May 1, 2018
Appalachian Trail - Tesnatee Gap - Wolf Laurel Top and Cow Rock, GA
The Appalachian Trail - Tesnatee Gap - Cow Rock, Wolf Laurel May 1, 2018
Today's hike was on the Appalachian Trail in Union County GA . We hiked from Tesnatee Gap to Cowrock Mountain then to Wolf Laurel Top and back. Total of 5.1 miles
TRAIL INFORMATION - This section of the A.T. always offers breathtaking views from Cow Rock Mountain and Wolf Laurel Top. The very best views are on a side trail to the back side of Cow Rock to a large rock lookoff. The first part of the hike takes you up a steep climb of one mile to the summit of Cow Rock Mountain then a less challenging walk over to Wolf Laurel Top.
We rate the hike strenuous due to elevation changes but the views make it more than worth the effort.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348). Turn right and travel about 9.5 miles to Tessnatee Gap. The parking lot is on the left.
Another great day for a hike! Clear skies, mild with temperatures ranging from 63 to 72 degrees F. Hiking distance - 5.1 miles.
Hikers (13)
- Jenny Bell
- Mike Bell
- Joe Collins
- Renee Corbett
- Greta Driggers
- Jim Driggers
- Angela Evans
- Tim Hale
- Jenna Hensley
- Ray Lovett
- Terre Pratt
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
Flowers in bloom
Bloodroot, Cut-leaf Toothwort, Small Belwort, Purple Violets, Halberd-leaf Violet, Wood Anemone, Robins Plantain, Cinquefoil, Bluets, Red and Yellow Toadshade Trillium, Large Flowered Trillium Star Chickweed, Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Birds identified
Black-capped Chickadee, Towhee, Oven Bird, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, Pileated Woodpecker and Turkey Vulture
Photos (15)
Parking at Tesnatee Gap. About 1 mile uphill to Cow Rock. Bluets were the most abundant wildflower today. Great mountain views along the trail! Large Flowered Trillium. Taking a short break at Wolf Laurel Top. Nice views from Wolf Laurel Top! Star Chickweed. We arrive back at Cow Rock. We took the side trail down to the back side of Cow Rock for spectacular views. Beautiful place to have lunch! Our path today. Our elevation profile. After the hike we spotted this healthy Black Bear just up the road from today's hike. The OFHC gang for today's hike (l-r) Jenna Hensley, Jenny Bell, Renee Corbett, Jim Driggers, Angela Evans, Mike Bell, Greta Driggers, Tim Hale, Joe Collins, Ray Lovett, Terre Pratt, Vic Robson and Tony Presley.