Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

61 страница из 110

Camping along Jacks River

At 4 miles the forest puts on a dramatic show as the leafy path drops, while a high forested peak fills the sky to the northeast. The trail rolls along, generally descending as the forest grows thick with mountain laurel, and finally dropping to a stream. Continue to the river (Waypoint 4), and cross to find clearings wide enough to accommodate tents. For those who fish, the Jacks River—often waist-deep in normal flows—holds brown, rainbow, and brook trout.

To complete the loop, travel east on the southwest bank of the river, and at 7.6 miles cross the river. (A trekking pole allows for better balance while crossing.) Turn right and go east for a mile, and then cross the river again, continuing to the east. The forest here is humbling, with massive hemlocks rising 100 feet and measuring 10 to 12 feet around. At 8.3 miles, cross Rough Creek and go straight (east) at the next trail junction to take the Rough Ridge Trail (Waypoint 5). Cross the creek yet again, and at 8.7 miles look carefully for a sharp turn to the east where you ascend through rhododendrons.