Taking some newbie friends on a hike

[jbraly]

Greetings all, my first post here!

I USED to be an avid hiker/backpacker.

Life took over, got married, got a career, had a child, and a routine ensued.

However, my wife and I used to hike a great deal.

Me and 5 college friends who have stayed in touch SINCE college(A LONG time ago LOL) are looking to have a get together and do some hiking, some waterfall looking and some camping.

Me, another guy in Knoxville, and another friend in Alabama are quite prepared for the strenuous hike and carry of a backpack... the other 3 gentlemen, not so much.

So here is what I am looking for...

a 3 to 5 mile trail (loop or in and out).
waterfall prefered along the trail.
Creek or river nearby for water filtering and cooking.
A camp site towards the end of the hike.
some-what remote from day hikers and those not staying overnight. (I know the waterfall kind of ruins that as any tril with a waterfall attracts touristy tourists).
Located in North Georgia, north Alabama, or east Tennessee.

Now, I know that my location requirements narrow down the list of trails to about 1 million, but keep in mind the trails must be "novice friendly".

But, if any of you have tried you hand at any trails that match those descriptions, please inform me. I hae been out of the game for a while.

Jake

[natchez]

Hey Jake, welcome to the forum

I hope one of our American members has some experience in that region and is willing to share that

[bdavison]

Bear Hair Gap trail in Vogel State Park. Its a 4.1 mile long loop trail that begins and ends at the Vogel Campsites. At the end of the lake in Vogel is Traychta falls, which you can get to on a nice short hike. Vogel State park has in my opinion one of the nicest campgrounds anywhere in the US.

Now, I should warn you. You and even your buddies that dont have hiking experience can probably finish the entire Bear Hair trail in a matter of an hour or so.

If you want something that you can do as a multiday hike and camp along the trail, go for Coosa backcountry trail. Its around 12 to 18 miles loop trail and their are side trails to wonder around out there, including one to the top of Blood Mountain.
If you can make it, the view from the summit of Blood Mountain is SPECTACULAR. The trail is strenous in parts, but offers lots of fun. Plan on a two day trip with a overnight on the trail which should keep your non-hiking buddies happy, or even three days, and camp out on the summit of Blood Mountain, which will give you a view of the stars that you'll never forget.

I regularly hike both these trails as much as possible. I hiked Bear Hair last week actually as a warm up trail with a friend.

Both trails are located in Northern Georgia and run close to the Appalachian Trail. They are located inside Vogel State Park.

Let me know if you need anymore assistance. Northern Georgia is my regular stomping ground, so Ive got lots of experience there.<br><br>Post edited by: bdavison, at: 2008/11/07 23:11

[bdavison]

One more thing....these trails arent very frequently traveled as some of the more touristy trails. So you will probably only see a few people out there. The waterfall at the end of the lake is kinda hidden, and they dont really advertise it, so you will likely have it all to yourself as well.
Also since the trails begin and end inside Vogel State park, it kinda weeds out the people not staying in the park.

The park offers campsites for 12 bucks a night, including a nice flat platform to set up tent, picnic tables, campfire ring, and lantern hanger. Also heated showers and bathrooms and even a general store are always close by.

Within a 18 mile distance from the campground is at least 5 different perfect dayhike waterfall trips that you can take, including Anna Ruby, Dukes Creek, Desoto Falls, and many others.

I highly recommend this area, its perfect for experienced hikers as well as complete newbs.
If you click on my profile, and view my pics. You can see pics of the waterfalls and other things in this area.<br><br>Post edited by: bdavison, at: 2008/11/07 23:03

[jbraly]

Wow, thanks bdavidson! I understand that a 4 mile trail can be done ina few hours, but we are college friends who rarely get all together so much of the time will be spent goofing off in the woods, checking out the nature, and sitting around talking, smoking a pipe and maybe enjoying some beverages.
Thanks in advance and I welcome many many more suggestions that meet my criteria

[jbraly]

oh, and I grew up in Chattanooga and have always refered to North Georgia as "God's Country"... and you cant beat a north georgia accent on a girl

[jbraly]

bdavidson, a question... where can I buy some legit trail maps of the area? Every hike I have ever gone on were with folks who had the maps already.

[bdavison]

Get the map from Mountain Crossings. They have a $8 map of the area that is waterproof, and has all the topo info as well as clearly marked accurate trail info. Its the best one of the area.

Tell them you want the $8.99 map. It comes in a ziplock bag, and is called the North Georgia Wildlife Management Area Map.

Their phone number is 1-888-689-4647