January 10, 2022
Rhododendron Trail at Lake Russel
near Mt. Airy, GA.
This was a exploratory hike for our group of local hikers based on reviews of other AllTrails hikers. This trail is relatively easy except for the first 0.3 mile of the access trail to the Chenocetah Fire Tower from the main trail. That section is a bit steeper with only one switchback. The trail is in fairly good condition with no trail obstructions on the east side and a few passible deadfalls on the west side of the loop. The trail is not well marked with the westward turnoff above Cascade Falls easy to overlook by since the trail marker is after you turn off. The east side of the loop is quite pleasant with the creek paralleling much of the trail. There are a number of small cascades along this portion of the trail. The west side of the trail is an old logging road, much of it through a pine forest. The views from Chenocetah Fire Tower are best in the Winter although there is one large cut in the tree line looking down toward Lake Russell. The tower is quite beautiful and is currently undergoing restoration to be complete by the end of January 2022.
The route
5.6 mi · 961 ft climbing · 2h 41m out, 2h 33m walking · 2.2 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%
10 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (18)
Chenocetah Fire Tower from steps A view of the Chenocetah Fire Tower from the north. The start of the Rhododendron Trail on the east side, Typical trail conditions on the east side. A particularly large patch of ground cedar caught my eye. Lots of water sounds from the creek that parallels the trail. One of the more notable cascades viewed from the trail. Cascade Falls just prior to turning west toward Chenocetah Tower. The trail sign to turn off for Chenocetah Tower. A wet creek crossing on the way to Chenocetah Tower. The are a couple of foot bridges along the way. The main trail sign at the beginning of the access path to Chenocetah Tower. A nice trail sign at the top of the access path just below the tower road. A view of the Chenocetah Fire Tower from the west. Under renovation.. An up-view of the Chenocetah Fire Tower. A view of Currahee Mountain from Chenocetah Mountain. View of Lake Russell from Chenocetah Mountain. Views of Lake Russell along the lake trail on the way back.