GA Weekly Getting Outdoors

Just saw/learned of this yesterday when searching around for hiking groups and such. Anyone attempt or do the GA 4000?

It's hiking the 32 mountains that are over 4k ft in elevation. I don't care about the challenge or sticker for the actual "challenge" itself, just was interested in the hiking aspect.

Most appear to be all situated relatively close to each other

 

I did not know about the GA 4000 - thanks for the info.

That is something I am interested in. I used to hike and backpack all the time, but have slacked off the past too many years.

 

I'm down for a monday trip.

 

To Windrock?

 

35.06139, -82.94669

That’s where I camped that night. It’s a sweet spot, don’t tell anybody.

 

We tried to go there last weekend but all of the gates were closed

 

Oh crap, that sucks. Damn Georgia and their gates.

 

This is the spot. That’s @CowboyTaco on the bridge

 

Dang that’s sweet. Both muster grounds and the gates at from chestnut mountain road to auger hill road we’re closed.

there’s no other way to get there right?

 

Probably not man. I haven’t looked into when they will open the trail again, but GA might post it on line. I’ll look it up today, hopefully they might have something online.

 

I don’t see any other trails into there

 

Alright guys here’s the deal I’m leaving from Griffin GA Tuesday morning about 6 heading to Weaverville NC. I want some good roads/trails to ride on my way up.

Nothing too crazy since I do want to make it there in good time.

any good road/trails to hit on my way that’ll get some good pictures?

 

If you don't mind it taking 8 hours vs 4.5 hours, you might want to try this:
https://goo.gl/maps/PN1WHyt2GnhQLrDVA

The Forest Service roads between Cisco, GA and Ocoee Whitewater Center are very well maintained, but you'll be cutting through the middle of Cohutta Wilderness, largest in the east. I have never seen FS221/FS45 closed for winter, but there are a lot of FS roads that connect off of it that are closed seasonally. FS221/45 is basically the FS highway through the Cohuttas. Here's the detailed road closures map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=13PWpFMKC2-qAnwlVhbIWbUX5TXtImlCr&ll=35.05450572286673,-84.4996492825012&z=14

After FS 221/45, you'll pop out on US 64/74 through the Ocoee River gorge, which is very scenic. And then drive through western NC.

Make a stop in old town Murphy, NC (business route) at Chevelle's. It's a great little bar and grill with excellent, freshly prepared food.

You'll also go through the Nantahala River gorge, another super scenic area.

 

I may try to incorporate a lot of this into my route! This is what I’m looking for although 8 hours may be a lot since I’m going to see family but it’s tempting.

 

I go that route when I visit my kids in NC... though it's a MUCH shorter route for me. I live near Chickamauga, so it's basically the direct route east from me to Asheville and Marshall, NC.

You can cut a good bit of time by sticking to US 74 vs US 64 through NC, but you miss the Brasstown area and the high continental divide.

 

Noted, just drove through yesterday and was trying to find something good to eat.

 

Anybody who is looking for a really mild OR trail with good views, in the middle of nowhere, the Big Frog Mtn Road loop that runs along the TN/GA border off of FS221 is open and mostly clear. Good surface and grade, but there are a lot of trees down (it's a new road). Bring a saw.

This is a well-maintained, gated FS road that is the access point for Hemp Top and Beech Bottom trails. I haven't been up to this area for dozens of years... though I've hiked and ridden MTBs on this route, it's a relatively new "road" connection (yeah, right, grandpa...). Again... BRING A SAW. Or at least a big axe. On second thought... BRING A REAL SAW. AND A CANT HOOK or PRY BAR.

There's a superb 10 mile, out and back hike from Beech Bottom trailhead to Jacks River Falls. It's an old road bed (old GA Hwy 2) most of the way, but there are a few shallow stream crossings, and the Falls is an actual cliff... so be prepared and be aware of your physical limits if you choose to crawl around on the cliffs. It's a cliff, bro. 3-point climbing. There is no cell service, and no EMS. It's a wilderness area... nobody is duty-bound to come and rescue you within 72 hours.

 

You gotta get off of the highway ("Highway Murphy" is about 30 miles of billboards, thrift stores, and fast food).

My wife is already asking when we can plan a trip to visit my kids, so we can stop and eat at Chevelle's. It's that good.

 

Gonna leave this here for anyone who wants to do some snow-mo-taco'ing tomorrow.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/snow-ride.651609/

 

Heading towards Chattanooga this weekend if anyone is interested. Planning on Coppinger but have back up plans if the creek is too high.