Estelle Mine, Pocket Loop, and Wildflower Trails - Sun, Feb 14 2016

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Estelle Mine, Pocket Loop, and Wildflower Trails


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Crockford-Pigeon WMA   Hike: Estelle Mine, Pocket Loop, and Wildflower Trails  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Feb 14 2016  8:00 am >> Sun, Feb 14 2016 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Feb 12 2016 6:06 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Feb 13 2016 6:00 pm
Event Duration:10 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Summary:
Pigeon Mountain is a beautiful plateau just west of the city of La Fayette, Georgia. The mountain is part of the Cumberland Plateau, which stretches from Alabama through Georgia and into Tennessee. The name "Pigeon" comes from the passenger pigeon which once nested here in great numbers and is now extinct.

The Crockford-Pigeon Wildlife Management Area is 16,400 acres and encompasses most of Pigeon Mountain. The area is known for its many caves and geological rock formations, as well as lookouts, waterfalls, wildflowers, and springs. The WMA has nearly 100 miles of various trails designated for hiking, biking, equestrian, or multi-use.

The Crockford-Pigeon WMA is a GORP (Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass) WMA – meaning that a GORP is required for entry or any activities within the WMA. You can purchase a GORP online, or at a retailer for $3.50.

The Hike:
We will hike along 5 different trails in the area to form loop of approximately 12 miles. The first part of the hike will be along the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail located in “The Pocket”. Unfortunately, there won't be wildflowers blooming this time of year.

After reaching the end of the Pocket Trail, we will arrive at Pocket Falls... a very nice waterfall cascading over a sandstone bluff. There is a hidden cave behind the waterfall, and it is our full intention to go behind the falls and find it.

We will then hike out of “The Pocket” and ascend about 1,000 feet to reach the plateau on Pigeon Mountain. From there we will hike along the rim taking in the view from a few overlooks. After a few miles we will then begin our descent down the north side of the mountain on a couple trails until we reach the Estelle Mine Trail.

The last portion of our hike will take us along the Estelle Mine Trail, which is, in part, on an old abandoned narrow gauge railway used to transport the iron ore which was mined here in the past. This portion of the hike is very cool and unique as we will go through 4 – 5 tunnels, some well over 100 feet in length. Although you can “see the light at the end of the tunnel” in each of these, it gets pretty dark when inside, – too dark to see the very rocky ground on which you'll be tripping; or falling on, if you don't bring your headlamp or flashlight.

The following is a Youtube video which shows much of the Estelle Mine Trail, some of “The Pocket”, and “Pocket Falls”. Although the music, by Patty Lovelace, is about coal mining “holler” in KY, it seems very fitting for the mining history of this area. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBk2AKG7sJk

 

Disclaimer:
Although I've hiked this loop before, it's been almost two years, so I don't know the recent condition of some of the trails. There's also a short scramble ( a couple hundred feet) out of the pocket that's off-trail.


We will be stopping to grab a bite to eat at the Pigeon Mountain Grill, just a few miles from the trailhead. If you do not wish to join them make sure you check with your carpool driver/riders prior to departing the carpool.

http://pigeonmtcountrystore.webs.com

 


Required Items to Bring:
  • Good hiking shoes/boots
  • Headlamp or Flashlight
  • Plenty of water or sports drink
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Sense of adventure
  • A positive attitude
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
 
  • Sun Screen
  • Emergency rain gear
  • Rice Crispy treats

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Will be provided at carpool.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):178Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $71.20 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.