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September 6, 2022

Payne's Creek Park Trail

near Hartwell, GA

Distance
5.5 mi
Climbing
394 ft
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Loop
GPS track availableView on AllTrails →

This is a nice trail, easy on the feet and not any long, steep inclines. Yes, there are a few exposed roots, a few rocks and just a few muddy places, but considering it was less than 12 hours since the last rain, this was quite good. The lake provided a few nice views and a refreshing breeze today. Just a few wildflowers and fungi today. However, we cut the hike short today when Vic decided to "hook" us into a minor medical emergency. He decided to "mount" a treble hook fishing lure he found into his right thigh . . . ouch! But, this didn't stop his Dairy Queen post-hike visit. Overall, a very good and "adventurous" hike today!!

The route

5.5 mi · 394 ft climbing · 3h 55m out, 3h 1m walking · 1.8 mph moving

Elevation

Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.

803 ft659 ft0.0 mi1.4 mi2.7 mi4.1 mi5.5 mi
  • Steepness
  • Gentle under 5%
  • Moderate 5–10%
  • Steep 10–15%
  • Very steep over 15%

13 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.

Photos (16)

  • A view of Lake Hartwell looking west from a cove on the NW section of our hike.
  • Today's Hikers (L-R): Dick, Lynn, John, Renee, Mike, Linda, Angela, Jenny, Beth, Ray, Vic, Gary & Bruce
  • Trailhead
  • jeez, I thought you said this was only 4 miles!
  • Getting started on the typical trail conditions seen today.
  • Some of the fungi seen.
  • Beauty Berry seeds seen in a small cluster of bushes along the trail.
  • Not many wildflowers today.
  • This was a particularly beautiful mushroom, especially seen from below.
  • Vic, Renee, Gary, and Linda saw this tree with interesting roots along the shoreline.
  • Another view of Lake Hartwell looking northward.
  • Break time along the shore.
  • You would think this tree was dead since the woodpeckers loved it, but it had a full canopy of live foliage.
  • Ray spotted this wildflower. Could it be a Eastern daisy fleabane?
  • Doing a little bushwhacking today even though it may not look like it.
  • Vic's big catch of the day! He and Beth agreed it was a crappy. Last report, he's fine!