Augusta "Locks" 2-21-18

I have been traveling a lot in the month of February so between that and the mostly horrible weather we've had all month, there has not been much outdoor recreation. We did go to Little Ridge Park and Bowmans Island (in the rain- very muddy) a few times but really my only new or interesting excursion was in Augusta last week. Actually, it was in Martinez and make sure you pronounce that correctly (Martin-ez)!! Again, I was traveling for work so didn't really have much time for leisure each day but I did manage to go to Savannah Rapids Park one day after work. I visited this park before about 7 years ago when my sister-in-law lived in Augusta, so I made a point to go back.

The park is situated at the headgates of the Augusta Canal and the property also includes historical features such as a Lock Keeper's cottage (add Lock Keeper to my list of old school, preferred professions). It's different than a lot of places I hike in that the history of it is just as interesting as the scenery. The trail from the headgates winds its way all the way down to Augusta (about 15 miles round trip) and unfortunately, I only had time for a mile or 2 before sunset. It's a flat path (nice change of pace from the mountains) and wide enough for all manner of walkers, jogger, or bicyclists. Canoe and bike rentals are available at the park and I imagine either one of these methods of transportation would be a lot of fun to use at this location. I had time for neither but should I find myself in Augusta for any reason other than work, I would love to ride a bike all the way down the path. 

One major difference I noticed from the first time I visited was the actual locks all over the guardrails. Apparently it's become very popular to place combination or key locks with inscriptions (dates, names, etc) along the guardrails (similar to other famous bridge in Europe). Research tells me this all started about 5 years ago and apparently there is some debate as to whether it's harmless or vandalism. I can see both sides, especially since this is definitely the opposite of leave no trace, but I did enjoy looking at the unique lock styles and wondering about the people who left them. 

So that was my short, sweet trip to the Augusta Locks. I enjoyed a peaceful sunset with the clouds reflecting perfectly off the water and moss swaying in the trees. Not bad for a weekday after work. I've got some upcoming trips to South Georgia areas so I've got to research and see what other recreation I can find. Tifton is up next and so far I haven't seen much on the map to do around there. I might just have to stick to the hotel gym. We shall see. 

Bear Creek Trail 12-12-15

• Distance- long (7 miles)
• Terrain- easy
• Location- Ellijay (Gilmer County)

(You'll notice my handy new rating system at the top)

We had a lot to do last Saturday morning (hooray emissions testing and vehicle registration renewals) so we decided to just go up to Ellijay since it's an easy drive. Bear Creek Trail is just a little ways outside of the town square and a scenic drive along a country road. The parking area is on a forest service road and it is about a two mile drive on gravel from the main road. We had no issues, but it looks like if it's been raining there are probably a lot of potholes.

We did the 7 mile loop from the main parking area. Supposedly there is another parking area at a higher elevation with a good view of the mountains but I could not find directions to that one. Beginning at the higher elevation adds a few miles as well. There is also a designated camping area with it's own parking lot before you reach the main parking area.

I would recommend starting at the trail directly behind the large map/sign in the parking area. There is a smaller sign off to the side of the parking area that reads "Bear Creek Loop" but if you start here, you will have a significant incline for about 2 miles at the very beginning of the trail. 

About a mile in, you arrive at the Gennett Poplar, which is the second oldest tree in GA (the oldest is in Thomasville, in case you wanted to know). There is a nice area to sit near the water, have a picnic etc behind the tree. There are lots of carvings on the tree, including a really cute paw print! At some point after this, there is a crossing with the Pinhoti trail.

The trail has mile markers, which is very convenient, and the scenery seems to change with each mile. The first few miles requires crossing several small streams, some of which require wading. Around mile two, you leave the streams and go up into a patch of small fir trees and continue into a more forested area. There are some decent mountain views but this is a very dense forest with little clearing.

Around mile 3-4 you come back along side the stream and then deviate away from the water again for a while. The last few miles catch up to the stream again and are steeply downhill. The trail ends along the water, across from the parking area, and you have to wade across to get back to your car. 

It was about 70 degrees out, so we took our shoes off, but the water was still pretty cold. Tennille played in the water a little bit and had fun but poor Nova fell in and was miserable. I don't think she forgave me the whole ride home!

  

I love hiking near water and enjoyed relaxing on the bank of the creek at the end of the hike. We found some very interesting rocks (didn't take any!) and I built a cairn.

I really liked the Bear Creek trail. Most of the trail was very wide and easy to maneuver, which is good because there were a lot of mountain bikers. It took us a leisurely 3 hours-ish but because much of the trail is so flat, it could probably be done much more quickly, if you're in a hurry. Not that you should be. I do not recommend hiking in a hurry. What's the point?

Raven Cliffs Wilderness 11-11-15

I had Veteran's Day off this past Wednesday and the weather was gorgeous so I took a solo trip to Raven Cliffs in Cleveland. James had to work and I didn't know if I could wrangle both dogs, so it was just me. It had rained here for the ~10 days prior, so I had to take advantage of the sunshine and high of 70 degrees. 

The Raven Cliffs Wilderness is about an hour and a half north of where I live and because most other people were at work, was a quiet drive and hike. It is about 5 miles roundtrip but I spent several hours there, just looking around. It was one of the most beautiful places I have been in Georgia.

The trail is very easy to hike and goes right alongside the water almost the whole way to the falls. It is very peaceful. The water is crystal clear and at the beginning of the trail there is a lovely swimming hole type area, as well as some picnic tables.


There are two smaller falls before you reach the main fall at the end of the trail. All are equally interesting and impressive in their own way. I could have spent hours at each one just watching the water and climbing around.

There were so many spots I thought would be perfect for just sitting and reading a book or relaxing (or, you know, climbing trees which I totally did a few times to get good pictures). 

The entire place feels like something out of a fairy tale, not to mention the whimsical name "Raven Cliffs" to boot. It makes me think of something out of "Game of Thrones. 

At the end of the trail, at the largest waterfall, you can continue to climb up onto a rocky bald face that is opposite the waterfall. This does involve climbing up some rocks, over fallen trees, etc and requires caution. 


Once atop the bald, there is a nice panoramic view of neighboring mountains and the waterfall. The sun was directly over the waterfall when I there so I was not able to get any good pictures of the waterfall from that height. 



I will definitely be returning to Raven Cliffs with James and the dogs. Actually, I'd like to camp overnight (really, I'd like to just live here). There are several campsites along the trail and I think falling asleep alongside the water would be awesome.