Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 33-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Wednesday–March 24, 2021
Trail Day–033
Trail Mile–12.7/381.2
Location–Shallowford Bridge
We had a grand time (at) Under the Hemlocks last evening–visiting with friends from Dahlonega and 
Alabama. Jeremiah and Tori brought venison burgers and brauts–more than enough for all. Rain was forecast to come in but held off until the evening was over.
We’re up, loaded, and gone well before first light. It’s a half-hour drive back to Cherrylog at US-76 where I ended my hike yesterday. If I can get back on trail early, I’ll be able to complete the hike today fairly early. I’m out and hiking just after eight–yippee!
From US-76 the trail follows CR-128 before entering private property. There’s a locked gate, the property
posted with the usual “No Trespassing” signs. But an exception is made for hikers–written with Sharpie, “HIKERS ONLY.”
Past the gate the climb begins, continuing all the way to the summit of Rocky Mountain, an elevation increase of 2,000 feet. There’s plenty of evidence that Hurricane Zeta made it up to Georgia, lots of blowdowns. 
It’s nothing short of amazing the work that’s been done to clear the trail.
After gaining Rocky Mountain the trail makes a near-continual 1,000 foot descent to Fall Branch Falls. Barry has hiked up to join me near the falls and we hike the road walk together down to the old Shallowford Bridge, where we enjoy supper at the Iron Bridge Cafe and General Store.
While I was doing my hike today, Barry scouted around and located the perfect place to spend the night, Skeena Creek Mill, Camp Skeena Creek.
Rain had been forecast but held off. Another fine hiking day–Odyssey 2021, Bama to Baxter – Hike On…
When preparing to climb a mountain
pack a light heart
(Dan May)
One Comment on “Journal 33-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Hi Nimblewill, Unless you take some days off, it appears you’ll past by Hickery Flatt Cemetery before we set up on April 1st for our yearly Trail Festival. Some of the Doyle Long’s family will be with us over the week. ( Long Creek Falls family ) Look for us at the cemetery or better yet, spend the night with us. Georgia Adventurers Group…. Bill Witherspoon
The 12th Annual Georgia Adventurers Trail Festival & Camping Trip
Thursday, Apr 1, 2021, 1:00 PM
Mansell MARTA Park and Ride
Mansell Rd. at Hwy 400 Alpharetta, GA
17 Adventurers Attending
The 12th Annual Georgia Adventurers Trail Festival & Car Camping Trip This will be perhaps the biggest starting weekend for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers beginning their long trip to Maine from Springer Mountain, Georgia. Although this says ” April 1st – April 5th, feel free to come whatever days you wish, just to stay a few hours or camp one night…
Check out this Meetup →
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