Come hike with us on the original Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail. We are meeting up at Eagles Rest Park on the summit of Mt. Oglethorpe outside of Jasper. This will be a multi-trail hike as there are 3 trails on the summit for us to hike totalling 3.5 miles. This is a build your own adventure opportunity. If you wish to join us for all 3 trails please feel free to stay for all 3 if you feel you are only capable of doing 1 or 2 trails, as long as you are having fun that is what’s important.
This hike will be in mid January so please make sure to prepare accordingly. This means extra layers and rain gear. Don’t forget to bring as many snacks as you may need. As there is no water source I will bring several gallons of potable water for anyone who needs to refill between trails. I will also be carrying a first aid kit however you should bring one yourself including any medications you may need.
The current plan is to stop between trails for a 10-15 min breather to allow everyone to get a snack, refill on water, and say good bye to anyone who wishes to leave. Once everyone is ready we will start our next trail.
The first hike with be the .07 mile Eagles Rest Trail. This trail has 4 viewing platforms with views to the North, South, East, and West. It is a flat trail with only 55 ft of elevation gain. We will stop at each platform so those who wish to can snap pictures but will be moving quickly as we have several other trails to hike.
The second trail will be the 1.3 mile Grassy Knob Trail. Grassy Knob starts with a walk that follows the road where it meets the Trail of Tears Memorial. It then returns into the forest and meets a little bit of technical hiking as the trail is narrow and rocky. This part offers fantastic views to the east. The trail then rounds the base of the summit and climbs back to the parking lot. Total elevation is 216ft.
Our final trail will the 1.7 mile Mt. Oglethorpe Trail. This will be the trail with the most elevation gain at 482 ft. This trail stays completely in the woods the entire hike. It descends just above the summit of Big Stump Mountain before taking ian old CCC road to the Mountain Stewards Picnic Area. At this point it ascend back to the summit and via the Eagles Rest Trail connects to the parking lot.
I will update the event at a later date with a lunch meet up spot for after the hike.
*This event has been organized by Long Leggs Guiding and Backcountry Education, however this is not a sanctioned event by the company. By agreeing to come you agree you are hiking at your own risk and absolve Long Leggs Guiding and Backcountry Education of any liability should you become injured. You understand this is a community meet-up and not a sponsored event.*
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Marble Hill, Business events in Marble Hill.
