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Cooper Creek Old Growth & History:
Valley of the Giants
Friday, July 20, 2018
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Group tree hugging - photo by Sue Harmon
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A second chance to sign up: This hike filled quickly, so we are offering another opportunity!
Hike Leaders:
Master naturalist Sue Harmon, Master Birder Melanie Vickers, and retired Forester, Cliff Shaw
Hike Location:
Cooper Creek Scenic Area, "Valley of the Giants"
Hike Date:
Friday, July 20th, 2018
Outing Description: We will take a "Naturalist's History Stroll," stopping along the way for plant, bird, and tree identification practice and nature photography, as well as stories about the rich history of efforts to protect this special area. After about 1 mile, we will reach a very large old poplar, where we will hang out for lunch after the obligatory group tree hug! After lunch, hikers will have the choice to remain in the area for a 1/2-mile circular bushwhack to see some more large tree specimens or to return, on their own, to their cars. Sturdy and patient children are welcome.
Meeting Time, Place and Directions: We will meet at 9:30 am at Two Mile Gap. From Hwy 60, turn onto Cavender Gap Road (becomes Cooper Creek Road) and note your odometer reading. Follow the road until the pavement ends and the gravel road begins. At about 2.8 miles in, you will see a gated dirt road on your left. This road is the beginning of our trail. There is ample parking along the wide shoulders of the road. Do not block the gate! Click here for a Google map showing your route from Hwy 60, north of Suches, to Two Mile Gap.
Distance and Difficulty: Easy 2 miles total, in and out. Leisurely pace. The trail includes some walking on an old road bed and some on a narrower trail, and the walk is mostly level with minimal elevation change. The post-lunch bushwhacking option will be more challenging, with a few short, steep sections and the usual off-trail obstacles.
Duration:
We should be back to our cars by 2:00 or 2:30 pm, depending on your post-lunch choice.
Participant Limit: 20
What to Bring and Wear: Lunch, plenty of water, rain gear, sturdy footwear. Long pants advised due to presence of poison ivy. If allergic to bees/wasps, remember to bring your meds/epi-pen. Take precautions for ticks this time of year.
Cancellation: Hikers will be notified by email by 6 pm the evening before the hike if cancellation is required due to forecast of severe weather, etc.
Pet Policy: No pets on this hike, please
Family Safe Policy: Georgia ForestWatch Outings are a smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free setting.
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,
ForestWatch
members are given early-bird priority on our hikes.
To learn how you can become a
ForestWatch
member, click
here
.
To Reserve Your Spot: R
egister online (your best bet for getting in!) or call (706-867-0051) or email us with the following information:
- Name of person(s)
- Your email address
- Your phone number (preferably cell if you will be carrying it on the outing day)
For more information about the hike, contact Sue Harmon with this email link. If you need directions the day of the hike, please call the phone number provided in your confirmation email. Please note that the Georgia ForestWatch office is not open on the weekends, so you will need to contact Sue directly.
Upcoming Outings & Events
Mark Your Calendar and Watch for Alerts!
Saturday, July 21st - Snorkeling -
with the US Forest Service
(fee to participate; registration opens June 21st)
Saturday, August 4th - Sassafras Mountain Wildflowers -
with Jess Riddle
Saturday, August 18th - Stonewall Falls Trail Hike -
with Marie Dunkle
Saturday, September 8th - Nature Walk at Smithgall Woods -
with Jess Riddle and Tom Hennigan
Please note that we do not take reservations in advance of the alert posting.
Save the Date!
Saturday, October 6th
Annual Fall Retreat at Vogel State Park
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Join Now
Is your membership current? Not a member yet? Join Georgia ForestWatch and help us watch your forests.
CLICK HERE NOW
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Volunteer!
Georgia ForestWatch offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. See how you can
get more involved.
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Georgia ForestWatch
81 Crown Mountain Pl
Building C, Suite 200
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-0051 office
Check us out on the web at
www.gafw.org
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