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

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DIRECTIONS From Atlanta, take I-75 north to I-575/GA 5. Travel north on I-575/GA Highway 5 to East Ellijay, and then continue north on GA 5/US 76 to Blue Ridge. At the intersection near Walmart and The Home Depot, turn left and travel north on GA 5 for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto Old State Route 2 and drive 10.5 miles to Watson Gap. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 22 and go 3.3 miles to the parking area for the Dally Gap and Jacks River Trailhead.

FACILITIES/TRAILHEAD There are no facilities at the Dally Gap Trailhead for the Jacks River Trail. Water is plentiful, but be sure to treat water from all streams and the river. Camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness area, and along the way you’ll find attractive spots for camping beside the river and in stands of hemlocks. This is bear territory, so hang your food at night, and give your itinerary to a friend or ranger, especially if you hike solo.

Dally Gap is the trailhead for the Jacks River Trail and Hemp Top Trail. The Jacks River Trail is to the left (Waypoint 1). Follow the wide, shaded path that drops easily through hemlocks, hardwoods, and mountain laurel, which blooms white in spring. The path, with green blazes, runs parallel to the Bear Branch stream, out of view but still a thrumming, distant white noise. At 1.9 miles, Bear Branch flows into Jacks River, which you’ll skirt, moving northwest, rolling through low-hanging rhododendrons.