Mon, Sep 21 2026 - Monday Morning at Sope Creek (Paper Mill Entrance) (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Joyce T. Participants: Joyce T., Kirsten, Linda H, Claire D., Jennifer W, Neil, Suzanne, Evy, Vicki piedmont, Lee W, Karen, Stephanie H, Gloria Colley, Marina

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Claire was actually surprised to learn that she had recached her 100th AOC event today! She wasn't one of those members who count every event in anticipation of a centennial!

Our hike went well. We kept up a moderate pace with several water breaks, and covered about 5 miles in 2 hours. The group stayed together well, despite a couple of challenging hills.

We hiked into the Cochran Shoals unit to see the Scribner Cemetery, where we turned back and continued through trails in the Sope Creek unit.

We passed by two copperheads on the trail, and Lee took photos of a beautiful deer and a big Joro spider. We also passed a father and his two little sons who were super excited about a jumping frog that escaped their capture at Sibley Pond. Our group loved their enthusiastic telling of the jumping frog tale.

The trails were in great condition, though there were plenty of roots and rocks throughout the hike. Thanks to Lee for his deer and spider photos! ~ Joyce