Saturday Morning at Pine Log Creek Trail

Come join Carol and me at this beautiful, seldom used, hiking trail.   There is plenty of free parking, lots of elevation changes, beautiful views, and a quarry pond with interesting rock outcroppings to climb on for photos!  THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER HIKE.  Elevation gain is about 750 ft. 

Because of a glitch in the registration process, we've run into the problem of having too many members added to the active list above the maximum limit of 16.  Please be aware that we will be moving members above 16 registrants to the waiting list in the order of their registration times.  People will then be added to the active list as we have withdrawals.

The trail features a 4.7 mile path crossing seven rustic footbridges over Pine Log Creek. From two overlooks, hikers can view Pine Log Mountain - one of the highest elevations in Bartow County's Appalachian foothills - and the site of the Pine Log Cherokee Indian Village. The trail system includes two loops east and west and is rated moderate. Although some of the terrain is rugged there is only one significantly long climb, with an elevation gain of about 420 feet. That is not to say it's an easy hike, but we'll be taking hiking this time at a moderate pace, so if you can go the distance on hills, you should be able to handle it. The eastern loop takes hikers by an early CCC quarry pond for picturesque views.  

For those who would like to join us, we'll be stopping in Cartersville for lunch on the way home at SWheat Market Deli - - a fabulous little restaurant that features a variety of organic meals (with vegetarian options) that have garnered a 5-start rating from Yelp. Check out the deli menu and location at  http://www.swheatmarket.com .   If you're staying for lunch, you can expect to get back to the carpool by 2:30 pm.

The carpool will meet at the Chastain/Busbee Park and Ride at 8:00 am, giving us an hour to drive the 33 miles north to the trailhead.  Those going directly to the trailhead should be there by 8:45 am, so that if the carpool is on time, we can start hiking a bit early.  Be sure you indicate on your reservation whether or not you'll be joining the carpool!

From I 75, take Exit 293.  Turn right onto US 411 North. After about 7.5 miles turn right onto GA 140 East. Continue approximately 3.2 miles to Pine Log Creek Trail System parking area on the left.

No bathroom facilities are at this location, but there are plenty of trees!

Carpoolers will have to be sure to consider whether or not you will be joining the others for lunch. If you don't plan to stay for lunch, you may have to drive yourself. 

SWheat Market & Deli -  5 E Main St, Cartersville, GA 30120

http://www.swheatmarket.com

Please share gas expenses with carpool drivers.  Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $26.40 (calculated at total miles (66) * $0.400, effective Sunday, October 16, 2011). This is based on the current gas, maintenance, and other costs of $0.400 per mile as stated by the IRS & Cars.com. This should be divided by the total number of people in the vehicle (incl driver).
For example: With 4 people in the vehicle, the expense per person on this trip would be $6.60. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.