Lovin’ the Journey

Gravy Trail

By Mark Holloway

I’m like a mosquito in a nudist camp. I don’t know where to start. How can I tell you in just a few words of all the options we have here to explore, train, run, hike, paddle, pedal, and climb. Deep sigh.....I can’t. I can tell you this much, there is a goodly portion of outdoor choices in these here hills for which we can all be thankful.

Speaking of thankful, I’ve decided thankfulness is a renewable resource. I’m thankful today for the very things I’ll be thankful for tomorrow. If for some reason I run out of things to be thankful for, I can merely start over, pondering my blessings all over again. Selfishness, on the other hand is a hope-killer and energy drainer. So let’s stick with thankfulness. Let’s first talk about my first outdoor love... running.

No offense to the track walkers, but asphalt in circles isn’t the best choice when 80 percent of our neck of the woods is wooded. Word on the trail is there are more than 1,000 miles of unpaved routes here. Yep, in this tiny little corner of Georgia. The trail head of Panther Creek Falls is in the ‘swoop’ of Old Historic Highway 441 just south of the Rabun/Habersham County Line. This is my favorite trail to run. If offers non-stop whitewater, cliffs of peril, boulders, and a huge reward of a waterfall and pool at the midway point of this 7 mile out and back.

Let’s ease slightly north to Tallulah Gorge. This cut in the earth is a must do for runners. You can cardio your way to each North Rim Overlook and then cross the massive suspension bridge to the South Rim and run those overlooks, like grabbing seconds at your Thanksgiving table.

I’ve run from Hale Ridge to York House and even from Betty’s Creek to Tiger. One time I ran from my friend Danny Gillespie’s cabinet shop in Mountain City to the top of Black Rock and back. But lately I’ve been training exclusively on our trails. I’m gearing up for the annual Atlanta Make-A-Wish fundraiser where hearty souls hike 22 miles of the Bartram Trail. This fine group asks us Search and Rescue volunteers to provide escort along the route. I’ve accepted the assignment again to pace the first group comprised of runners. I’ll have medical gear and my two-way radio in the event an athlete needs help. They’re inspiring folks who make hearts happier. Cycling here is a big deal. There’s a trail near my home called Stonewall/ White Twister. It’s a dedicated 16 mile route of creek-crossing adventure. I mountain bike it with my older and better looking friend Greg Funkhouser and the Tallulah Falls Athletic Director Scott Neal. I also run it with my future son-in-law, Bret. This amazing trail system exists

because of the local Father of Mountain Biking, Lester Ramey. I’m thankful for Lester’s vision to get this trail built. Brian Rickman, Susan Nichols, Steve Patterson, Neal Arnett, and Jake Scott are fit humans I’m also thankful for. We pedal the roadways and mountain peaks together, burning calories and building friendships. I suppose it’s dangerous. But I reckon choking on a Twinkie sitting on the couch is too. Guiding folks rock climbing at Pickens Nose, just north of the fabulous food at the Dillard House is also a recipient of my gratitude. I’ve guided too many climbers to count. From Coach Jim Horn and his infant son, to my friend Mikey Darby when he was in his 70s are the bookends of rock freaks I’m thankful for. My wonderful friend David Rogers taught me how to keep folks safe climbing, and my buddy Tony Whitner taught me rope rescue. Thanks guys. Paddling the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River is a must. You wouldn’t go to Disney and not ride Space Mountain, right? Then why on earth would you dare play here and not dip into the Chattooga? C’mon in. The water’s fine. Well....a bit cold right now. My friends who know me well know I live in a whirlwind. So there’s your whirlwind tour of just a few adrenaline inducing options I’m thankful for. When you slice your turkey and laugh with family and friends, get swept up in the outdoors. But don’t get so swept up you forget to thank our Creator for this amazing place and rejoice our Savior offers us abundant life.

Please pass the gravy. See you on the trail.

Mark and his wife, Carol, are the owners of Fresh Start, a company dedicated to stewarding the property and homes of their clients. They aspire to be your eyes, ears and hands while you are away, and your resource for anything you need, whether you are a full or part time resident of the area. Mark can be reached by calling 706-490-7060.