NOTE: Preregistration is required. Please email Hal Massie at:
Field Trip Leader: Hal Massie
Description: The East End Loop combines the White Candle Trail and Beaver Ponds Trail, with a very short piece of the Pine Mountain Trail, in FDR State Park. This 3.4 mile walk includes historic longleaf pines planted by FDR, beautiful views of Pine Mountain Valley and Dowdell’s Knob, and a good assortment of trees, some that may still be holding their autumn colors. We probably won’t see a lot in flower, but we always see something. At least we won’t be stuck in crowds of shoppers!
Directions: The WJSP Tower parking lot is about 3 miles south of historic Warm Springs on US 27 Alt. Turn right into the parking lot. If coming from the south, take US 27 Alt north from Columbus. After passing through the small town of Shiloh, continue north on US 27 Alt for 3.1 miles. Go past the intersection with GA 190 and the tower parking lot is just ahead on your left. GPS coordinates: 32.851889, -84.701528.
Meet At: The WJSP Tower parking lot off of US 27 Alt, just north of the crest of Pine Mountain.
Bathroom Facilities: None nearby, the closest bathroom will be about 9 miles away at the FDR State Park HQ.
Walking Difficulty: The combination of trails is easy to moderate. There are no strenuous uphill sections, though there are some steady gradual climbs. The trail is quite rocky and will have a lot of leaf litter on it by that point. Round trip will be 3.4 miles.
Bring: Lunch, snacks, & water. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring your favorite field guide, notebook, binoculars (great for trying to identify trees as well as birds), and hand lens. The trip leader is inordinately fond of dark chocolate. Just sayin’.