Brasstown Bald Mountain

One of the more challenging hikes WE 3 took was Brasstown Bald Mountain in northern Georgia. It is the highest peak in this state at 4784 feet and sits in the National Forest. The road up was exhilarating, no guardrails and steep embankments and switchbacks up to the Ranger Station. Today being a weekday, the large parking lot was only a quarter full.  With our Lifetime Senior National Parks pass, we got in free.  We were informed that you could purchase tickets to ride a shuttle to the top or hike it. We chose to hike the trail which he said was less than seven tenths of a mile. (ended up being over a mile each way).  What he didn’t state, but was quite obvious, was that it was a steady ascent all the way up. Calli was feeling her oats this day so she pulled Kevin up the trail.  Not many folks attempted this climb this day. The majority took the shuttle.

It was quite the challenge but once we made it to the peak, you immediately realize the popularity of this destination.  Before us stood an elevated 360 degree observation deck atop a museum and a theater showing a documentary film describing the area. We climbed the stairs to the deck and since we were blessed with a clear sunny day, you could see for miles in all directions.

History states this area was inhabited by the Cherokee tribe who mostly hunted these mountains until gold was discovered in the early 1800’s. President Andrew Jackson offered land in Oklahoma to relocate the Cherokee tribe so the precious metals could be extracted.

The photos we took could never capture the vastness and beauty from that upper deck but it’s a new memory for us. The walk down the trail wasn’t as quick and easy as one would think but much better than the upward task.  A steap grade is just as challenging on the legs and knees as going up.  Along the way down, we passed a middle aged man with a walking cast on his right leg lumbering upward on the trail.  We spoke to him and asked why he didn’t take the shuttle. He shared that he had just had his full leg cast removed recently and that this was nothing compared to enduring that for 6 months. He was a rock star in our book. Probably not the safest idea, but sheer determination on his part.

Another great day out mixed with exercise, sun and an appreciation of those that take care of these locations for the future to enjoy as we did.

Fall Branch Falls

A short 30 minute drive outside Blue Ridge, GA winds through the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains. The road is narrow and drops off drastically on each side inviting the driver to focus on the middle yellow line while the passenger experiences near death trauma. It’s fall and the foliage is near peak adding spectacular color to this scenic drive.

Our journey drops us onto a gravel road leading up to the parking area for today’s hike. The weather is perfect. Mid 70’s and sunny with a light breeze gently knocking leaves off the trees. Calli is excited  to join us, as she always does, especially since she noticed another dog entering the path to the falls. As we ascend, the path is a combination of rock and tree roots that appear polished from the years of hiking boots stepping up on them. You really have to pay attention to your next step, some of those tree roots can snag your foot and that would be ugly. The trail is well maintained but narrow as it switchbacks upward.

We could hear the sound of rushing water as we neared the falls yet could not quite see evidence of it until making our way down the trail. Wow, there’s actually two water falls a short distance apart with water cascading between the two. It was a beautiful sight and a peaceful vibe to catch our breath and take a short rest before moving on. Yes, Calli had to pop her toes in the water as it’s become customary for her to do so.

It was great day to enjoy this hike and we finished it off with a stop a Bear Claw Vineyards to pop a bottle of their Pinot Noir and enjoy the beautiful landscape.  Very tasty and nice to sit back and relax for a bit!  Until our next adventure.   Vamoose!