Amicalola Falls, Mountain Crossings and the North Georgia Mountains - January 2010

Tempted with the opportunity for a "cheap" vacation in the North Georgia Mountains, Lisa the dog (aka Mallory) and I headed to Helen, GA. We rented a cabin right outside of town and utilized it as a "base camp" to explore the area in what turned out to be a winter wonderland after the first day we were there.



After leaving Columbia, we drove straight to Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville, GA. For those of you who don't know, Amicalola Falls State Park facilitates the approach trail to Springer Mountain, aka the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. After exploring the state park and experiencing the ambiance of "White Blaze Fever", we loaded up and headed to Helen, GA.

It wasn't long after arriving in Helen, GA that the true winter weather moved in. The locals said that the storm was the worst ice storm that they have had in over 20 years! However, the cold beer and the toasty hot tub helped combat the frigid temperatures.

After getting up the following day, we headed over the mountain towards Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi (aka Neels Gap) at the base of Blood Mountain near Blairsville, GA. Yeah - they use A LOT of names to describe the same place. (To see a picture of Mountain Crossings withouth the ice and haze, see the Coosa Backcountry Post below.) However, this is one of the most popular spots on the Appalachian Trail and is the only place on the trail that goes under a roof.

A quick history lesson: Mountain Crossings was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and completed in 1937. The building is a beautiful piece of history and its presence preserves the original intent of what the vision of the Appalachian Trail was.

When Lisa, the dog and I arrived at Mountain Crossings, the place was a ghost town - especially since the Jeep was one of the only automobiles on the road! However, as always, she was open - but not necessarily for business - and had a warm and inviting fire roaring when we arrived. Ice covered EVERYTHING. The parking lot, the signs, the trees and even the shoes that hung from the trees!Although there would be no hiking on this day, we certainly enjoyed how amazing Mountain Crossings looked all covered in ice.

We made it back to Helen, GA after being turned around a couple of times due to road closures and, as you can see, Ms. Mallory was glad to be back in the cabin.


Until next time!

Max Patch Bald, December 2010

Talk about COLD! One of the most beautiful places in the Southern Appalachian's - especially in December; however, the temperature didn't get above freezing the entire trip! This was an overnight trip from the parking lot at the base of Max Patch along the Applachian Trail to the Roaring Fork Shelter (about 2.5 miles one way).

Day one included great shots from atop Max Patch looking back towards the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The hike to the Roaring Fork Shelter (a very nice shelter btw - with a privy, camp sites and water nearby.)
However, the overnight stay at the shelter was so cold that we had no choice but to pitch our tents inside of the shelter and sleep with our water. The temps got down to the single digits and tested the limits of my 20 degree down sleeping bag!



We survied the night and the hike back out proved more difficult than the hike in. Weather blew in snow and ice as well as a very heavy fog. The fog was so dense on top of Max Patch on the way out that we lost the trail a couple of times and the incredible photos afforded just a day before were long gone!
All in all, this was a fantastic hike that I will never forget. Regardless of when you go, Max Patch Bald is truly a magical place and whether the vistas are amazing or prohibited by dense fog, you'll surely enjoy your trip there. Happy hiking!