Photo by Jess Riddle
Date: Thursday, July 8, 2021
Time: 10:00 – 5 pm
Leader(s): Jess Riddle, GAFW Executive Director
Location: High Shoals Falls area, north of Helen but in Towns County
PLEASE NOTE: This Outing was originally scheduled for Friday 7.9.21 and is now Thursday 7.8.21 Please re-register if you would like to attend this new date of Thursday 7.8.21 Apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
Outing Description:
The former Tray Mountain Roadless area contains an unusual abundance of both old-growth forests and waterfalls. We will visit two of each. Our first stop will be at Indian Grave Gap to hike the Appalachian Trail through a dry old-growth forest passed over by loggers because the trees were too small and twisty, which will also give us the opportunity to observe the recovery from an old wildfire. Next, we’ll visit the Rocky Mountain trail to see a somewhat moister old-growth forest, though still one with moderate-sized trees. We’ll wrap up the outing with a visit to two popular waterfalls, Blue Hole and High Shoals, both on the High Shoals Falls Trail. Along the way we’ll stop to discuss interesting plant species, ecology, and other natural features that catch our attention.
Meeting Place Directions:
Unicoi Gap on GA 17/75 north of Helen. From the Chattahoochee River Bridge in downtown Helen, take GA 17/75 9.2 miles north to Unicoi Gap. There will be a large gravel parking area on the right. Accessing the trailheads will require fording a stream, so this outing will be canceled in the event of recent or forecast heavy rains
See meeting place on Google Maps
Distance and Difficulty:
Round trip will be slightly over 6 miles, and the trail segments are moderate to strenuous.
What to Bring and Wear:
Cancellation: If Outing is cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you via email by 6:00 pm on the evening before.
Pet Policy: No pets this time please
Participation Limit: 15