May 20, 2025
Rhododendron & Chenocetah Tower Loop
near Mount Airy, GA
We had a sunny, warm and humid day for this late spring hike. The trail was in fair condition except for 3 passable blowdowns. The outbound half of this hike was moderately difficult with a continuous climb, the latter 0.3 mile section being a bit steep. The return half of the hike was mostly downhill and quite easy, especially on the pine straw trail bed. We did see 3 of the 4 main waterfalls/cascades along the trail as we hiked up to Chenocetah Tower. This being the first time we have hiked this trail in the spring, we were pleased by the widespread display of blooming Rhododendron minus (aka Piedmont rhododendron). This was another "great day for a hike," especially at this time of the year.
Today's hikers: Mike Jones, Matt Henderson & Toby, Ken Pardue, Claudia Pardue, Beth Hawkins, Renee Corbett, Bobbie Broussard, Rich Brown, Gita Patel, Gregg Nuessly, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell.
The route
5.6 mi · 958 ft climbing · 3h 52m out, 3h 13m walking · 1.8 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%
22 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (24)
The highlight of the hike, white and pink forms of Rhododendron minus. Today's hikers (L-R): Mike J, Matt & Toby, Mike B, Ken, Claudia, Beth, Renee, Bobbie, Rich, Gita, Gregg & Jenny Getting started at the new trailhead that avoids some walking on Lake Russell Road. The Rhododendron Trail is nicely marked and in good shape except for one blowdown. Unfortunately, many of our hikers walked past this easily accessible unnamed cascade just off the trail. A mass of this Fan clubmoss showing off its new growth. The bottom of Trailside Falls could be seen from the trail, but not reached. However, some of us were able to scoot down the embankment to reach the top of Trailside Falls. The 40-foot Tiny Dancer Falls, short walk off the trail, appears to be in an old quarry. The easiest of the 3 blowdowns we encountered today. We passed by a clump of Redring milkweed with brilliant white blooms. No butterflies, however. These Indian pinks are always an eye-catcher. These Long-leaf bluets are still pretty though not as showy as other wildflowers seen today. Galax in bloom. Cannot say I've noticed this monument before, but it does confirm our identification of the Rhododendron minus currently in bloom. Our approach to Chenocetah Fire Tower from the trail. Constructed in 1937, the Chenocetah Fire Tower is the only granite fire tower in the US. A great view of Lake Russell as we leave. Terrible picture, but they all still look happy. A surprise find on our way back . . . Heartleaved skullcap. Always a bright spot on the trail . . . Blue-eyed grass and Yellow star grass. Almost missed this box turtle on the trail as we finished our hike. "Try it. It feels good." Toby prefers to lie down in the water than drink it. Passing by Lake Russell as we complete our hike.