Enthusiast III
Influencer I
Enthusiast III
Influencer I
Enthusiast III
Enthusiast III
Enthusiast III
GA is supposed to be open now but we shall see. I feel like a lot of the parks just didn't care to open back up when they could have. They could've been open for a little bit now. From everything i've seen and whatnot, it's more about the money then the Covid. Just my 2 pennies!
Member I
In Desoto we were able to reserve spots 1 month from now in june for me and my crew of 8.The Desoto Falls Recreational Area is still closed. Still a few too many roads associated with the traverse are closed too. I see that a few areas are starting to open though so hopefully it won’t be long.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest - Recreation
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest - Recreationwww.fs.usda.gov
Explorer I
North Carolina mountains are nice in the summer. If you can go late in the summer you might be able to time the seasonal color change in the forest. Beutiful! and the nights still get down where you can enjoy a camp fire, bonus.
Enthusiast III
I live up here with very close access to several sections of the Georgia Traverse and my impression is that things are opening up more. Two weeks ago the only gate I ran into was at Indian Grave and Tray Mountain Rd where you would access High Shoals and Blue Hole Falls. The roads were in very good condition. Lots more people than expected during the week though so I'm guessing everyone has the same idea about getting away. I haven't been back out since things seem to be spiking but I haven't heard of any more closures recently.
Enthusiast III
I have done it in its entirety once. I love the area. I plan weekend trips there now and go to do the section you have skipped. I drive straight to clayton and take warwoman road up to sarahs creek campground and stay the night. Then a few miles from there take the travers track west. To me this is the most beautiful and challenging of the entire track. From there to helen can be done in a day, or break it in two. The talkulah river road to charlies creek is breathtaking and the water crossing to charlies creek is not deep even during rain. Ive done the tray mountain road east to west 4 times and west to east once at night after a dusting of snow. I have no issue doing any Of it solo but prefer a 2nd vehicle for tray. I was up there a month ago and tray mtnn road was gated closed.I consider myself a relative newby. I have a 19 TRD OR that except for diff breathers is pretty much stock - even the tires. For the GA Traverse, I’ve done the west side up to Helen and the east side to Clayton. I only recall a few shallow water crossings, with those being in the north part of the loop that is west of Blue Ridge, GA. I think the part I have left to do is the most challenging, including Tray Mountain and Charlie’s Creek crossing. The latter is the small river you have to drive down, which I think is just west of Clayton. I also think Tray Mtn has some steep sections. In general, the traverse is a pretty simple drive - you can download the entire route to GaiaGPS.
Map link at bottom of this page:
The north section of the loop west of Blue Ridge connects with Cherokee NF in TN. That is a beautiful area near the Ocoee and Hiwassee rivers. Lots of forest service roads in that areas well.
Influencer I
I see you drive a 4Runner. So no issues going up Tray Mtn? Is it easier going west-to-east? I’d like to try it the easiest way first and generally go by myself. I haven’t “skipped” that section, I’ve just done part of the east end as I have family that lives not too far from Clayton. I’m kinda doing a flip-flop:). It sounds like I may have saved the best for last. I’m hoping to get up there and finish it this fall.
Influencer I
When you do more testing, the number of positive results will increase. As the number of test machines increases, so will the number of positives. Sounds like a great reason to panic and ”close” the outdoors. Pretty soon, folks will start going “postal” from being locked up. Who’s fault will that be? Sorr,y, I think closing a National Forest for anything except a fire or tornado damage is just dumb and a waste if my taxes.
I havent had any issues. Id say all but a few miles of the traverse can be done in 2wd with decent tires and good ground clearance. I am lifted 3” on 33” tires. Its probably easier going west to east on tray because the tougher terrain will be on the downhill side of the track. I prefer taking it east to west and working that stuff going uphill. It takes a little more thought in line choices but i feel i have more control of the vehicle And my speed in that direction. Honestly the only real obstacle that might stop you would be downed trees following bad weather. I have spent a fair amount of time cutting and pulling trees off the road. Im sure you are aware of that already, but be sure to carry what is needed for that in your recovery kit. Plan carefully. My last trip was the first one where I attempted tray but found the road closed. The forest service shuts it regularly. Tallulah river and charlies creek roads are gorgeous enough to be worth the trip on their own though. Taking warwoman road out of clayton you will lose cell service as soon as you leave town. Fyi.
Influencer I
Awesome info. Thanks! I have seen the videos of folks going east-to-west and having to go up that large rock step on the incline. I think that is probably what you are referencing. Do you recall about where that is?
