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Cherokee Removal Began In Murphy North Carolina

Murphy- Cherokee County was ground zero for the Cherokee Indian removal. This is the hub of the Cherokee removal.People were brought to Fort Butler ans a week was the longest most stayed.

Fort Butler was on the hill on Hitchcock Syreet. Not at the park on Fort Butler Street. Down the hill, the route of the former Unicoi Turnpike, over which Cherokee were marched to Fort Cass,Tenn.and on to Lndian Territory in Oklahoma.

Fort Butler was U.S. Army headquarters in North Carolina for the removal. More than 3,000 Cherokee were arrested and brought to Fort Butler in june and July of 1838,although there were more than 1,500 Cherokee at the fort at a time. The prisoner camps at Fort Butler spread north and east of the fort.

The Baptist church ministered to the Cherokee at Fort Butler. Armed soldiers escorted Cherokee who wanted to be baptized down the hill to the Hiwassee river.

There wasn't a strong military presence at Fort Butler until just before thr removal began. Then, about 1,100 federal troops fresh from the Seminloe Indian wars in Florida were debarked at Charleston, S.C.,and marched through Clarkville Ga., to Fort Butler to help with the removal.

The U.S. government deported more than 16,000 Cherokee from their homelands in Tennessee,Alabama,North Caroilna and Georgia.

Many Native Americans suffered from exposure,disease and starvation during the march to what is now Oklahoma. Of the approximate 15,000 relocated Cherokee,4,000 died.

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Wine Country The Mountains Of North Carolina

When we think of Murphy and the surrounding area, spectacular Mountain vistas, gorgeous lakes,and outdoor sports come to mind. But few people realize that we are adjacent to, if not part of wine country.

There are 5 liensed wineries in Cherokee and Graham Counties and several more vineyards. If we look at our neighbors to the south and east, wineries and vineyards are scattered throughout the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Just an hours drive south down 129 brings you to North Georgia wine country. A dozen wineries, some comparable to thoes of California, stretch from Dahlonega to Clayton. Add in the beautiful scenery and the winding Mountains roads and an excellent day trip is just around the conner. in all there are more than 50 Wineries in Georgia.

North Carolina is no new scrnr either. Before prohibition, North Carloina was the country's leading wine and grape producer. While tobacco replaceed grapes as the crop of choice during prohibition, this changed again with the tobacco company's settlement of the various lawsuits. now once again the state is encouraging grape growing as a viable alternative to tobacco.

Today there are over 117 licensed wineries and 400 vineyards in North Carloina. Some are as small as a storage shed, while others, encompass hunderds of acres with winemaking facilities of 50,000 square feet or more.

The economic impact of this industry has grown also. Today, wine and grape production adds over 800 million dollars,to our states economy and provides nearly 6000 jobs.

It isn't just North Carolina that is benefiting from this renaissance. Our state is listed among top five destinations for wine tourism.

So we live in and around one of the countrys best wine tourism spots yet 9 out 10 people have no idea it even exists.

Rock Hounding On National Forest And Land

You don't necessarily have to go to a commercial gem mine to find precious and semiprecious stones-that is,if you know what to look for.A wide array of land,both public and private,contains igneous,sedimentary and metamorphic rock types,along with the individual mineraals associated with such rock.On private land,of course,you will have to get permission of owners for any roch-hounding activities,but on National Forest lands (though not in national parks or wilderness areas)there is no objection,as a rule,to taking a handful of rock,mineral or petrified wood speciments from the surface of the ground. 

There is no fee,special permission or permit required as long as such collecting doesn't conflict with existing mineral permits,leases,clams or sales-and even here,you can seek the permission of the minerals owner to do some collecting.These areas can be identified from maps in the ranger district offices.Any collected specimens must also be for personal and noncmmercial use,and cannot be of archeological value (artifacts,including projectile points,chips and flakes may not be collected).

Certain areas are designated as archeological sites or geologic interest areas,and ground disturbance of any sort is prohibited in these and any unrecorded archeological sites. You must also be sure that your rock hounding doesn't cause any signifiant surface disturbance to the land,air,or water. Therefore,it goes without saying that no explosives or mechanical equipment can be used.

The Forest Service district ranger offices are the best sources for current rules,maps and information on local access and road condition within the forest. However,they do not normally keep information concering minerals or collecting localities,thoug they may have some knowledge about these subjects.For this infomation,it is best to contact the state's geological survery office,university geology departments and libaries,mineralogical societies and rock-hounding and lapidary clubs. 

Cherokee County Chronology

Cherokee county is in the western part of North Carolina has had a long and interesting history.The following chronology of events notes highlights since 1820.

1820-The Baptist Church established mission school and church at Old Natchez Town on the Hiwassee river.

1830-Col. A.R.S. Hunter built an Indian trading Post,at present of Murphy,called Huntersville.

1835-First post office opened under the name of Huntington with A.R.S. Hunter as its first postmaster.

1838-Fort Butler established as headquarters for the removal of the Cherokee Indians over the famous "Trail of Tears."

1839-Cherokee County formed from a portion of Macon County.

1840- Census of 1840 shows county with a population of 3,427.

1841-Murphy incorporated as county seat of  cherokee county.

1843- Settlers moving west establish village of Persimmon Creek.first post office with B. Stiles as postmaster.

1847- Turtletown post office established on Shoal Creek.

1854- Fain bloomery Forge begins operation on Owl creek. John caldwell opens road from Ocoee river to ducktown and wagon travel between Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee becomes possible for the first time.

1860- First Methodist church,Harshaw Chapel,built in Murphy..Census shows county population as 9,166.

1861- Governor Ellis declares state out of the Union.Cherokee County asked to raise 1100 men for Confederate Army...Clay County founded from southwestern section of Cherokee County.

1865-Kirk's raiders burn Murphy courthouse...battle of Hanging Dog marks last battle of Civil war in the county.

1868- New brick courthoise built on same site of the one burned in 1865.

1871- Hiwassee and Cheoah Turnpike company fromed.

1872-Meroney and Olmsted establish first foundry for the manufacture of plows and jollowware...Graham County fromed from portion of Cherokee County.

1873- Cherokee Herald becomes first newspaper James O. Robinson publishing first edition Dec.11.

1882- Mount Pleasant Academy opened with Porfesser Rolan in charge.

1884- Famous Dickey  Hotel opened.

1888- Georgia and North Carolina Railroad reaches Murphy from Marietta,Ga.

1890- Town of Andrews incorporated...W.T. Corder erects first two story brick building in Murphy.

1891- Southern Railroad reches Murphy from Asheville...New brick courthouse built.

1892- New courthouse destroyed by fire.

1893- Courthouse rebuilt.

1895- Rebuilt courthouse destoryed by fire.

1896- Courthouse 0nce again rebuilt using same outer walls of the destroyed in the previous year.

1898- Miners and Planters Bank chartered as frist bank in the county.

Jack Shingler Coldwell Banker High Country Realty,Murphy N.C.

www.MountainWineAndHomes.com  Your Real Estate Broker Cherokee,Clay,Countys,Murphy N.C. 

Cherokee Hills Golf Course and Country Club

Semipublic Cherokee Hills,With its 18-Hole Championship golf course,lies in a picturesque mountain valley 3 miles east of Murphy.In addition to a 12 unit lodge,this community resort offers townhouses for rent  or sale,along with home sites,tennis courts,a pool,restaurant and complete pro shop.

Golf packages start at $65.00 per night per person,double occupancy,and includes logging and golf with a cart.Greens fees are $15.00,and the cart rentals are $10.00.

Cherokee Hills Golf and Country Club

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Cool,summers and mild winters,divided by long springs and lingering vividly colored autumns make Mountain golf,as it's commonly called her,a year-round pleasure. Should a particular day seem a little too chilly for a game,you might opt to play one of the courses in the warmer Thermal Belt around Tryon down in Polk County,where the elevation is only 1,100 feet.During the dog day of summer,you can head for one of the higher-altitude courses up too 3,000 feet or more for a decided drop in degrees.

Wherever you play,you'll be surrounded by beauty and challenged by courses sculpted around and within incredible natural settings that include undulating hills,deep mountain valleys,rivers,lakes,waterfalls, and majestic rock formations,all lusciously green by some 50 inchs of rainfall spread fairly evenly througout the year.

There are dozens of public, semipublic and private courses sattered throughout thr region,so we are only giving you a taste of the variety offered.Some of the pirvate courses are for property owners and friends,and some resort courses are open only to guests,but many of these offer reasonably priced golf packages that include accommodations and,often,meals.Other are open to the general public,but most require that reservations be made in advance.

Cherokee Hills Golf Course and Country Club    

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Blue Ridge and Fannin County are famous for trout, so let’s take a look at some of the hot spots. Before we begin, you should be aware that Georgia requires a trout stamp in addition to the basic freshwater fishing license. (The most common interpretation of the exemption for resident seniors is that seniors who fish free for other species in Georgia do not need to buy a trout stamp.) TheGeorgia DNR has a very helpful free map of trout streams in Georgia. You should be aware that certain streams have special regulations, and that while some streams are open year-round, the mouths of their tributary creeks are subject to seasonal closure. If you are fishing the tailrace of the dam, you must be aware of the release schedule from the dam (see below for instructions). Please also be aware that in our part of the world, folks take their property rights very seriously, and trespassing is ill advised. Here in the mountains, at least when it comes to trespassing, it’s definitely not true that “it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.” Asking nicely will open many doors.

The river below the dam – the tailrace – is considered the best trout stream in Georgia. The entire river is open year-round, except for the mouths of the tributary creeks. (To interpret the directions below, remember that the Toccoa River flows north, into the Tennessee River system.) The tailrace is heavily stocked, primarily with rainbows, but there are also some wild trout in this portion of the river. In a drought year, such as we had in 2007, the river receives even more than its normal heavy allocation of trout, because the smaller streams are too low and warm to support successful stocking. Trout are regularly stocked at Tammin Park (just below the dam off Hwy 515), at Curtis Switch (midway between the dam and the Tennessee line off Hwy 60 north), and at Horseshoe Bend Park (near the Tennessee line off the River Road). These are also the major access points to the tailrace, which flows mostly through private land. The river probably receives the most fish at Tammin Park, so that is probably the best place to introduce your kids to trout fishing or to plan a family outing. The river also receives the most fishing pressure here, but I regularly see people taking big stringers of good fish from the river at Tammin Park, particularly if they are fishing with bait.

Because of the limited access, drift fishing is a very productive strategy on the tailrace. It is possible to put a drift boat in at the public access just below the dam (which unfortunately does not feature a boat ramp), but you should scout your takeout point first to determine feasibility. Most people floating in tubes put in at Tammin Park. The usual take-out point for them is Curtis Switch, although Horseshoe Bend Park can also be used for a longer day’s fishing. The commercial guides who drift the river regularly report 100 fish days. The river is considered best on a falling “tide,” or a water level that is falling after release from the dam is over. The river is considered more productive when it is slightly stained. It cannot be productively fished when water is being released from the dam.

Another reason the tailrace is so productive is that the water that is released comes from the bottom of the dam and is uniformly cold throughout the summer. If you are wading the tailrace near the dam, you should be prepared to experience water temperatures in the 50s. The water that is released from the dam is actually oxygenated on release, to improve the fishery. This part of the river is known for big trout, no doubt aided by the many cabin owners on the river who enjoy feeding the fish. I’ve stood on more than a few decks with people throwing pellets into the river, and it’s incredible how many foot-long trout instantly appear to take advantage of the opportunity.

To ensure your safety, you must know the release schedule for the dam. There is a warning system planned, but it is not operational yet and probably will not provide full coverage. If you are wading the river, you must be prepared to move immediately if the water level starts to rise. This is no joke. The water comes up very fast. Check the release schedule on the TVA website, or call 800.238.2264, then press number 4, then the number for Lake Blue Ridge, which is 23.

It’s worth remembering that the tailrace is the best trip saver in the event of heavy rain, as the upper parts of the tailrace never become stained with runoff.

The river above the dam in considered fair to good for trout. The advantage to fishing this part of the river is the beautiful scenery. It’s more of a natural river, with beautiful big rocks, and – unlike many comparable streams  – there is plenty of room to make the long casts. Access is also better, as much of the upper river flows through national forest land. Most of the undeveloped land on the far side of the river from Aska Road is national forest. The Sandy Bottoms Canoe Takeout is a good place to start exploring the river (cross the Shallowford Bridge, follow the road around to the right past the cabins, and turn right at the fork at the top of the hill). Another good starting point is the Deep Hole Campground on Hwy 60 South. There are also some places where the river can be accessed just upstream of Dial.

While most anglers wade this part of the river, it can be floated in a canoe, depending on the water level. Paddlers usually put in either at Deep Hole or just upstream of Dial. The river is run mostly on the right from Dial to the Shallowford Bridge. Those floating the river from Deep Hole usually take out at Sandy Bottoms. Those starting upstream of Dial usually take out on forest service land just before the island that sits in the river above Shallowford Bridge - it’s tough to get a canoe through there without taking on water – but you can also take out a little downstream from the Shallowford Bridge, where Aska Road comes down to a big bend in the river. (If you’re doing that, watch out for the drop to the right of the pool, the big rock just to the right of the drop – ideal for head banging - and the suck below the drop. One of my friends watched eleven out of twelve Adventure Racers wipe out on the drop this year, and one team got their canoe stuck in the suck.) When planning to fish the upper Toccoa, be aware that people floating the river in tubes from the Toccoa River Campground on Aska Road can affect fishing between the campground and the Shallowford Bridge, particularly on nice Saturdays.

Fightingtown Creek is justly famous for big trout, but public access is extremely limited, and in most cases access needs to be negotiated. There is some public access to the upper reaches on forest service land off Cashes Valley Road, but most of the creek flows through private land. The creek comes off Flathead Mountain in the Cohutta Wilderness Area and flows through most of Fannin County before it joins the river in McCaysville/Copperhill.

Hemptown Creek has some very good fish, particularly north of Hwy 515, where the creek picks up the runoff from Pittman Mountain and increases greatly in size. Access is primarily from the bridge crossings.

Noontoola Creek is a beautiful, gravel-bottomed stream that has special regulations. The triangle between Aska Road and Newport Road is mostly public land (access it from the bridge over Aska Road and work upstream or downstream to the river). Further upstream, in the Blue Ridge WMA, it is home to native trout and – during spawning season – to some big trout.

In the Cohutta Wilderness Area, the Jacks River is a favored venue for native rainbows and browns, although it requires a significant hike-in. The usual access point to the Jacks from Blue Ridge is at Dally Gap (Hwy 5 north to Old Hwy 2 to Watson Gap, then right, along the forest service road to the gap). It is about two miles from Dally Gap to the river, but the fishing can be rewarding. If you have a friend who can give you access to the Consauga Creek near the Jones Settlement, you are in special luck. Again, and especially here, do not trespass.

All of the river tributaries and most of the smaller streams that come out of the Cohutta Wilderness areas also hold trout. Fishing pressure in our mountains is very light, and there are plenty of opportunities to work long stream stretches without competition from other anglers. So if you like a little solitude in your outdoor experience, consult the DNR map and try some of the smaller venues. You may just find your own special place to contemplate the beauty of our native trout.And yes there are a lot of trout strems in Murphy,and Cherokee,Clay Counties.

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It all started here and the rush was on.  Discovery of gold in Northern Georgia ended decades of broken treaties and unscrupulous land deals with the Cherokee People. No more wars, no more debates the Cherokee had to go and the beginning of the Trail of Tears was put into effect.  Even though the Cherokee had legal rights granted by treaty technicalities arose the largest exodus of Native Americans in U.S. history began here in the mid 1830’s. President Andrew Jackson turned a blind eye to the Cherokee People and allowed the state of Georgia to exercise their own will creating a gold stampede.  It wasn’t gold that Georgia was so interested in it was the wealth of the Cherokee land that drove the state ambitions.  The military was brought in and those who didn’t exit of their own free will were round up at gunpoint and forced from their homelands, they numbered into the thousands.  

Gold was discovered earlier in North Carolina yet the first major gold rush in America began in what is now Lumpkin County, Georgia between 1828 and 1832.  The California gold rush didn’t begin until 1848. The southern Blue Ridge Mountains are considered the gold belt of the Eastern United States.  Ferdinand DeSoto first sought gold here in the 1550’s on an expedition from Spain. His company of 600 men and horse weren’t necessarily looking to dig for gold they were rather more concerned with easy pickings’ by taking the gold from the Native American.  DeSoto under estimated the Native Americans, they had a general lack of interest in the yellow stone, they mostly used for some ornaments and some trade value.  This caused DeSoto to come up pretty much empty handed during his long exploration even though the mountains he traversed were full of un-harvested gold.

The 1830’s gold strike drew gold prospectors into the southern Blue Ridge Mountains on North Georgia in hordes.  The mountain town Dahlonega in Lumpkin County became the gold capital and mint of the United States of America.  Dahlonega was the launching site of numerous expeditions into the mountains.  The old Native American trails were becoming the new mountain roads into the rugged interior of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

The tales of gold fever is an extensive tale and a story the Blue Ridge Highlander is preparing as a virtual tour of this historic event.  Though no particular scenic tour has been established the Blue Ridge Highlander has personally map out a mountain road trip that will take you into the heart of mountain gold country and back.  This customized tour will begin in Dahlonega travel into the heart of the North Georgia Mountain reaching the historic town of Blairsville in Union County and end up back in Dahlonega.  What the Highlander has first decided to do here is to guide you on a road trip that’s composed of several main routes and let you discovery for yourself a land more rich in beauty than the gold itself.   Look for our extensive virtual tour under the title, “Gold Cities Tour…Yellow Fever Rush.”

We begin our scenic driving tour on the northern outskirts of Dahlonega.  At the intersection of GA9 and GA 60-Highway 19, there’s a memorial plaque and some historical information entitled, “Gold Diggers Road.” Following north on 60-19-9 you wind up through the foot hills of the mountains till you reach the junction of where GA 60 goes straight and GA 9-Highway 19 go right, the first leg of our tour will take the right turn.  GA-60 will be used for the return trip.

Highway 9/19 skirts along the lower slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range for several miles before reaching a dead end at Turners Corner where you will turn left and go north on Highway 19-129.  Here you enter the Chattahoochee National Forest, the highway travels along Bagg Creek for a short distance before leaving the creek banks and begins its climb. 

Just up the road a short distance watch for the entrance of Desoto Falls Scenic and Recreation Area on the left.  A piece of Spanish armor was said to have been found near here attributing to the idea that at least a group of Spanish explorers might have explored Frogtown Creek located in the Recreation Area or used this route over the mountains providing there was a trailhead here. Hiking trails to two of the Recreation Area’s waterfalls are located here along the DeSoto Falls Trail, picnic areas and camping are available. 

Leaving DeSoto Falls Recreation Area you continue up Highway 19-129.  Along the route you’ll find your traveling up one of the nations finest engineered highways in the country.  The mountain drops away to the left as grand mountaintops pop up out of the treetops. You’ll ascend skyward until you each Neel’s Gap, the highest point on Highway 19-129.  At the gap you’ll find the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center; a stone structure that was built here between 1934 to1938 by the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corps. Today the stone structure houses a gift shop.  A stone observation deck located next to the Walasi-Yi Center presents a southern mountain view and Highway 19-129 below weaving its way up the southern slope.  The Appalachian Trail crosses here at the gap and center a welcomed rest area with public showers for Appalachian Trail hikers.  If you’re up for a short hike you can take the Neel’s Gap to Blood Mountain Trail two miles up to the summit of Blood Mountain. Blood Mountain is one of the higher mountains in North Georgia offering great views.  The trail also accesses the Appalachian Trail; the moderate to strenuous hike is very popular.

From Neel’s Gap going north you leave Lumpkin County behind and enter Union County, Highway 19-129 begins its descent at this from here, please refer to the Highlander Tips on Driving down the steep grade.  A half a mile north from Neel’s Gap along the 19-129 is the Bryon Herbert Reece Memorial Trail, a quite little retreat just off the main highway. Dedicated to the beloved writer who lived in Union County.  The park has a sense of peace and tranquility about it; it’s heavily forested and has thick carpet of green ferns blanking the floor.   Rather than parking at Walasi-Yi Center its best to park here if your planning a days hike on the Appalachian Trail or hike to the top of Blood Mountain.  The center has limited parking idea for shorter visits to the overlook or the gift shop. The trailhead at Bryon Herbert Reece Memorial Trail will lead you up to the Appalachian/Neel’s Gap Trail.

Continuing on, Highway 19-129 follows a steep winding mountain slope downward with vistas occasionally popping out of the trees.  If you wonder why there are more trees blocking the view than overlooks its due to conservation, mountain soil is soft and the trees bind the soil to the mountains.  Erosion is a serious matter; watersheds are essential to the mountain rivers and streams that cross the southeastern United States eventually find their way to the ocean and Gulf of Mexico.  Many visitors enjoy returning to the mountains after the leaves fall just to enjoy the mountain views thru the bare trees. 

After winding down the mountains for a time you’ll come to a turn off on your right that will lead you to Helton Creek Falls.  The road is a forestry road that usually means dirt, if you don’t mind getting you vehicle dusty this is a popular side road trip and the falls are worth it. The road winds about 3 miles more or less to a parking area where a trail leads you along a very short hike to the base of the falls.  The falls are close enough you can hear the water pouring over the shear drop off, when the trees are bare you can see the falls from a short distance.

Traveling further down the mountain on 19-129 you’ll come to Vogel State Park, the entrance is on the left, your going to want to stop here and spend some time, Vogel State Park is that perfect idea mountain park. Here you’ll find a small mountain lake with a beautiful mountain backdrop from the opposite end of the lake.  There’s a swimming area with paddle boats, picnic areas, miniature golf, a gift shop, camping area, cabins (must be reserved ahead,) numerous trails and more. At the opposite end of the small lake is a trailhead that will lead you to the bottom of a beautiful steep cascading waterfall.  The waterfall is also visible from Highway 19-129 on the left side of the road if you can’t make the hike. From this advantage point you can enjoy a full-length view a falls pouring down from Lake Trahlyta.

Leaving the Vogel State Park turn left on 19-129 going north.  The highway joins GA 180 as it winds along the fringes of Chattahoochee National Forest. After existing the National Forest GA 180 turns east, stay on 19-129 north. From here you will have entered one of the North Georgia’s most picturesque valleys completely enclosed by high mountain peaks. A short distance from where GA 180 turns east leaving 19-129 you’ll find your next turn; this turn is easy to miss!  When you reach the paved side road of Owl Town spur turn left, the purpose of this route is to take you into the gold fields of Union County.

This beautiful mountain drive takes you into the heart of the county. Pasturelands with views of mountain landscapes will capture your attention.  The large mountain vista to the east is the Brasstown Bald range, the highest point in Georgia.  (A paved road leads to the parking area just below the summit of Brasstown Bald.  To access Brasstown Bald use GA 180 back where it turned off of 19-129, if you choose to make the journey allow plenty of extra time.)

Back on Owl Town Road you continue your present journey until you reach a low gap along Duncan Ridge, the gap is not marked but you’ll know you’ve arrived when you transmission begins to pull harder climbing the ridge.  After you crest the ridge you descend into Coosa Creek territory one of the most historical gold finds in the interior of the North Georgia Mountains. Coosa Creek is on the left with a backdrop of beautiful cone shaped mountains. The gold-quarts discovered here at Coosa Creek has been considered to be some of the finest purest grade gold in the world; it was both panned from the creek and tunneled from the mountains.  Today gold prospectors still pan and dig or gold in these mountains, skilled gold seekers know how to find the yellow stone whether it’s in creek beds or along mountain slopes, a hobby with a profit.

Traveling further along Owl Town Road you’ll soon come to a dead end at Mulky Gap Road, turn right and go a short distance to the Blue Ridge Highway, you’ll know your there because Mulky Gap ends at this junction. Turn right on Blue Ridge Highway which may also be marked as Old 76, a short drive east on this road will bring you to Blairsville, Union County.

Blairsville is a modest mountain town growing quickly along the four-lane Highway 515.  Once you enter town locate the old Courthouse, it’s easy to find you can’t miss the clock tower.  The old Courthouse on the square is one if not the most classic courthouses in all the North Georgia Mountains. Today the old courthouse is a museum that depicts the times of gold rush day, mountain farming, logging companies and local history. Surrounding the courthouse square is a modest shopping area with eateries along with other shopping, eateries and lodging throughout the town and county. The atmosphere here is pure mountain style living.  The main annual festival is the “Sorghum Fest,” held at Fort Sorghum located one block from the Courthouse Square.  Just north of Blairsville is Lake Nottely; the lake stretches across the northern part of the county. Fishing, camping, boating are but a few of the many recreation Union County has to offer,

Our Gold City Tour is half over once you’ve reach the Courthouse Square and our journey back begins at the backdoor of the courthouse when you once again pickup Highway 19-129 and head south crossing the southern valley of Union County.  Grand mountain views border both sides of the highway with huge mountains to the south the same one’s that were cross on the journey to Blairsville. Blood Mountain towers over the southern range going larger with every mile put behind you. If you think we’re doing the trip backward guess again, our journey along Gold City Tour is a loop or rather a figure eight.  Just this side of Vogel State Park we’ll turn off and head deep into the Chattahoochee National Forest so stay with the tour and don’t get lost.

Several miles south of Blairsville you’ll come to GA 180 east on the left do not turn, continue driving south on Highway 19-129.  GA 180 follows along 19-129 for more of less than three miles before leaving 19-129.  Turn right onto GA 180 and leave 19-129 behind, if you reach Vogel State Park you just passed GA 180 turn around and go back, GA 180 will be on the left. 

GA180 will skirt along the opposite side of Vogel State Park where you’ll see the lake and several park cabins from the road.  After passing the park GA 180 begins to wind along tight curves as the road ascends into the forest.  In comparison to Highway 19-129, GA 180 is a tight well-paved road.  The road here is reminiscent of the old mountain roads used by wagons and buckboards during the 19th century.  The winding road and surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest is beautiful, very pristine creating a sense of privacy all your own. You’ll come to a long hairpin switchback curve that will take you even higher into the mountains; this is a great-secluded roadway.  Featured photo at top of story is this particular hairpin curve.

Climbing a short ways up the road you’ll come to a modest parking spot, this is Sosebee Cove Scenic Area and Hiking Trail.  Very quite here if your looking for a short and easy to hike trail a chance to breath in fresh mountain air. The forest covered loop trail is only one third of a mile long.

Back on the road and a little further ahead you’ll cross Wolfpen Gap and start down a gradual descent.  Just up the road on GA 180 is Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area located on the left.  This modest mountain lake along with its camping, swimming, boating (only electric motors,) picnic areas and hiking trails was named after General Winfield Scott, the commander who oversaw the removal of the Cherokee People during the Trail of Tears exodus.

Just pass Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area on GA 180 you’ll enter a remote high mountain valley and the settlement of the town of Suches Georgia in Union County.  You won’t find a town here just a picturesque mountain community that has seen little change in over 100 years, even though the communities population has grown in the pass few years its still barely noticeable. Up the road GA 180 will dead end at GA-60, turn left and go south on GA-60.  You’ll pass Woody Lake on your left, a small mountain lake on the edge of Suches.  Just pass the lake you’ll begin you last mountain ascent on you Gold City Tour. 

Within a couple of miles you’ll reach Woody Gap (named after a local forest ranger) at the top of the grade. At the gap there are parking areas on both sides of GA-60.  The parking area to the right offers a dramatic view from the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains looking down onto the lower Georgia Piedmont.  Here the Appalachian Trail crosses the scenic tour once again, you can hike the trail in either direction or take the trail to the south on the right side parking area.  The trail it leads up to a forestry lookout tower if you’re so inclined to make the hike. 

The descent south down GA-60 is fairly steep, curvy and the views are stupendous; it’s the last leg of our Gold City Tour so you’re going to want to savor this part of the journey.  A short ways down the grade is the Chestatee Overlook, the overlook is overgrown blocking most of the view but there’s a nice private picnic table there if you’re looking to catch a snake break.  Just pass the overlook on the left side of the road is the entrance route to Dockery Lake and Trail.  The road is an unpaved forestry road that descends down to the lake.  The lake is small and quite private is your looking for some private time,

Continuing down GA 60 along its winding curves and spectacular piedmont views you’ll reach the bottom of the grade and once again come to the junction of GA 60 and Highway 19, the crossroads you first encountered north of Dahlonega.

At the crossroads you’ll notice a rather tall stack of stones in the center of the junction with a large plaque accompanying.  The plaque tells of the Cherokee princess Trahlyta, enchanted with great beauty obtained from “Witch of Cedar Mountain,” is was said that the witch knew of the secrets of the magic springs of eternal youth located 3/4 of a mile from here. Trahlyta’s tribe lived on Cedar Mountain north of here.  Legend has it that Wahsega a rejected suitor kidnapped the great beauty Trahlyta.  Taken far from her homeland she lost the enchantment of her beauty.  Dying of a broken heart and away form the powers of the magic spring Wahsega promised to return her to her homelands and bury her near the magic spring.  Laid to rest under a large stack of stones, Trahlyta remains legendary to her people and her beloved mountains.   Travelers who passed by here would add a stone to the stack for good fortune.  Often you’ll find the mystique of ancient Native American’s throughout this particular scenic tour. Continue straight south on the combined roads of GA69/Highway19 for a few miles and you’ll find yourself back in the gold town of Dahlonega. 

The center square of Dahlonega is beautiful with 19th century architect surrounding the old Courthouse on the center square.  The old Courthouse acts as a gold museum operated by the Department of Georgia State Parks; the building is the oldest building in North Georgia.  A block south of the square is another building that once operated as a United States Mint.  The tower standing high above the mint has a gold covered copula.  Dahlonega is one of the most charming towns in all the North Georgia Mountains with shopping, dining and lodging to accommodate its guest. The biggest town event each year is the “Gold Rush Days Festival,” occurring each autumn, the streets feel with visitors and vendors and entertainment offering a great time for celebration. You can take a carriage ride around the town or take a whitewater rafting trip or fly fish in one of the many streams in Lumpkin County are just a few of the activities available.

Once you get that taste of “gold fever” for yourself you’ll want to visit one of the old mines located nearby, and your definitely going to want to pan gold for yourself.

Gold City Tour is a great trip you’ll want to take more than once.  Each season offers a new experience and with so much to do you’ll have to come back.  Thanks for selecting this particular high country drive form our Scenic Highlander Tours and join us for our more in-depth virtual road trip entitled  “Gold Cities Tours…Yellow Fever Rush.”   We’ll be bringing you lots of pictures, more history and plenty of things to do and enjoy.