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View Full Version : Currahee Mtn. Boy Scout Trail



cavscout
05-27-2008, 16:52
I spent Memorial Day in Toccoa GA visiting the Military Museum (http://www.toccoahistory.com/)

They have very nice collection spanning several wars and of course a huge collection of items from the Parachute Infantry Regiments that trained at Camp Toccoa att the foot of Currahee Mtn.

After seeing the exhibits we (my wife and kids 10, 8 and 5) followed the service road to the top of the mountain to enjoy the view from the rock out cropping.

The main thing I wanted to share with you was the "un-official" foot trail up the mountain. From what I know, it is a trail being developed by the local Boy Scout troop. It's a rather short hike up the opposite face of the mountain but it's easy enough that my 5 year old made it up and down with no problem. We made it to the base of the rock face we had driven to before it got too steep and slippery to risk with young children but it was a very nice walk in the shade.

The trail starts from the local voting station on 184 a few miles before it intersects with 123 (bewteen Walker Rd. and Garland Rd.) park in the gravel driveway at the Voting Station and head up the old double track to the right of the building.

Press
05-27-2008, 19:51
Very interesting! This is the camp from the first episode of Band of Brothers, yes?

Bulldawg
05-27-2008, 20:12
Yes from Band of Brothers. Very interesting area. The Broad River Trail is also in the area. I did not know about the trail. Is it being developed? I know Army Rangers still use the rock face for training. I live maybe 6 or 8 miles from Currahee and the Rangers fly over almost once a week early in the evening and come back later in the night. I understand they come over in helicopters from Camp Frank D Merrill, the Ranger Camp over close to Springer.

cavscout
05-27-2008, 21:40
Yep, same mountain. From what I understand the trail is being developed/maintained by the Boy Scout troop in the area. The trail is not marked but is well beat in. The undergrowth is tight to the trail but they are doing a pretty good job of keeping the dead falls cleared, however there were a few (one large one that can be climbed over but a walk around has been beat in as well.

I've also read about a trail called the Sink Trail in honor of the 506th's Commanding Officer but I'm not sure if it is a hiking trail or just a series of points of interest or if it refers to the road up Currahee. The numerous FS Roads in the area allow for a lot of hiking if you have good map of them. There is a Currahee Duathlon every year that utilizes the Frady Branch trail system a few miles away which makes it's way to Currahee to incorporate the climb to the summit. The first year I did it was on Veterans Day. A very special time to be on top. Would like to have spent a few more minutes up there but had to get on with the race.

Bulldawg
05-27-2008, 21:45
Pretty neat. I have heard someone mention the Sink Trail. I think I heard it mentioned on GeoCaching.

My kids love seeing the big dual bladed low flying copters the Rangers use to get over there. We must be in the direct flight line from Camp Frank D Merrill because they come directly over our house.

Footslogger
05-27-2008, 23:23
As a former Airborne Infantryman and someone who is somewhat familiar with the origin of the paratrooper corps in WWII, all I have to say is ...

WHO ARE WE ...CURRAHEE !!

By the time I went through jump school in 1968 it was located at Ft. Benning. But the history of Currahee Mountain is something every US Army Paratrooper is (or should be) familiar with.

Hooah ...

'Slogger

Bulldawg
05-28-2008, 00:01
As a former Airborne Infantryman and someone who is somewhat familiar with the origin of the paratrooper corps in WWII, all I have to say is ...

WHO ARE WE ...CURRAHEE !!

By the time I went through jump school in 1968 it was located at Ft. Benning. But the history of Currahee Mountain is something every US Army Paratrooper is (or should be) familiar with.

Hooah ...

'Slogger

Awesome, thank you for your service to our great Country. How is your recovery coming?

cavscout
05-28-2008, 10:46
Just a couple Pics for anyone who's never been there

http://www.oconeeleatherworks.com/Curraheemtnfirstview.jpg

http://www.oconeeleatherworks.com/Curraheemtn.jpg

Footslogger
05-28-2008, 11:20
Awesome, thank you for your service to our great Country. How is your recovery coming?
=====================================

Recovery is coming along well ...thanks for asking.

'Slogger