Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail; South Pocket Trail; and Rocktown Trail

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Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail; South Pocket Trail; and Rocktown Trail

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Near La Fayette, Georgia

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Apr 9 2011 8:00 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Mon, Apr 4 2011 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Apr 8 2011 10:00 pm

Event Duration:

all day (including drive time and dinner)

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Clay White
Laura V

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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Spring in Georgia is a beautiful time and this hike is designed with the twofold purpose of enjoying our State's abundance of botanical riches while still including good exercise.

First, we'll get our primary workout by hiking the South Pocket Trail in the Crockford-Pigeon Wildlife Management Area. This trail contains a nice variety of hardwoods, dogwoods, blueberry, azalea and other (hopefully) blooming varieties of plant life. This is a moderate 7.4 mile trail with only moderate grades. We can add a little extra mileage by taking the optional one mile West Brow Trail to the peak of Pigeon Mountain (which is not very high). We'll maintain a D3 pace on this trail, with some extra stops to admire the foliage. However, we won't be stopping to examine every flower we see. We'll also find a nice place to eat our light lunches.

Next, we'll take the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. This is a short, level trail with interpretive signs along the walk. I'm no botanist, but numerous guidebooks and internet postings assert that this trail (and area of the state) contain rare species of flowers not seen elsewhere in Georgia, and that the area is among the best wildflower locations in the southeast.

After a leisurely stroll on the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail, we'll drive about 15 miles to the Rocktown Trail. This is an easy, flat 2 mile walk, but is noted for beautiful brownish-red boulder formations.

Finally, we'll stop for a group dinner on the way home. If you can't stay for dinner, you will need to bring your own car.

The total hiking distance is approximately 11.4 miles (including the optional trail), or 9.4 without the optional trail. Elevation gain is only about 1100 feet (or 1400 feet with the optional trail), and generally gained slowly with switchbacks.

Disclaimers: 1) While I've studied my guidebooks and other information, I have not hiked all of these trails. Therefore, a sense of adventure is required, and you should be in sufficient physical condition to walk further if we miss a turn or two. Sometimes, it's even a challenge to find a trailhead. 2) I don't know exactly what will be blooming. 3) I love flowers, but don't know much about them. If you do, please sign up on this hike!

Required Items to Bring:
Plenty of fluids for adequate hydration
Trail Snacks and/or light lunch
Good hiking shoes/boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking poles
camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

To be provided at the carpool.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

190Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $76.00 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.