Saturday, April 16, 2005
started the hike from FS road 219. Lots of wild flowers in mid April. Started out nice but lots of trees down over the trail about halfway through for a good mile. Looks like the trail has not been maintained for a while.
Sunday, June 6, 2004
Trail is 6.5 miles per my GPS. From the Forest Service Rd 219 parking lot hiking the trail in a counter clockwise direction takes you almost due East then curves South. If you start on the trail toward the visible power line clearing to the NE you'll be heading on the trail in the clockwise direction. A large white "->" (arrow) on a big tree at the edge of the parking lot on the right side of the trail coming from the power line clearing directs you to the trail starting in the counterclockwise (ccw for short) direction. This narrative is from the viewpoint of a ccw hike. Trail does not follow power line any more; it crosses the power line twice on the east and west sides of the oval shaped loop. Both crossings are at a slight angle. Regardless of the direction of your hike, when you come to a powerline clearing, look across the clearing at the 2 o-clock position to pick up the continuation of the trail. The eastern powerline crossing is well marked; you can see the trail post on the other side of the clearing. The western crossing is not well marked but half way across the clearing you'll be able to spot your car in the parking lot. Possible Exception: if you started your hike on Forest Service Rd 250 and you are hiking South -- the ccw direction -- when you come to your first powerline crossing, angling to the 2 oclock postion trail will take you to the parking lot where you can pick up the other trail head. I noticed though that directly across the power line clearing is another trail that I assume meets up with the parking lot trail. Trail high point is about 2.5 miles in the ccw direction from the FSR219 parking lot. Next 2 miles is downhill. The remaining 2 miles follows the two creeks to the parking lot. This last section crosses Forest Service Road 250 at an angle; continuation trail is well marked on the other side. At that point the parking lot is about .9 miles ahead.
Sunday, May 23, 2004
I hiked this trail counter clockwise May 23, 2004. My accurate pedometer said the loop is 7.6 miles.Interesting & enjoyable except for the gnats along the lower Chickamauga creek section. Their are tricky turn-offs,splits,un-cleared fallen trees & sometimes too much distance between blazes. Stream beds,ponds a little dry for this time of year.A little arduous if you are not in condition, but I'm 68 so maybe I feel it more. Evidence of horses on creek sections. Saw deer, turtle, snake, frogs, toads, lizards & fish in small pools.
Saturday, October 20, 2001
I hiked this trail five times in the late 90s and never saw another soul. It is located in a remote section of Walker County and during several hikes I heard (and avoided) some locals who were drinking and target practicing (having accessed the area via a dirt road and 4-wheelers). I like this trail for its solitude and flora but it doesn't have any "destination" features like a waterfall or views. Hiked counterclockwise the path moderately upwards its first half while the second half descends to and follows two creeks (with one easy climb between the two). There are indeed some tricky turns and poorly marked sections of this trail so it is best to bring a compass and topographic map or other reliable trail guide.
Sunday, October 14, 2001
Hiked on 13-Oct-2001 As some below noted it can be hard to keep on this trail at intersections. Stop and look for blazes which are frequent. At first power line easment cut straight across, and again... look for blazes. Do not follow the power lines. At FS250 (about 1+ mile from end hiking counterclockwise) take a left and look for blazes very shortly on the left. Enjoyable hike. Will go back soon now that I am familiar with trail path.
Sunday, October 1, 2000
Hiked this trail on 9/30/00. Good woods dayhike trail. Saw evidence of horses on trail (suppose to be foot traffic only). Need to have better signs where the trail crosses the power lines and FS road at mile 5.3. Had to search around to pickup trail. Also had to bushwack my way across the power line easement at the end of the trail. Heard two gun shots somewhere in the distance between miles 4 and 5. Recommend taking enough water for trail, creeks were low in most places. Overall a good trail for the day or overnight.
Sunday, September 17, 2000
I hiked this trail on 9-16-2000. Recent drought has dried up the creek. Although there are a few standing pools, I wouldn't use them for drinking - even with a purification system. The trail itself is well maintained and would make a very good day hike. Although supposedly closed to all but foot traffic, evidence exists that it has been travelled by ATVs and horses. I give this trail a rating of Moderate only because of the first half mile - an exhausting climb to the top of Rocky Ridge. The rest of the trail is relatively easy. In many areas, the trail is quite wide. Only in a few areas does it turn into a true footpath, but they don't last long. There are many rock outcrops that make good resting paces for the weary (or not so weary) hiker. At one point, the outcrops seem to almost form a wall along the right side of the trail. Whether this was done naturally or was man-made to be used for defensive positioning, I can't tell. You'll also see a variety of trees such as hickory, pecan, birches, poplars, and several varieties of oak. There are also a variety of mushrooms for you adventurous type - I tend to stay away from Fungi. Overall, a good hike. Had there been water in the creek, I would have camped overnight.
Tuesday, April 11, 2000
I hiked the trail with my two kids (8 & 10 years old) in early March 2000. Lots of trees were down from a winter ice storm but that didn't slow us much. Very secluded walk in the woods.
Saturday, January 15, 2000
really easy
Wednesday, December 8, 1999
This trail is a fun and enjoying trail. You and your family can see a lot of nature and other wild-life. This tril is just overall a fun trail, although you will have to work.
Sunday, October 31, 1999
i tried to hike this trail on october 22, but lost the blazes at the new power lines, and ended up following the power lines back to the trailhead off ponder creek road.
Wednesday, February 24, 1999
I hiked this trail the day it snowed and it was beautiful. Along the first couple of miles I noticed that the shrub layer had been burned. Acording to a forest ranger, this was a controlled burn.
Trail Length:6.2 miles
Location: Walker County
Features:historic, stream.
Last hiked:10/18/1997 | Type of trail:Loop
Our rating:Moderate
Your rating:Moderate (28)
Date added:10/22/1997
Trail Usage:
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