NOTE: Preregistration is required. Please email Rich Reaves at:
Field Trip Leader: Rich Reaves
Description: This trip will be mostly off-trail, as we visit the site where we come for large-leaf grass-of-Parnassus in early October. We should see leaves of this species, but the blooms are months away. We will work our way up the slope in a powerline right-of-way examining the late spring flora. Flowers we expect to see include leatherflower (Clematis viorna), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), goat’s rue (Tephrosia virginica), clasping leaf milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis), four-leaf milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia), Darlington’s glade spurge (Euphorbia purpurea, the only Georgia population), round-leaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), colicroot (Aletris farinosa), eastern gray beardtongue (Penstemon canescens), fairy wand (Chamaelirium luteum, if lucky as usually only bloom every 2-3 years),and others. Columbo (Frasera caroliniensis) normally puts on a great show at this time along the roadsides to the site.
Location and Directions: Take HWY 76 east through Young Harris to Timberline Drive (34.941578, -83.848705, WGS 84 Datum). Turn right on Timberline Drive. After less than 0.5 mile, Timberline makes a sharp left and Ashland Cove Drive continues straight; stay left on Timberline Drive. After approximately 0.4 mile the road will fork (Timberline in both directions), stay left. Take the next right (Rocky Knob Drive) and follow it around to the meeting site (it will become Timberline again) at approximately 34.950312, -83.835838 (WGS 84 datum). Pull off on the right side of the road in the queue.
Meet At: Approximately 34.950312, -83.835838 (WGS 84 datum) on Timberline Drive on the east side of Young Harris.
Bathroom Facilities: None
Walking Difficulty: Moderate to somewhat difficult. The slope is steep, has abundant loose rock, and is very wet in places.
Bring: Snacks, & water – we should finish up around lunch time. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to temperature changes and your activity level. You may wish to bring binoculars, hand lens, notebook, and camera.
Contact: Rich Reaves, , 770-827-5186