Adventure Out

Adventure Out Currahee Mountain

by Peter McIntosh

To welcome our new friends at Currahee Brewing Company and the food and fun spot next door, Shenanigans, we’re hiking up Currahee Mountain in Toccoa. This was the mountain that was the training ground for many of the brave men that took part in the D-Day invasion. The mountain was made famous in the 2001 HBO production, “Band of Brothers,” which chronicled the exploits of Easy Company, the 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, who parachuted behind enemy lines in the early hours of D-Day in support of the landings at Utah beach. And if you saw that miniseries, you know these men trained at Camp Toccoa, and trudged up and down Currahee often, and with full packs and a rifle no less. But before setting off on your trek, I want you to get a little background on these American heroes by visiting the nearby Currahee Military Museum in Toccoa. The museum is located in the old Railroad Depot, which was the starting out point for all the arriving recruits. There is an $8 dollar fee to visit the museum and well worth it for anyone interested in military history. The numerous displays, maps and artifacts really bring this story to life. And the nice volunteers working there will give you directions to the Currahee Trail, about 6 miles away, and answer any other questions you may have. There’s also a gift shop offering books, tee shirts and other various military items.

Now in “Band of Brothers,” the soldiers often referred to Currahee Mountain saying “three miles up, three miles down,” but techincally the trail is 2.7 miles each way. It’s called the Colonel Robert Sink Memorial Trail, named after the unit’s commanding officer. And the trail is also a forest service road, FS 62, which means you could drive to the top if so inclined. But if you hike it I think you’ll get a better feel about what it was like for the brave young men preparing to go to war. The first two miles of the trail are easy with a few gentle ascents and descents. But it’s the last 1/2 mile where you pay your dues, climbing steadily to the top. You come to a spot with some exposed rock that’s been spray painted by folks, over and over. This is the best view although it’s not the very top of the mountain. The top of Currahee is covered with a cluster of cell towers, radio antennas and microwave repeaters, not much to look at. But from the overlook near the painted rocks is a splendid view to the north and to the east. On a clear day you should see many of Rabun County’s mountains, Black Rock, Screamer and Rabun Bald but it was hazy when I visited so I can’t say for sure. Now after your adventure, celebrate you journey with a fresh, hand crafted beer at Currahee Brewing Company on West Savannah Street in Clayton, across from the courthouse, and check out the very fun offerings next door at Shenanigans. And the amazing cuisine from their food truck. You’ll be glad you did. (See their ad on page 18) Happy Hiking ‘Tis the end of the year and my December Poem is here: We’re retracing the steps of heroic soldiers, Up to a mountaintop with spray painted boulders. Then back into town for food, fun and beer, A great way to share some holiday cheer.

Getting there: From Clayton, go south on Hwy 441 for 19 miles to the Hollywood intersection. There’s an Exxon and a Kangaroo here. Turn left on Hwy 17A and go 10 miles to Toccoa. Entering the town, Hwy 17A bears off to the right but we continue straight on N. Alexander Street for 1/4 mile until it dead ends at train depot and Currahee Military Museum. Currahee Mountain Trail:

Cross over Railroad tracks and turn right, heading west, on W. Currahee Street. Stay on this road for a little less than 6 miles until you reach the trailhead.

For more information: http://www.toccoahistory.com or call: 706-282-5055

To see more of Peter’s photos of if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com