Eyes on Wildlife Trail

Overview

We weren't very impressed with the Eyes on Wildlife Trail when we added it to our trails in 1997, but lots of improvements over the past 13 years have made this a solid hike for anybody traveling in the mountains on Georgia 60. Originally, we spoke of a poorly marked trail -- this is no longer the case, but hikers should watch carefully for the blazes.

Coopers Creek Scenic Area

Coopers Creek Scenic Area is a 1,240 acre set-aside from the much larger Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hunting is not permitted within the scenic area. Two designated campgrounds, Coopers Creek and Mulky Gap Recreation Areas. The Coopers Creek campground is only a short distance from the entrance to the Eyes on Wildlife Trail.

Eyes on Wildlife Trail

Eyes on Wildlife turn

The trail begins across the dirt road from the day use parking area for fishermen and hikers in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area. After entering the forest at a hikers sign the trail crosses a bridge without handrails before coming to a stone marker designating the trail, which was built in 1993. We normally hike this green-blazed trail clockwise, so take the trail to the left after the sign to follow this narrative.

After crossing a small steam the footpath ascends moderately, at times following what appeared to be an old logging road. Portions of this path appear to be old-growth forest, which is easily distinguished from the North Georgia norm of second-growth trees because of the intense lumber operations that stripped the land earlier this century. Watch for hemlock and white pine in this area.

After climbing about 200 feet turn right when the trail 'T's at a second road. This level, easy section follows the curve of Rocky Mountain and it is fairly easy to see wildlife. On trips we have seen wild turkey, rabbits and birds. The trail continues around the mountain with good views. At 0.9 miles double green blazes on the right indicates a turn, and a short distance later the roadbed straight ahead is blocked by forest debris. At the turn the path enters the forest quickly joining an old logging road. Just past the 1.0 mile mark the Eyes on Wildlife Trail makes a hard left turn (again designated with a brown sign) off the old logging road and drops abruptly but easily. Continue down to the start of the loop.

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