December 7, 2021
Jackrabbit Mtn Central & Highpoint Loops
near Hiawassee, GA
It was a really nice day with clear, sunny skies and cool temperatures between 38℉ & 50℉. The trails were mostly dry with little risk of slipping on dry leaves. The trails are well marked at every intersection with blaze colors coded to the trail map. There were just a couple of short steep slopes on this trail. Otherwise, the trail has gentle slopes making it easy. As usual for this time of year, the lake was down, but still scenic. The trail is marked with numerous plant information markers suggesting this hike would be worth a try in the Spring. We enjoyed lunch at nearby Rib Country BBQ . . . chocolate chip cookie, anyone?
The route
5.3 mi · 433 ft climbing · 2h 46m out, 2h 29m walking · 2.1 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%
4 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (14)
Panoramic Photo of Lake Chatuge Today's Hikers (L-R): Renee, Bob, Gary, Ray, Christine, Gerald, Jenny, Dick, Bruce, Jeanne, Angela, Doris & Mike The trails in the Jackrabbit area network. We hiked the white, blue and orange loops. Anyone seen Christine? The trails were in great condition even with heavy use of both bikes and hikers. Is this really a Forest Service managed area? Someone pulled the plug on Lake Chatuge! Actually, while the water level was down, there were still quite a few nice views of the lake. A few really large hardwoods that caught our attention. A brief stop on the High Point Trail section. Did you know that Southern Ground Cedar historically was harvested for Christmas decorations. Here, you can understand why. The intricacy of these open seed pods is amazing if you slow down and take the time to look at them. Another late Fall beauty is the burnt orange foliage of the Bald Cypress. We almost lost one of our hikers on this treacherous curve. Lunch at Rib Country BBQ . . . I thought this was a hiking group?