Wagon Train Trail Hike with Georgia ForestWatch

Hike Leader: Brenda Smith

Hike Location: Brasstown Bald to Young Harris on the Wagon Train Trail

General Description of Hike: There is an old abandoned road that stays shrouded in mist much of the time.  It starts almost at the summit of Brasstown Bald Georgia. The years and elements have eroded and changed much of what was once a well graded road bed that was to be paved between the bald and Young Harris.  There are beautiful high views and rugged man-made granite cliffs along with trees and vegetation that can be found nowhere else in Georgia or the southeast. Brenda always looks forward to seeing the yellow birch at the high north facing point of the trail. She also says that the winter views from the trail are breathtaking, and that if there have been cold nights, ice sculptures can be found hanging from the granite cliffs!

Hike Date: Saturday, February 7th, 2015

Meeting Time, Place and Directions: We will meet in Young Harris at the Methodist Church (white with a high steeple) at 9:00 am.  This church is on the left going west after the only stop light in Young Harris on highway 76.  We will leave half of the cars in the church parking lot and car pool to the top of Brasstown Bald where the trail starts.  his is a fairly long drive, which is why we'll get an early start.  

Distance and Difficulty: 7 plus miles. This trail has very few hills, but because of the distance and rocky terrain. Moderate to difficult. 

Special Note: Brasstown Bald requires $5 per person for admittance.  If you have a National Park Pass, you do not have to pay the fee.  A State of Georgia Pass doesn't work at Brasstown.  Please allow most of the day for this trek since we will be taking as many rest breaks as we need.

Bring: Lunch, plenty of water, rain gear, sturdy footwear. (If allergic to bees/wasps, remember to bring your meds/epi-pen.)

Cancelation: Hikers will be notified if hike is canceled due to forecast of severe weather, etc.

Pet Policy: This is a dog-friendly hike!

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

Limit: 15 participants

For more information on the hike, OR if you need directions on the day of the hike, please contact Brenda Smith at 706-429-5393 or e-mail brenda_s500@yahoo.com. Please note that the Georgia ForestWatch office is not open on the weekends, so please contact Brenda directly.

Sign Up Now!

Space is Limited 

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 always given priority on our hikes. To learn how you can become a member, click here. 
 

To Reserve Your Spot

Please email our office at lstachler@gafw.org or call 706-867-0051 with the following information.

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)

Upcoming Outings & Events - Mark Your Calendars!

February 11th - Grassy Ridge Hike - with District Leader Ben Cash

May 2nd - Wildy & Woolly Spring Fundraiser at Bull Mountain Lodge, Dahlonega, GA

May 9th - Georgia Appalachian Trail Club Civilian Conservation Day at Vogel State Park - with Sue Harmon

June 6th - Georgia Appalachian Trail Club National Trails Workday -with Sue Harmon