This is a beautiful hike for early spring! Last year we saw bloodroot (seen at left), native bleeding heart, and lots of ramps.

We'll go through a recovering clear-cut then follow a turn of the century logging road into a rich north facing cove with beautifully fertile Porter’s soil. Expect to see wildflower displays, patches of ramps (wild mountain leeks), large second growth timber and a beautiful small boulder field with a rare yellow birch (Betula alleghaniesis) grove. Much can be learned in this area about past logging affects and the resilience of our southern forests. We may be a little early for the wildflower display but bring your cameras just in case.

Date:

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Meeting time, place and directions:

9:00 a.m. at the Georgia ForestWatch office, 15 Tower Road, Ellijay, GA, 30540.

Directions: Hwy 52, 1 mile west of the Ellijay round-about, toward Fort Mountain State Park. Turn right onto Tower Rd. and then immediately left into our parking lot. We’re the cream house with green shutters.

Outing Location:

Devils Den cove; north side of Flat Top mountain; Cohutta range of the Chattahoochee National Forest north of Ellijay, Ga.

Distance & Difficulty:

3-4 miles, some off trail.  Moderate hike at a leisurely pace with some short strenuous sections.

USGS Quadrangle:

Cashes Valley

Bring:

Lunch, water, rain gear, walking staff if needed, and appropriate clothing and footwear.   Hiking boots are recommended for this hike.  Camera if desired.  Plan on being out most of the day.  (Allergic to bees/wasps? Remember your meds/epi-pen)

Limit:

8.  Parking at the trail location is limited to 2 cars only so we will be carpooling from the office.

Rain Date:

Hikers will be notified if cancelled

Pet Policy:

Thank you for not bringing your pet friends on Georgia ForestWatch outings.

Family Safe Policy:

Outings are a smoke, alcohol, and drug free setting, thanks.

Reserve your spot today!

Reservations required. This outing is free of charge, and open to everyone “first come, first served” up to the limit. Sign-up Deadline: 3pm Thurs prior to outing - but outings tend to fill up long before the deadline. 

Provide your name, phone number (preferably cell if you'll have one with you on outing day) and your e-mail address when you sign up.

Contact Lori Martell at

LMartell [at] gafw [dot] org or call 706-635-8733.