October 11, 2022
Wagon Train Trail & Brasstown Bald to Young Harris College
Great weather today, cool temperatures, but some low clouds for most of the morning. The trail was very dry and in fair condition although fairly rocky, with some stretches worse than others. This was a one-way hike, from Brasstown Bald on a mostly downhill trail. The views were limited with the exception of one cleared overlook at 2.4 miles. There were some fall colors along the trail, especially the brilliant reds and oranges of Sourwood trees. We also saw the last blooms of sporadic wildflowers along the way. we rate this trail as moderately difficult from the continual downhill path of over 2,400 feet which can be a bit tough on the joints. A special recognition to Dick Metzgar who made the best of an opportunity to hike up Brasstown Bald and enjoy the beautiful clear views from the observation tower!
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The route
7.0 mi · 159 ft climbing · 4h 13m out, 3h 42m walking · 1.9 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
Photos (27)
One of few views of Brasstown Bald from the trail. Some fall colors showing. Today's hikers (L-R)- Back: Angela, Dick, Beth H., Charles, Edwin, John, Kim, Heather & Roger; Front: Mike, Jenny, Beth M. & Vic. Off to the trailhead! A little information on this trail. Just a bit of uphill to start with. Nice trail though. Some of the first wildflowers seen. Clockwise: Spotted Lady'sthumb, Snakeroot & even Goldenrod has a pretty flower. Most of the trail is in the Brasstown Wilderness except the last 1.3 miles. Quite a bit of this former road was cut into rock which now sports a colorful covering of moss, lichen and natural colors. Another view along the trail and sheer rock wall on the east side of the trail. Heather, we are still looking for that old Studebaker that might have become stuck on this old road. Our first view to the west along the trail. Sourwoods dominated the red colors today. But there were some Red Oaks, too. Another view of Brasstown Bald from the overlook. White and Blue Wood Asters. John Cape headed down a narrower part of the colorful trail. The Turtlehead has a really unique bloom. These were seen in a small wet section of the trail. A Striped Gentian I believe??? Sometimes the trail was littered with Red Maple leaves. Toward the latter part of the hike we walked over several sections covered with Beech tree leaves. I thought Beeches held onto their leaves through the winter???. Beth McDonald walking through Poison Ivy Alley. Richweed perhaps ??? Other wildflowers seen today. Upper right, a Goldenaster ??? A clear view of the Brasstown Bald observation tower seen after the hike. Photos by Dick Metzgar taken on his solo hike up Brasstown Bald. Views of the Brasstown Bald Observation Tower by Dick. Views from the Brasstown Bald Observation Tower by Dick. Almost forgot . . . Beth McDonald spotted this scattered remains of a yellow jacket nest dug out, she suggests, by a Bulldog . . . no a Skunk.