Thu, Jan 14 2021 - Panola Mountain Hidden Gems Hike, gathering at PATH Lyons Farm Trailhead north of Park (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Shirley W, Lee W, Pam M, Rick Chaffin, Bunnie, Becky D, Tom, Mike C

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We had a fine time together exploring the beautiful parklands that surround this well-preserved 300-million-year-old granite "monadnock," that like its nearby big sister, Stone Mountain, is perhaps too often "taken for granite."  Thanks to Rick and Mike for sharing their excellent photos of our memorable outing on our AOC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3848265971859170&set=oa.111467487464698 
 The first photo that I copy below was taken at the Panola Mtn State Park's "Rock Outcrop Trail" overlook - with Stone Mtn looming on the horizon, 10 miles to our north, and Panola's 946' summit just 1/2 mile away in the wooded foreground to our right.  The blue-sky weather was so nice that we decided to add almost an extra hour to our outing - covered about 10 miles total, including the entire PATH trail network within the State Park - plus lots of scenic single-track trails and a few challenging bushwhacks.  We enjoyed leisurely stops at many of the Park's "hidden gems" including "Balanced Natural Bridge Rock" overlooking Upper Alexander Lake (next three photos below).  The next panoramic view of the top of Panola Mtn was taken looking southward from our gathering spot at the PATH Lyons Farm trailhead. The huge boulders (next shot) are popular among Atlanta's skilled rock climbers.  Tiny red succulent plants called "diamorpha" (next shot) are sprouting from depressions in the granite at this time of year and are fascinating keystones of the unique outcrop ecosystem.  - Submitted by Charlie, Jan 15, 2021