Appalachian Trail - Ramrock Mountain - March 23, 2002 - Member Trip Report
| Hike Name: | Appalachian Trail - Ramrock Mountain |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | Georgia |
| Trip Rating: |  |
| Trip Date: | March 23, 2002 |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Trail Conditions: | Excellent |
| Trail Traffic: | Light to Moderate |
| Trip Weather: | Sunny, Partly Sunny |
| Trip Winds: | Light |
| Trip Precipitation: | None |
| Trip Temperature: | High: 71-80, Low: 41-50 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Trip Report: | 3/23/02: ALE and I checked into the Black Mountain Lodge around noon then drove to Woody Gap to day-hike on the Appalachian Trail. We ran into a few thru-hikers in the parking area, and a few others on the trail. They’ve only been hiking for a couple days, and one girl said her water froze solid in the 20 degree weather on Thursday night. It was warmer today and in the 70’s. We hiked about 1 ½ miles to Ramrock Mountain which we found listed in the AT guidebook as having nice views to the south. A day-hiker was resting on the summit when we arrived, but left after five minutes. So we had the place to ourselves for at least an hour. I snapped a bunch of pictures and scouted out a campsite to the north. This is definitely an area that is worth visiting again. ALE and I watched as six hawks (or possibly turkey vultures) simultaneously rode the thermals in front of us. I guess Hawk Mountain (which is only a few miles to the southwest) was named that for a reason. I brought binoculars along since we were traveling light, and we had good views off at least three of the hawks that flew horizontally in front of the overlook. There were also some fires burning down in the valley and we tried to zoom in to investigate them. It was relaxing to sit in the afternoon sun, enjoy a beverage and watch the hawks. A thru-hiker with a NY accent was climbing the mountain to the west and we talked to him from the summit as he took frequent rest breaks on his way up the ridge. It took him over 45 minutes to make a moderate ascent up the mountain, and it didn’t sound like he had the drive or patience to make it to Maine. ALE and I headed back to the truck right as he topped out on the summit. The hike back to the truck was pleasant, and both of us enjoyed the hike on the AT this afternoon. |
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