Winter Hiking in the Southeast
Mar 3rd, 2009 by Admin 1
My last two hikes were local hikes near where we live in Canton, Ga. on trails I have already posted about here at campnpost. The first, Reinhardt College Trails, late last week and then the Pine Log Creek Trails yesterday.
While hiking the Reinhardt trails the other day I was pressed for time so I decided to head straight to my favorite section of the trail system which is section 2. I took a left at each trail intersection which is probably the most direct route to the back. It was a nice quick hike and while I was there I only saw two other hikers. Not much has changed except that there is a new footbridge going across the creek which links up with section 1.
Where I work, all of our employees have remote offices and are at the computer all day. For this reason, we are all encouraged to stay active and take time during the day when possible to get out and get some exercise. For those of you in this situation you know that if left unchecked, this can really take its toll. I broke away near the end of the day to Pine Log Creek since its around 15 miles or so from our house.
While there, I realized how much better it can be to hike during the winter months in the south specifically for several reasons. For one, there are typically fewer people on the trail so a lot less bumping elbows. Maybe it was the fact that Georgia finally got some snow the day before but for whatever reason I was the only one on the trail the entire time. Second, the views through the leafless trees are much better. Third, and this one is a bigger issue, there are no bugs distracting from the otherwise peaceful experience. Combining all these factors, if you don’t mind the cooler weather, winter hiking in the southeast can be more enjoyable.
All along this trail there are plenty of views of the surrounding mountains as well as several stream crossings, and a quarry that you can access just off the East Loop trail which is the one I took this time. It was nice to just take 10 minutes or so to enjoy the peace and quiet at the quarry before picking back up on the trail.
We also live in the area and have been hiking many of the trails you have mentioned. Pine Log, the East and West loops in Cartersville, etc. We live between Canton and Cartersville off of Highway 20 and are always looking for new places to hike. Thanks for the great info you have posted so far.
Dean,
We appreciate you checking out the site. You guys are in a great area over there! Maybe one day there will be a trail that links 20 to 140 over the mountains. That would be nice huh? Here’s hoping!
CNP