Adventure Out

Outdoors Adventure Out Clayton, Georgia - The AT’s newest “Trail Community.” By Peter McIntosh

Wildcat Mountain Sunset

For my July article, I’m happy to announce that Clayton, Georgia has been designated as a trail community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. So we’re rolling out the welcome mat to all the hikers looking for a place to relax, recharge and resupply making their way along the trail. Some are thruhikers, heading all the way to Maine, others are section hikers, making a shorter point to point adventure. And it’s a win-win as we benefit from the hikers dollars and the trail benefits as we learn more about how to support this amazing natural resource. And fear not, I’ll have some nice hiking destinations at the end of this article. The effort to have Clayton listed as a “Trail Community” was spearheaded by Rob Gasbarro, Bill Bennett and Cory McCall. They’re the owners of the outdoor equipment/sporting goods store, Outdoor 76, located on Main Street across from the Universal Joint. These guys have been catering to hikers for years, offering shuttle services to and from the trail crossing on Hwy 76 West at Dick’s Creek Gap. At their store they have laundry available for hikers, as well as a shower, and perhaps most importantly, a place to relax and drink a cold one. And while these guys were at the forefront of this effort, it takes a community to become a “trail community.” At the celebration announcing Clayton’s status as a trail town, many local and regional

Owners of Outdoor 76: Rob Gasbarro, Bill Bennett and Cory McCall. They played a big part in having Clayton named a “Trail Community”.

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com

A Foggy Appalachian Trail

luminaries were there showing their support. “The folks here are so excited about Clayton’s new “Appalachian Trail Community” designation,” said CJ Thompson, Manager of Marketing & Tourism for Rabun County. “It will be fantastic to be a part of the bigger A.T. community. We have so many things to offer our hiker friends and are so happy that the word will finally get out up and down the Trail what a great place Clayton is and how welcoming its people are.” On hand were Clayton Mayor, Kurt Cannon, Rabun County Manager, Darrin Giles, Mickey Duvall, Rabun County Chamber of Commerce Business Development Manager, Rick Story, Forward Rabun Director and Martha Revelo, an Outreach Director for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock. Also lending support were Drew Ball, Regional Director and Sarah Adams, Georgia Regional Manager of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Georgia ForestWatch volunteer extraordinaire, Melanie Martin Vickers. I’m almost done naming names here but these people deserve recognition. The event could not have taken place without two hard working, civic minded volunteers, Cricket Werkheiser and Dana McFarland. Many thanks to all. Now if you’re not familiar with the AT or want to get reacquainted with the trail, here’s your chance. I have two nearby, relatively easy, Appalachian Trail adventures listed below. Happy hiking!

Rocky trail to the top of Tray Mountain The view of Lake Burton from the top of Tray Mountain

Wildcat Mountain: From the parking area 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. The trail leads off into the forest across the road from the parking area and ascends via switchbacks about ¼ mile to the top of the ridgeline. At the top of the ridge the AT continues off to the right and a side trail (blue blazes) 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 on the right, leading out to the rock face, offering a spectacular panoramic view. 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. And if you have a nice headlamp, you won’t be afraid to stay past twilight since it’s such an easy hike out. 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 terrific garlic fried peanuts) Go north about 3/10 of a mile on 17-75 and turn left over the Chattahoochee River onto Alt 75. Go a little over 2 miles to an intersection with the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway (GA 348) on right. It’s 7 miles to Hogpen Gap and the Appalachian Trail.

Tray Mountain: This hike starts at Tray Gap, where we’ll hike up the Appalachian Trail, about 1 mile, to the top of Tray Mountain. From Tray Gap the trail ascends gently along the southwest side of the mountain before turning to the left for a few long but easy switchbacks which traverse the western side of Tray. The trail now begins to curve around slowly to the north side of the mountain. Just at the spot where the trail turns sharply right, there’s a rocky overlook facing almost due north. From here you can get a glimpse of Lake Chatuge. The short scrub oaks now indicate you’re nearing the top, just a little bit further. Upon reaching the rocky summit you’re rewarded with spectacular views to the north and south, the view to the east is just past the summit. Looking north, you can see Georgia’s highest mountain, Brasstown Bald, that’s the mountain with the tower on the top, there’s also Bell Mountain (the visible white quartz on top), Hightower Bald, Lake Chatuge and White Oak Stamp. Off in the distance, you can see North Carolina’s beautiful Snowbird Mountains. Looking south, the most prominent landmark is the uniquely shaped Mount Yonah. And now let’s look east toward our beloved Rabun County. The body of water you see is Timpson Cove on Lake Burton. To the right of the lake is Charlie Mountain with Glassy Mountain right behind it. And on the left, some distance away, majestically stands Rabun Bald. I love Trey Mountain.

Getting there: From Burton Dam Road and GA 197 go south 3 miles on Hwy 197 to GA 356. Turn right on 356 and go 11 miles. The road ends at GA 17–75. Turn right on GA 17–75, about 1 mile keeping an eye out for F.S. Road 79 on the right. Turn right on F.S. 79 and go a little over 8 miles to Tray Gap. It’s a three way intersection with a trail crossing. FS 79 can be bad/rutted in places so it’s best to have a least an all-wheel drive vehicle.

For a new AT community, here’s my poetic opportunity: So I guess it’s time for a celebration, Now that AT wise, we’re an official destination. And here are two hikes here I’m sure you’ be liking, So get out and get going and let’s go do some hiking.

If you’d like to volunteer with our trail friendly efforts, reach out to the guys at Outdoor 76: https://www.outdoor76.com/

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