January 21, 2025
Latham Cemetery & Pear Orchard Loop
near Toccoa, GA
For our "all-weather" hikers, it was a "great day for a hike" even though we had cloudy skies and temperatures between 26°F and 31°F. Parts of the trail were frozen, but still in fairly good shape with only a couple of leftover, but passable blowdowns from Helene. With the leaves off and low brush, we were easily able to access and see all four waterfalls: Quarry, Big Leatherwood, Rest Stop & Mary Steele Falls. There wasn't a lot of water flowing across the falls, but they were still attractive. We did visit Roman's Den even though there were a couple of large blowdowns across the trail and above the cave. Despite my concerns about a wet or slippery water crossing, we were able to easily get across Big Leatherwood Creek to complete our loop hike.
Today's "All-Weather" Hikers: Matt Henderson & Tooby, Linda Shultz, Jane Brown, Jenny Bell, Don Pratt, Terre Pratt, Sue Vaughn, Pam Hembre, Jubie Aulisio & Mike Bell.
The route
5.8 mi · 696 ft climbing · 3h 23m out, 2h 33m walking · 2.3 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%
15 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (17)
Big Leatherwood Falls seemed to be the favorite falls today. Today's All-Weather Hikers (L-R) Matt, Mike, Linda & Toby, Jane, Jenny, Don, Terre, Sue, Pam and Jubie. Getting started. The gate was closed so we walked up Currahee Mtn. Rd. to the trailhead. First stop, Quarry Falls on a side trail. We later found out from a FS trail sign that there are the remnants of an old dam 200 feet above the falls. Checking out Quarry Falls. It's only a short climb out. Checking out Big Leatherwood Falls. Big Leatherwood Falls, a great spot for a photo. One of these days, we have to try to find these stills and the dam above Quarry Falls. Just not a lot of water flowing over Mary Steele Falls today. That stream crossing wasn't so bad afterall. Roman's Den is still there, but only the first chamber. In the upper frame, Jubie checking out Roman's Den. Pam standing up in Roman's Den . . . short people only! A short break at the top of the access trail to Roman's Den. Headed back. Ice needles. Yep, it was cold today. A view of Currahee Mountain as we finish the hike.