This is, by far, my favorite trail. I've written this trail in parts, because there are several different ways you can get there. Part 1 is the easiest and least stressful on your joints. While still uphill, the trail is actually a gravel road and contains very few obstacles for people with RA. There is no climbing or jumping needed for this trail, so I would rate this one as a moderate trail because of the incline and distance.
Distance from trail head: 2.52
Rating: Moderate (incline and distance)
Berry College Trail Map
Parking
Berry College asks that you park at the Frost Chapel parking lot. This adds an additional .35 miles onto your hike. It's pavement, and is a great warm up as the hill is pretty steep. Parking at the trail head is for Friendship Hall residents only.
The First Mile
The first mile is magical. It's as if you have entered a faerie dun. The smell of moss, earth, and water will ensnare your senses.
Take it all in quickly, because this is usually where my legs and knees begin their protests. The trail will be a bit more difficult if they have laid new gravel on the trail. This will add additional resistance and stress on your joints on the way up.
Mostly, I just take short breaks, but there have often been times when I've had to sit or even lie down. Hiking is not about speed. You aren't being timed.
Listen to your body. If you are in pain, stop. Take a break. Stretch. Enjoy the view. Most of the time, my pain is gone after the first mile, but it will be different for everyone. I know that If I prepare and take it easy, then I will make it.
Another benefit of taking a rest is that you get to see the abundant wildlife Berry College has to offer. You may see deer, squirrels, skunks (which we may have concluded resides withing the first mile), and even bald eagles.
The Second Mile
At the end of your first mile, you will see a trail to your left and these two signs. The trail to your left is the Mountain Goat Trail. I will talk about that one in my next post. Keep straight on the gravel road to the House of Dreams.
The next mile is much like the first. You will continue up the mountain.
The Last Stretch
You will hit mile two when you come to the stone gate. There is an area off to the left here with benches. Take a break if you wish. There will be several steep inclines ahead. You are almost there! Only half a mile to go. When you are coming down the mountain, you will notice a trail that goes straight here. That is the Hurtin' Gator trail. I will speak about that trail in another post
Enjoy the beautiful flora through here. It's breath taking
Enjoy the beautiful flora through here. It's breath taking
Top of the Mountain
You made it! Enjoy the view. Walk around the gardens. Read about the history of this beautiful retreat. Alumni and Students of Berry College can make a reservation and get a key to go inside and up the tower, but visitors can only go during regularly scheduled campus tours.
The hike is very much worth it. Take a picnic or a snack with you, and enjoy your time at the top. Take a nap in the fluffy grass or in the hammock. The rest will invigorate you for the trip down, which is much, much easier.
View from the south side looking over Rome |
Great details to help the weary step out.
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