Adventure Out

Wildcat Mountain Sunset

Adventure Out Wildcat Mountain Overlook by Peter McIntosh

Since this is Valentine’s month, we’re taking a nice short hike up the Appalachian Trail to a rock outcropping along the ridge line of Wildcat Mountain. A great spot to share with your special someone. The trailhead is at the high point of the Richard Russell Scenic Highway at Hogpen Gap. There are a couple of nice roadside overlooks near Hogpen Gap, both facing southeast offering a nice view of Mount Yonah and further in the distance, Currahee Mountain. It’s interesting to note that both of these mountains have a military signifcance. The rock face on Yonah is where the U.S. Army Rangers learn technical climbing and, in case you don’t know, Currahee was the famous training center for the Army’s elite 10th Mountain Division as they prepared for the D-Day invasion. There is another overlook at the north end of the Hogpen Gap parking area, offering stunning views to the northeast where you can easily spot the observation tower on Georgia’s highest mountain, Brasstown Bald. Hightower Bald

and the far mountains of North Carolina can also be seen from this spot. At Hogpen Gap, we’re going to hike south on the AT. (2 x 6 inch white blaze) It’s actually west, but in AT terms it’s south. After following the blazes on a grassy path, going south from the parking area, we cross the highway where the trail leads off into the forest and ascends via switchbacks about ¼ mile to the top of the ridge line. At the top of the ridge, the AT continues off to the right and a side trail leading to a shelter goes to the left. This is our trail, which we follow for about another ¼ mile until coming to an opening leading out to the rock face looking west. Cowrock Mountain is just across from you and to the northwest are the many layered mountains of the Nottely River Watershed and to the southwest are the Appalachian Foothills. This is a great place to watch a sunset, even better with a little wine and cheese... Or wine and chocolates if you

want to be romantic. If you’re going around Valentine’s Day it will surely be chilly, so bring a foam pad to sit on and maybe a lightweight sleeping bag to fend off the cold. The sunsets here can be spectacular so bring a headlamp or two so you won’t be afraid to stay past twilight. It’s an easy hike back out. Now may I suggest you cap off your adventure by taking your Valentine to dinner at Clayton’s new steakhouse, Iron & Oak? Jen Tyler and her crew will take great care of you. (See their article and awesome pictures taken by me on page 54) Happy Hiking!

Appalachian Trail, Hogpen Gap Marker ‘Tis no need to be contrary, here’s my poem for February: We’re going on a trip that has views aplenty, But do dress warmly just in case it’s a bit wintry. Magnifcent views you will soon partake, And then go reward yourself with a nice juicy steak!

Getting there: From Burton Dam Road and GA 197 go 3 miles to GA 356. Go 11 miles on GA 356 to intersection with GA 17-75 at Robertstown. (stop at Fred’s Famous Peanuts for some terrifc garlic fried peanuts) Go north about 3/10 of a mile on 17-75 and turn left over Chattahoochee onto Alt 75. Go a little over 2 miles to intersection with Richard Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348) on right. It’s a little over 7 miles to Hogpen Gap. There are two waterfalls along this route but we’re going for the overlooks on this trip.

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

Iron & Oak Steakhouse: In the old Granny’s location next to the Rusty Bike. 677 Hwy 441 South 706.960.9270 www.ironoakclayton.com