Fires Creek valley to Tusquitee Bald

Elevation gain: 3200-3300 ft (all in the first half, nothing crazy steep)
Trail conditions: some portions are old roads, other areas may not have been recently maintained so expect some fallen trees to climb over
Pace: moderate to fast... 2.5-3 mph moving speed 1.5-2 mph overall.

Fires Creek is a wildlife management area that I think is more secluded than anywhere in Georgia. I usually don't see more than one other hiker on the trail. Last year I didn't see another soul on this trail.

There are three great things about this hike: 1) a great view at the top, 2) most of the hike is along streams and creeks, 3) rarely used so you really feel 'out there'.

Fires Creek is essentially a bowl with a rim trail around the lip of the bowl and trails going up from and down into the bottom of the bowl. This hike will start in the bottom of the bowl at a horse camp. We will treck up some old logging roads and turn into rough trails deep into the forrest until we reach the lip of the bowl. We will traverse the bowl in a counter clockwise direction visiting the mysteryous pots on Potrock Bald (and maybe a view). A short spur trail will take us to a nice view from Tusquitee Bald. The bald was cleared this summer and the view faces west towards Siler and Wayah Bald. Returning off of the spur, we will descend down into the bowl via a different route.

There will be one relatively short off trail section where we will try to get a view of the rarely seen Bald Spring Falls. This is the only part of the hike I have not done and optional if you are willing to wait 10-15 minutes.

Our specific route for the curious is: Starting from Bristol Camp, hike next to Fires Creek east bound, hike up Bald Spring Branch, hike clockwise on Fires Creek Rim Trail hitting Matlock Bald and Potrock Bald, take spur to Tusquitee Bald, return to the Rim Trail and descend down the unnamed branch until it joins Fires Creek, complete the hike next to Fires Creek.

This trail requires at least one water crossing (unless the water is running low). It occurs one or two miles into the hike so think about bringing a small towel.

Dinner after is likely. Maybe mexican since most people can do that.

Directions to trailhead will be given at carpool (or print your own: https://goo.gl/maps/3gh339qgBa82).

GPS: 35.108165, -83.810917 or Fires Creek Picknick Area will get you close