Rescheduled: Summit GA 4000 foot peaks - Grassy Ridge plus wildflowers

Due to a forecast of show on the original date, this event has been rescheduled: 

On this hike we will conquer Georgia's 8th highest peak (using the 160' prominence cutoff) Grassy Ridge (4400') as well as exploring other parts of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness.

We will begin our hike at Patterson Gap and head north following the ridgeline and a faint trail up for about 1.5 miles to the summit of Grassy Ridge.  After a short pause for pictures, we will continue north along the ridge to Nichols Gap where we will pick up the Grassy Ridge Trail and follow this for another mile or so until it ends at the Applachian Trail at Carters Gap Shelter.  We'll take a short break at the shelter before retracing our steps.  A short distance after crossing through Nichols Gap again, we will veer off on a faint side trail to explore Till Ridge Cove.  This cove is considered by many to be one of the finest botaincal areas of the state with thousands of Trilliums blooming.  And we should be there at approximately the peak of their spring show.  After spending some time in the cove, we will hike back to our cars.  

The total hiking distance should be around 8-9 miles and around 2000 feet of total elevation.  But some of this will be off trail or on unmaintained trails.

This area did burn during the 2016 Rock Mountain Fire, but the area should be plenty recovered by now.  

Up to two well behaved dogs will be allowed.

We will stop for a break on the drive up at Ingles in Clayton.

From the Park and Ride, go north on I-85

Merge into left lanes and continue on I-985

I-985 will turn into US-23 N/US-441 N/GA-15; remain on this road to Clayton.

We will take a short comfort break in Clayton and stay together for the drive to the trailhead.