LESSER KNOWN NATIONAL FOREST PEAKS CHALLENGE
*Summit all three with us and receive a Membership!
May 2022 Fridays @ 10 am
Leader(s): Andrew Linker – Outreach Coordinator, Georgia ForestWatch
Outing Overview:
- May 13th – Coosa Bald 4,280 ft.10th Highest Peak in GA
- May 20th – Wolfpen Ridge 4,561 ft. 5th Highest Peak in GA
- May 27th – Dick’s Knob 4,600 ft. 3rd Highest Peak in GA
A variety of forest management areas and lesser known trails will be explored including Wilderness, oldgrowth, Wildlife Management Areas, Georgia’s Mountain Treasure areas, Scenic Areas, and more!
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May 13th – Coosa Bald
Date: Friday, May 13, 2022
Time: 10-3pm
Leader(s): Andrew Linker, GAFW Outreach Coordinator
Location: Coosa Bald Scenic Area, Duncan Ridge, Union County
Outing Description:
Within a federally designated National Scenic Area established by Public Law 102-217, known as the “Chattahoochee National Forest Protection Act” of 1991. The view at the top has not been cleared like many of the more popular peaks, but the rocky habitat allows for shorter trees and small gaps to view the magical area along Duncan Ridge, a Georgia’s Mountain Treasure.
Distance and Difficulty:
3.6 miles out-and-back with 1,032 ft ascent. Moderate/strenuous.
Meeting Place:
We will meet and start the hike from the Intersection of Duncan Ridge Rd (FS 39) and Hwy 180 (Wolf Pen Gap Rd). 34.764080, -83.952374. Look for parking on north side of road 7.8 miles if coming from Suches (Hwy 60) or 3.4 miles if coming from Hwy 19 (Vogel State Park).
See meeting place on Google Maps
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May 20th – Wolfpen Ridge
Date: Friday, May 20, 2022
Time: 10-3pm
Leader(s): Andrew Linker, GAFW Outreach Coordinator
Location: Wolfpen Ridge, Towns County.
Outing Description:
Hike to Wolfpen Ridge in Brasstown Wilderness (permanently protected) through Georgia’s Mountain Treasures (seeking greater protection) and national forest lands open to logging.
Distance and Difficulty:
4 miles out-and-back with 1,632 ft ascent. Moderate/Strenuous
Meeting Place:
Parking area off GA 180 off Jacks Gap (near the base of Brasstown Bald). Coordinates of the trailhead are: 34.84793, -83.79871
See meeting place on Google Maps
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May 27th – Dick’s Knob
Date: Friday, May 27, 2022
Time: 10-4:30pm
Leader(s): Andrew Linker, GAFW Outreach Coordinator
Location: Dick’s Knob, Rabun County.
Outing Description:
Through Georgia’s Mountain Treasures, Southern Nantahala Wilderness and a bit of ridgetop oldgrowth. Rabun County. This trail may include a small portion of bushwhacking on unmaintained trail.
Distance and Difficulty:
7 miles out-and-back with 2,442 ft ascent. Strenuous
Meeting Place:
We will meet where Persimmon Rd meets Hwy 76. 34.867411, -83.518751. Head North on Persimmon rd and take an immediate left to park in the dead-end there. We will either caravan or carpool from there to trailhead located just past Tate Branch Campground.
See meeting place on Google Maps
MAY MOUNTAIN MADNESS GENERAL DETAILS
*Challenge details: Register and hike 3 of the lesser known peaks within our National Forests in the month of May with Georgia ForestWatch and receive a complimentary 1-year ForestWatch Membership (or renewal).
What to Bring and Wear:
Lunch, snacks, plenty of water, meds/epi-pen, rain jacket. Come self-sufficient and stop at a bathroom before meeting place.
Cancellation: If Outings are cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you via email by 6:00 pm on the evening before.
Pet Policy: One pet per person allowed. Pet considerations
Participation Limit: 11 each hike
