Sun, Nov 13 2016 - Wagon Train Trail to Brasstown Bald (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Laura X, Lisa Participants: Lisa, Laura X, SusanF, Russ, Gail S, Mike S, Jon Miner, Chris, DeAnna, Morgane, Emily

We had a great day with our "Plan B" since the Arkaquah Trail was closed due to wildfires, taking the Wagon Train Trail up to Brasstown Bald instead. Originally constructed as a portion of Georgia Route 66, this road was built in the 1950's by convict labor. We enjoyed the trail and each other's company as we hiked through Georgia's only cloud forest up to the highest point in the state. Starting at Young Harris College, we traveled up the old forest service road just over a mile to the trailhead. Following the trail up an initial steep climb to the ridgeline, we reached the paved sidewalk and enjoyed lunch at the observation tower. The smell of smoke followed us all day but thankfully wasn't irritating to our lungs or eyes.

We retraced our steps down through the rocky terrain covered with a blanket of leaves from the surrounding oak, ash, beech, and sugar maple trees. Most of us ended the adventure with pizza, pasta, salad and wraps from Gustavo's in Dahlonega. Pausing for a moment in the square to enjoy songs from a street musician, we agreed it had been a good day indeed.