January 24, 2023
Valley of the Giants
near Suches, GA
A cold start, but a sunny day for this easy hike in the Coopers Creek WMA. With the exception of a few very large blowdowns, and considering the lack of any apparent maintenance, the trail, an old logging road, was in very good condition. Hiking in the winter makes spotting and approaching these very large White Pines and Poplars much easier. These trees are truly impressive and more so when considering there are so many in one area. The trailhead is not difficult to find and there is adequate parking for 4-5 cars along the side of the road. We considered hiking in from the east along another old logging road further up the road, but that would have required a wet crossing.
The route
3.5 mi · 420 ft climbing · 2h 54m out, 2h 17m walking · 1.5 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%
19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (24)
The largest tree seen today! Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Matt, Ray, John, Ken & Dave; Middle: Jack, Vic, Beth, Jeanne, Jenny, Gita, Mary Lu, Bruce, Lynn & Joe; Front: Heather, Mike & Christine. Getting ready at the trailhead, just a gated old logging road. The trailhead gate and first blowdown . . . more to come. Helton Creek just above Cooper Creek. Crossing this creek is necessary if you approach from the east. Heather pointed out this nice display of small icicles just beginning to melt in the morning sun. Trail condition photos . . . pretty good overall! One of the large White Pines along the way. Looks like the woodpeckers have found it too! One of the first large Poplar trees we saw high above us off the trail. More large White Pines, one with a split trunk. Heather admiring this large Poplar measured at 189 in. circumference and estimated to be 180 years-old. You put your left foot out . . . Bruce O'Connor teaching our hikers a new dance. More of the large Poplars. Blowdowns! Some go over and some go under. Beth and Jenny with another large Poplar . . . you really need to see these to appreciate their size & beauty. The largest Poplar along the trail. Most of the Poplars had their tops blown out. Photos by Heather Wall & Bruce O'Connor Largest Poplar measured at 235 in. circumference and estimated at 244 years-old. Photo by B. O'Connor The tops that were blown out of the largest Poplar were massive. Interesting spiral pattern in the bark of this Pine accented by the moss. Just a beautiful forest! by Heather Wall. Despite a washout of this large Poplar's roots, it still stands. Beth McDonald photographing the unique structure of this tree. Headed back to the trailhead . . . one last look at the largest Poplar.