Where to hike in GA

[AThogpen]

Any good suggestions of beginner/easy trails near Helen, GA? Broke my ankle nearly two years ago and have plates and screws in there, so pretty tender. Would appreciate some suggestions

[Ricky&Jack]

you are 1hr from the Appalachian trail.

But if you want something easy for your ankle, try Amicalola falls (I wouldn't recommend the approach trail) but they have plenty of easier, and usually flat trails in the park.

http://gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls/Trails

Heres the trail maps.
http://gastateparks.org/content/Georgia/parks/trail_maps/AmicalolaFalls-2012.pdf

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-15at82115PM_zps7a758ff4.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-15at82115PM_zps7a758ff4.png.html)

If you do Amicalola Falls, You can go in the visitor center (gift shop) and check out A.T. items.... and go to the Amicalola Falls Lodge for lunch etc.

[Ricky&Jack]

Also, if you want to try a group hike with fellow whiteblaze member and Facebook people, check out here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/248250332041353/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?105077-Labor-Day-Weekend-Georgia-Section-Group-Hike&p=1893502#post1893502

This would be great id you want to try a 30-40mile weekend hike lever labor day with a group of hikers, who can give you tips etc.

There are plenty of local forum members to help you out with any questions you may have.

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-15at82853PM_zpse3457adf.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-15at82853PM_zpse3457adf.png.html)

[FatMan]

The Smith Creek Trail runs between Unicoi State Park in Helen up to Anna Ruby Falls. The trail is about 4.5 miles. You can hike it in and out or you can walk the gravel road back to the park.

[FatMan]

I should also mention that there is a 2 mile trail from town to Unicoi State Park. So you could also just hike that trail and hook up with any of the trails in the park.

[AfghanVet]

The loop that I just did wasn't too bad at all. In total it's probably 9-10 miles, you can skip Springer Mountain and just do the Springer parking lot to Three Forks or if you still feel good push the extra mile out to Long Creek Fall.

As for the ankles, I feel your pain. I didn't quite break mine but I had my talus dome repaired and I had three screws put in my ankle. That was in late 2010 or early 2011 I can't remember. Wben you've had as many surgeries I have they blur together lol.

[AfghanVet]

Oh I should have included the link, credit to John for pointing me towards this trail:


http://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/springer-mountain-loop-appalachain-benton-mackaye-trails/

[GregInAthens]

Another easy trail is Hemlock Falls Trail. It is less than 30 minutes from Helen and is across the street from Mocassin Creek State Park. It is a very easy 1 mile that leads to a waterfall you can swim in. There is another waterfall 0.8 miles farther, but the trail gets a little rougher and requires you to cross the creek.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AThogpen]

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to getting back there do some hiking! (was that an oxymoron?)