Date: Saturday, December 21, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Leader(s): Georgia ForestWatch Executive Director and Ecologist, Jess Riddle
Location: Grassy Mountain
Outing Description: Grassy Mountain touches Georgia’s forest past with its extensive old-growth, present as part of the Foothills Landscape project, and future as an exceptionally good place for species to migrate upslope in response to climate change (its 2,800-foot rise equals Brasstown Bald’s). We’ll stop and consider all these roles as we hike. We’ll also have a chance to compare prescribed burned areas with unburned areas and check out some tree species rare in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Most of the hike will be along a motorized vehicle trail, but at the end we will venture up a steep, and extremely rocky cove to explore some old-growth forest. Read more information about this Georgia Mountain Treasure
Meeting Place Directions: Chatsworth Food City (502 G I Maddox Pkwy, Chatsworth, GA 30705)
The store is at the northern intersection of US76 and US411, behind a row of fast food stores. We’ll carpool to the hike location.
See meeting place on Google Maps
Distance and Difficulty: 7.5 miles round trip at a quick pace for a ForestWatch hike, though with stops to talk about what we see. The ~2.75 miles on the motor vehicle trail portion will be easy to moderate, consisting of a steady climb followed by gentle ups and downs. The off-trail portion will be moderate to strenuous. The footing will often be treacherous and the slopes at the end very steep. The area is old-growth in part because the ground is so steep and rocky that building roads was difficult. The faster than usual pace will also make the hike more strenuous than the terrain alone would suggest.
What to Bring and Wear: Lunch, plenty of water, and sturdy shoes (If allergic to bees/wasps, remember to bring your meds/epi-pen.)
Cancellation: Hikers will be notified by email, by 6:00 pm the evening before the hike, if the outing is cancelled due to forecast of severe weather, etc.
Pet Policy: No pets this time please.
Family Safe Policy: Georgia ForestWatch Outings are a smoke, alcohol, and drug-free setting.
Participant Limit: 20
Spaces are limited. Reservations are required. Our outings are free of charge and open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis, up to the limit.
Georgia ForestWatch members are given advance notice for our hikes. To learn how you can become a member, click here.
Like our hikes!? Donate to keep them going strong!