January 13, 2026
Black Rock Lake & James Edmonds (Lookoff Mtn) Trails
near Mountain City, GA
We had ideal hiking conditions today for mid-winter with sunny and clear skies and cool 35°F to 55°F temperatures. With the exception of one blowdown blocking an early section of the West Fork of the James Edmonds Trail, the trails were in good shape. However the trails were a bit wet in places, but the recent rains provided nice flows in Taylor Creek. With the clear skies we found beautiful views of Wolffork Valley from the overlook on Lookoff Mtn. This is a moderately difficult hike with a fairly steep incline for the first 1.5 miles when hiked in a clockwise direction.
Today's Hikers: Dick Metzgar, Joy McCollum, Charles Hawkins, Matt Henderson and Toby, Ken Kellerman and Cutie Pie, Claudia Pardue, John Cape, Ken Pardue, Edwin Pruitt, Barbara Laughead & Jake, Allyson Aldrich, Gerald Richardson, Angela Evans, Paige Watson, Beth Watson, Jenny Bell, Bobbie Broussard, Jack Treadman & Mike Bell.
The route
4.8 mi · 1,043 ft climbing · 3h 43m out, 2h 52m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (19)
A panoramic view of Wolffork Valley viewed to the northwest from Lookoff Moutain. Today's Hikers A chilly start at the trailhead at Black Rock Lake. And off we go . . . this picture makes it look like a race. A beautiful reflection on Black Rock Lake as we start. The recent rains have led to some scenic water flows in Taylors Creek flowing into the lake. Nice level and easy trail around Black Rock Lake. We start our second loop on the West Fork of the James Edmond Trail, a bit steeper as we found out than the East Fork. Cutie Pie is a pretty smart dog, always resting patiently when we also stop. The James Edmond Trail loop toward Lookoff Mountain is in good condition with several small bridges to cross drainage features. However we did encounter this one recent blowdown that we pushed our way through. How about this Dogwood Tree that merged two branches into one also known as "inosculation" or "natural graft." Views of Wolffork Valley looking north (top) and southwest (bottom). Taking a well-earned break on Lookoff Mountain. Bear carefully crossing some ice on the rock face. Heading down the less steep East Fork of the James Edmonds Trail. We cross and follow Taylors Creek on the last section of this hike. The cold was hanging on in the shade even though the temperatures had risen to near 55 degrees. A small, but scenic water slide on Taylors Creek near the trailhead.