Hike Leader: Dr. Bruce O'Connor, assisted by Brenda Smith and Jeanne O'Connor
Hike Location: Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City, GA 30562. USGS Quadrangle: Dillard, Rabun County
Outing Description: The Blue Ridge Mountains have a wonderfully complex geologic history and, consequently, a wide variety of rock types and mineral deposits. Black Rock Mountain has some good examples of this variety. Dr. O'Connor, retired Georgia Geologic Survey geologist, will give a brief summary of the mountain's geologic diversity. Then we'll hike along a portion of the Tennessee Rock Trail to look at some examples of the complex geologic history of this area.
Hike Date: Saturday, December 10, 2016
Meeting Time, Place and Directions: We will meet at 10:30am at Black Rock Mountain State Park visitors center near the mountain top. We will meet next to the parking area. From the Clayton Ingles, travel north on US 441 for 5 miles. Look for the sign to the park, and turn left on Black Rock Mountain Parkway. Drive up the mountain about 2 miles. The visitors center is on the left. There is plenty of parking on the right. Be sure to bring your annual Georgia State Park Pass; otherwise, there is a $5 per car entry fee.
Distance and Difficulty: We will hike about 2.5 miles, out-and-back. Easy to moderate difficulty due to the rocky trail and some steep sections.
Participant Limit: 15
What to Bring and Wear: Lunch, plenty of water, rain gear, and appropriate clothing, boots, etc. Binoculars could be useful. (If allergic to bees/wasps, remember to bring your meds/epi-pen.)
Cancellation: With cool December weather, we will not hike if there is any rain, sleet, or snow, or smoke issues. Hikers with reservations will be notified if hike is cancelled, and the hike will be rescheduled for sometime in the spring of 2017.
Pet Policy: Due to the narrow trail and high cliffs, no pets please.
Family Safe Policy: Georgia ForestWatch Outings are a smoke, alcohol and drug-free setting.
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Limited Space
Reservations Required
Our outings are free of charge and open to everyone on a first come, first served basis, up to the limit.
BUT DON'T FORGET, Georgia ForestWatch members are given priority on our hikes. To learn how you can become a member,
click here.
To Reserve Your Spot: Please email our office at
info@gafw.org or call 706-867-0051 with the following information.
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Name of person(s)
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Your email address
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Your phone number (preferably cell if you will be carrying it on the outing day)
For more information on the outing, OR if you need directions on the day of the outing, contact Bruce O'Connor at brucejoconnor@windstream.net
o
r 770-361-0772.
Upcoming Outings & Events - Mark Your Calendars!
December 1 - Invasive Species Removal, Logan Turnpike Trail -
with Jess Riddle and James Lautzenheiser
December 9th - Poetry Hike at Lake Winfield Scott -
with Brenda Smith
December 10th - Geology Hike at Black Rock Mountain State Park -
with Bruce O'Connor
January 1st, 2017 - Rabun Bald Hike -
with Marie Dunkle
February 7-8, 2017 - Evening presentation and winter tree hike at the
Len Foote Hike Inn -
with Forest Ecologist Jess Riddle. Participants can receive up to 50% off their reservation at the Inn. Call 1-800-581-8032 for more information.