Hike Leaders:  Maureen Donohue and Sue Harmon

Hike Location:  Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City, GA 30562

Outing Description: Join us for a "Naturalist's Stroll" as we botanize, bird watch, practice our tree ID skills, and hopefully catch Turk's cap lilies blooming on two short walks, each about 1 to 1.5 miles. In between the two hikes, we will picnic at the tables in the shade of the forest's edge, right behind the parking area. Sturdy and patient children are welcome!

 

Hike Date:  Saturday, July 29, 2017
 

Meeting Time, Place and Directions:  Meet at 10:00am at the large trail head parking area for three of the park's trails: Tennessee Rock, Edmonds Trail, Springhouse Trail. To locate this area, enter past the initial park gate, continue up the mountain past the Cowee Overlook on your left, and very shortly the road will fork. Take the right fork. (The left fork goes to the campground--do not go that way!) Continue to the trail head parking area in the next deep, hairpin curve to the right.

You must have a Georgia State Park parking pass. These can be purchased at the Visitor's Center, which is beyond the trail head parking area. If you need to buy a pass, you should allow an extra 15-20 minutes in travel time so you can be back at the trail head by 10:00am.

Distance and Difficulty: Total of about 2-3 miles on typical mountain terrain with roots, rocks, and some uphill climbs. There will be some steep (and deep!) downhill trail steps at the very end portion of our first trail walk. You should bring poles if  you have any balance issues. Alternatively, you can skip the steps and backtrack to the picnic area the way we came in. There will be a short road walk, about 1/4 mile, as well. Leisurely pace.

Duration of Hike: No more than four and a half hours. We'll be back to our cars by 2:30pm.
 

Participant Limit: 20
 

What to Bring and Wear: Lunch, plenty of water, rain gear, sturdy footwear, hiking poles if you need them.  If allergic to bees/wasps, remember to bring your meds/epi-pen.
 

Cancellation: Participants will be notified by 6:00pm the evening before the hike if cancellation is required due to forecast of severe weather, etc.
 

Pet Policy: No pets, please

Family Safe Policy: Georgia ForestWatch outings are a smoke, alcohol and drug-free setting.

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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 early-bird priority.  *Non-members, please register on or after July 15.* To learn how you can become a member of Georgia ForestWatch, click here.

1. Name of person(s)
2. Your email address
3. Your phone number (preferably cell if you will be carrying it on the outing day)