on this trip and it was, in a unanonymous vote, our favorite hike to date. All she needs now is the shirt to make her official. We knew she was a shoe-in when we had just gotten started and she asked when our next hike would be. What a trooper. We missed two other new hiking chicks who planned to join us, but who will remain nameless until they've earned their Hiking Chick name badges!

We all give this hike a 10!

Pura Vida,
Bubbles

Lake Trahlyta - Vogel State Park

County: Union
Distance: 1 mile loop
Elevation: 2258
Difficulty: Easy
Markings: None required

On Saturday, November 1, 2008, Snowflake, my husband, and I hiked around Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State Park. It was a lovely time to hike in North Georgia--the fall foliage is spectacular! This was an easy hike and the beautiful scenery brought lots of visitors to the park. You'll find Vogel State Park around the intersection of Highway 60/19 and Highway 180, which leads to Suches, Georgia.

Although the elevation is fairly high, the 1 mile trail around Lake Trahlyta is flat and wide. Vogel State Park sits in a valley ringed by Slaughter Mountain, Blood Mountain, Wildcat Knob, Sherrif Knob, Frady Mountain, and Chestnut Knob. About half-way through the trail, there is a short spur that takes you to a view of the cascade created by the spillway from the lake. The spur is a more vigorous trail coming back up from the falls (about 55 feet in an 1/8 mile or so), but it's a lovely view even in our current drought.

This is a trip for the whole family, even those who find extended walking should be able to navigate this one. If the able-bodied members want to take the spur to the falls, those who prefer flat ground can sit on one of the benches that surround the lake and take in the view. No real packing is required, although it's always a good idea to have water and a hiking stick...just in case. Oh...and a camera, of course!

Vogel State Park has lots of other trails...17 miles of them. One is the challenging Coosa Back Country Trail, sporting 12.9 miles and a 1 mile ascent. The Hiking Chicks aren't there yet, but that one may be on the agenda for 2010!

Pura Vida,
Bubbles

Items Needed - Day Trip Hiking

If you are a beginning hiker, here are a few tips for what you'll need:

• Comfortable hiking boots. Wear your boots a few times before your first hike for your feet to adjust to them.
• Especially in the fall/winter months - layer your clothing. Take a waterproof jacket or poncho. Remember to wear bright orange in case hunters are in the area.
• A Backpack--be sure to get aquainted with your backpack before the hike. There are extra straps that can make the carrying much more comfortable. Make sure you carry your pack high and "tight"...not uncomfortably so, but the positioning will save your lower back.
• In your backpack carry a first aid kit, a flashlight, toilet paper, sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, an extra shirt/pants, socks (depending on how far you're going), a baggy for trash, healthy snacks like nuts and fruit. For over night at a lodge take sleepwear and flips for the shower. Take your driver's license and cell phone - make sure to have an ICE (in case of emergency) number listed and only the cash you need.
• Pack plenty of water.
• A whistle in case you run into trouble.
• Sunglasses.
• Hiking Poles--get acquainted with your poles. Make sure they are at the correct height for you, with your forearm in a 45 degree position with your upper arm. Using poles will save your knees and back and will possibly prevent falls.
• A buddy. It's always best to hike with someone else. You never know when an emergency will occur.

Pura Vida,
Snowflake

Preacher's Rock

County: Lumpkin
Distance: 3.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 3,568
Difficulty: Moderate
Markings: Good - White Blaze

On October 25, 2008 my family and I went up to Preacher's Rock. The other chicks went up about 3 weeks ago...I was supposed to go, too, but work got in the way. I hate when that happens! I was able to get my husband, kids, and dog to go to Preacher's Rock with me, so that was pretty cool.

Preacher's Rock is on the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT), and is accessible from Woody Gap. I just read on a forum post that some think Woody Gap is one of the windiest places in the world. They have obviously never lived in Missouri. Even getting to Woody Gap, which is between Dahlonega and Suches, is full of "ooo's and ah's". There are views galore of pretty much anything south of the area before you even step out of the car.

This is a quick 1.5 mile hike and it took my family about 45 minutes to hike in, even with my husband's two "surgically enhanced" knees...praise the Lord for walking sticks! It's an easy hike until you get to the last quarter mile, which is full of switchbacks, steps, and rocks--and where you do most of the climb. Once you reach the rock, however, it's well worth the effort. Even the close mountains look small at this height (an elevation of about 3582). This makes it just shy of 500 feet in that mile and a half.

The rock itself is big and wide...smooth enough that I didn't want to look over the edge. We're assuming it's called Preacher's Rock because the world is your audience from this vantage. While we were there, a couple and their friend from Manchester, England walked up in street attire. They came 7,000 miles for the view and were happy for it.

Hiking out is even faster...just a bit over 35 minutes with my oldest son leading our group. We're thinking he was either hungry or in need of the restroom at the pace he was keeping. One thing I learned on this trail--although I really loved having Sable, our German Shepherd, with us, it's really not the right place. Most of the trails in North Georgia are very well-traveled and you just have to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Just not a doggie's world. I'll have to check out that book about dog-friendly trails.

Pura Vida,
Bubbles

Len Foote Hike Inn

County: Dawson
Distance: 5.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 3,346
Difficulty: Moderate
Markings: Good - Green Blaze (some Yellow)

On October 21-22, 2008, the Hiking Chicks plus set off for the Len Foote Hike Inn. What an adventure!

If you're not familiar with the Inn, it is accessible via a 4.9 mile hike from Amicalola Falls or from Springer Mountain on the back side, which is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and somewhere around a 7 mile hike.

We're not hard-core...we took our time and rested whenever one of us heard our heartbeat pounding in our ears. Not a lot of wildlife, but any time in the woods is a good time!

The trip in is a bit more strenuous than the trip out. It took us about 4 hours, 15 minutes to get to the Inn, and 3 hours, 30 minutes to get back to Amicalola. There is a $3.00 fee to enter the Amicalola Falls State park and ample parking once you get there. We started out with breakfast at the Lodge located in the park, which is recommended. Although we passed only a handful of other hikers, this is a popular spot and going in the middle of the week seems like it was a good plan!

Once at the Inn, which is focused on being "green" and maintaining a minimal footprint in the natural environment, we found warm showers, great food, and no trash cans. They definitely maintain the "pack in, pack out" approach. The spartan rooms have bunk beds and heaters, which was all we needed. There's a spectacular sunrise awaiting you in the morning, as well as lots of hot coffee.

One of my favorite things on this trip was the fact that the staff at the Inn provided an educational overview of the area and its history. Since we're local girls, we knew some of it, but it was fascinating and refreshing that they take the time to add a cultural point of view for hikers.

All in all, it was kind of like camp for hikers...communal, spartan, and lots of fun! Happy to say we had no bruises or bumps on this trip.

Pura Vida,
Bubbles