Here's a lovely, easy, family friendly hike to the scenic Long Creek Falls along the historic Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trails.

We'll start our hike along a crystal stream surrounded by Hemlocks, then watch what happens to the forest as we slowly increase in elevation. We'll have a leisurely lunch at the falls and then hike out. Plan on being out most of the day. We'll probably get back to the office by around 3 or 4 p.m.

Date:

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Meeting time, place and directions:

10:00 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. (Don't get confused by the Holly Faith Apartments sign in our yard.)

Parking at the trail location is limited so we will be carpooling from the office.  Those with 4-wheel drive vehicles will be asked to drive.  Clearance on the forest service roads may be questionable for low riding sedans.

Outing Location:

Long Creek Falls in the Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest east of Ellijay, Ga.

Distance & Difficulty:

2.2 miles round trip, on well maintained trail.  Easy hike at a leisurely pace with some mild elevation gain.

Bring:

Lunch, water, rain gear, walking staff if needed, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Camera/binoculars if desired.  (Allergic to bees/wasps? Remember your meds/epi-pen)

If the weather is hot, young ones especially may want to cool off in the small pool at the base of the falls. In this case towels and water shoes will be helpful.

Limit:

12

Rain Date:

Hikers will be notified via e-mail 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, e-mail address, and phone number (preferably cell if you'll have one with you on outing day) when you sign up.

Contact Lori Martell at

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