Track 4

Dist: 0.31 mi	Points: 28	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Track 1

Dist: 0.43 mi	Points: 23	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Track 2

Dist: 1.57 mi	Points: 78	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Track 3

Dist: 1.41 mi	Points: 76	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

DSC00210

Location: 33.033123°, -83.707146°
Trail sign for the Hitchiti Trail on Jarrell Plantation Road.

DSC00224

Location: 33.033184°, -83.710060°
This portion of the Hitchiti Trail crosses land that was once farmland. Today, it is a mix of loblolly pines, hardwoods in the coves, and a variety of midstory trees and shrubs.

DSC00232

Location: 33.033688°, -83.713539°
Falling Creek has many small ledges and cascades, depending on water level. It varies from a slow running brook to very minor whitewater when in flood conditions.

DSC00245

Location: 33.035355°, -83.716133°
The gneiss outcrops only have small amounts of soil and do not retain water well, except in depressions. As a result, only specialized plants and mosses are found in these locations. Along the edges where soil is found, you can find shortleaf pines, hawthorns, and other small hardwoods.

DSC00259

Location: 33.032379°, -83.722641°
A view down Falling Creek.

DSC00277

Location: 33.027561°, -83.722969°
The writers enjoy a break at the confluence of Falling Creek and the much larger Ocmulgee River.

DSC00283

Location: 33.026699°, -83.719849°
In this floodplain, the trail can be tricky to follow. Look carefully for the white blazes. Also, this section can be quite muddy if recent rains have fallen, and also tick and mosquito ridden during the summers. All the same, it offers a completely different hiking experience and should not be missed.

DSC00289

Location: 33.025211°, -83.719490°
As you rise out of the floodplain of the Ocmulgee River, note the large boulders on your left.

DSC00300

Location: 33.027027°, -83.713692°
The red cockaded woodpecker, a federally protected species, has a number of colonies in the Piedmont Wildlife Refuge, including one along Forest Service Road 108 on the Hitchiti Trail. Look for pine trees that are marked with rings at their bases for the nesting trees.

DSC00303

Location: 33.027355°, -83.713158°
In this tree, you can see an artificial nesting box that has been inserted into a large pine tree for the red cockaded woodpeckers to use. By doing so, it offers more nesting opportunities for this endangered species. Also, look for pines with active sap flows high up. These probably are natural nesting sites.

DSC00308

Location: 33.029137°, -83.712471°
Follow the road to the right to return toward the parking area. If you wish to return to the river, you can follow the road to the left (Forest Service Road 908).

HIT001

Location: 33.033367°, -83.707184°
Parking lot is 1.3 miles north of GA-18 on Jarrell Plantation Rd

HIT002

Location: 33.032848°, -83.707718°
Trailhead is across the road from the parking lot

HIT003

Location: 33.033318°, -83.710403°
R at T at the 108 Loop Trail sign

HIT004

Location: 33.033516°, -83.713203°
Falling Creek with granite outcrops. The large rocks in Falling Creek remind you of the mountains.

HIT005

Location: 33.033466°, -83.713768°
R at Trail 108 loop sign and across small bridge.

HIT006

Location: 33.035583°, -83.716003°
Granite outcrop with interesting moss growth.

HIT007

Location: 33.035282°, -83.716469°
An even larger granite outcrop with interesting moss growth. The stone is biotite gneiss.

HIT008

Location: 33.031334°, -83.722900°
Another rock ledge crosses Falling Creek.

HIT009

Location: 33.030506°, -83.722198°
Trail crosses the dead end of forest service road 908. Look for white blazes across the road as the trail continues south.

HIT010

Location: 33.027283°, -83.722984°
Confluence of Falling Creek and the Ocmulgee River. Good swimming hole or picnic site.

HIT011

Location: 33.024784°, -83.719551°
Huge boulders of biotite gneiss on the left.

HIT012

Location: 33.021282°, -83.720787°
Woodland trail ends, go left and follow Forest Service Road.

HIT013

Location: 33.027618°, -83.711952°
Left at minor intersection

HIT014

Location: 33.028767°, -83.712265°
Right at the T

Hitchiti 020

Location: 33.027084°, -83.723122°
A view of the Ocmulgee River where Falling Creek enters.