 Photo by Peter McIntosh
Georgia ForestWatch joins conservation groups and outdoor recreation lovers from across the country to celebrate America's Great Outdoors and call on Congress to protect America's national forests, wilderness and other wild lands. National public lands serve as a natural playground for anyone who wants to get out and enjoy the outdoors. They also serve as essential sources of clean water and habitat for fish and wildlife protecting rare and important parts of our natural heritage.
On this hike participants can see the impacts of increasing traffic and recreational use on the southern end of the Appalachians, some within Georgia's second largest roadless area; Lance Creek.
The first part of our morning will be a leisurely hike to Bearden Creek Falls and back. Along the way we will have the opportunity to see many native plants, an old home site, and see the west approach to Springer Mountain. Bring a change of clothes if you would like to briefly escape the "Dog Days" of August and cool off in the Gulf's eastern headwaters. After our hike we will take a break for lunch and everyone is then invited to join us on a short drive to Nimblewill Gap to once again, "clean up the gap" and enjoy the high-elevation air near Springer Mountain, the Appalachian Trail's southern terminus. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Leader(s): Bill Brooks and Tom Colkett Meeting Time, Place, and Directions:
We will meet at 8:30am at the Jake Mountain Trailhead parking lot off Nimblewill Road south of Nimblewill Church and car pool north toward Nimblewill Gap, the eastern approach to Springer Mountain and the Appalachian Trail.
To reach Jake Mountain Trailhead:
West from Ga SR 9 @ SR 52 west/south of Dahlonega, go west a few miles to Grizzles Store, turn left on Nimblewill Gap Road. Jake Mountain Trailhead is a couple of miles north on the right. If you reach Nimblewill Church, you passed the turn.
From the west, after passing Amicalola Falls, continue east on SR 52 into Lumpkin County. Past Mile Marker 2, turn left, north, on Nimblewill Church Road. At the end of this road--1.5 miles, turn right on Nimblewill Gap Road. Jake Mountain Trail head parking lot is on the left. Outing Location: Bearden Creek Falls and Nimblewill Gap
USGS Quadrangle:
Nimblewill Difficulty:
Distance and Difficulty: An easy hike, The Bearden Creek Falls hike is approximately 1 ½ miles round trip. If you decide to join us on both parts of the trip, please allow 3 - 4 hours.
Limit:
12 participants. Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome.
Bring: Lunch or snack, water, rain gear, and appropriate clothing and footwear, walking sticks, change of clothes and river sandals if you decide to get wet, etc. (Allergic to bees/wasps? Remember your meds/epi-pen.) Cancellation:
Hikers will be notified if hike is cancelled due to forecast of severe weather, etc.
Pet Policy:
Thank you for not bringing your pet friends on Georgia ForestWatch outing.
Family Safe Policy:
Georgia ForestWatch Outings are a smoke, alcohol, and drug free setting.
Reserve your spot today! Reservations are required.
This outing is free of charge, and open to everyone "first come, first served" up to the limit. Please provide your name, e-mail address, and phone number (preferably cell if you'll have one with you on outing day)
To sign up Click Here or contact Jennifer Lopez, Outreach Director, by replying to this e-mail or calling 706-635-8733. |
