Chickamauga Creek Trail - Wildflowers

UPDATE:  This loop is 6.3 miles long, so we added Keown Falls at 1.8 for a total of 8.1 miles and a total elevation gain of 1537'.

This loop trail begins and ends at the end of Ponder Creek Road. It follows both Ponder Creek and Chickamauga Creek for about half the trail. At the trail loop a stone wall stands that was used by rebel forces as an entrenchment during the Civil War. 

The Chickamauga were a group of Cherokee sometimes called "Lower Towns" or "River Towns." They came to this area after white settlers further east forced them to leave the land they called home. Their violent opposition to further white encroachment made this a dangerous area until the early 1800's, when men like Major Ridge began to change the Cherokee Nation.

Many of the creeks north of the trail flow into East Chickamauga Creek, which forms a major basin in the valley below Taylor and Dicks Ridge, which the footpath follows. The river played a significant role in the history of north Georgia. Completion of a railway bridge across the river, combined with a tunnel built at Tunnel Hill created the first rail connection to the West from the South. The bridge played a significant role in the Great Locomotive Chase. Later the name would be indelibly etched in the American memory when the bloodiest two days in our history were called "Chickamauga
The trail itself is an excellent hike. Turkey, deer and skunk are easily spotted, as well as evidence of other animals and there was abundant growth indicating this would be a good springtime hike. The trail is a loop with two trailheads. The hike is described walking counter-clockwise from Ponder Creek Road.

Starting near the power lines, it climbs to Rocky Ridge. The trail meanders around second-growth hardwood coves reaching the top of the ridge near the power lines. The coves are filled with poplar at lower levels frequently giving way to hickory and oak near the tops. From Rocky Ridge the trail leaves the power lines (don't miss the blazes and continue to follow the power lines -- the power poles are marked at the top in black numbers on a yellow background. After the passing pole 125 turn left onto the trail) and climbs steadily to its highest point, the Tennessee Valley divide on Dicks Ridge. Rivers north of the divide(in this area, west in others) flow to the Mississippi. Rivers south of the divide flow to the Gulf.

Now the trail begins a downward trend to East Chickamauga Creek. This descent, which can be steep, follows switchbacks down the slope of Dicks Ridge. The path then turns south, along an old road that follows the creek upstream, crossing it repeatedly. The trail rises to cross the divide, then descends back to the starting point at Ponder Creek.This loop trail begins and ends at the end of Ponder Creek Road. It follows both Ponder Creek and Chickamauga Creek for about half the trail. At the trail loop a stone wall stands that was used by rebel forces as an entrenchment during the Civil War.

Are you still reading - good - this trail SHOULD have excellent flowers!  Bring your camera and enjoy the photo opportunities.  This can be a very wet trail!!!

You MUST have a WMA fishing, hunting, or land use pass.  See the additional notes below to obtain a license (fishing is the best option).  If you do not have a license you will not be given credit for the hike.  Please follow Georgia WMA requirements.  

Carpool departure 9 AM

Trailhead departure 10:40 AM at Chickamunga

Trailhead return 2:40 PM from Keown Falls

Carpool return 4PM

Take 75 North to Route 136 (exit 320), regroup and bio break at Flying J, then head west on 136 for 18 miles. Turn right onto Ponder Creek Road for approximately 0.6 mile. Take the right fork onto Forest Service Road 219 to the end of the road. 

Pass or License Options: As has been mentioned above, the C-P WMA requires a license/pass for access. There are three options: a Georgia fishing license, a hunting license, or a Land Access Permit. A fishing license cost $15 for an annual, or $5 for one day. Land Access Permits cost $30 for a year (no short term available). If you fish, hunt, or plan to hike an any of the WMAs that require a permit/license, then the annual fishing licese is the most cost effective option. Licenses can be purchased at these locations, or you can get them online.