Jan 15th 2022 Forest Service Road Ride - discussion

[RunAmok]

Howdy!

I just got a new Jeep and looking to join up with some folks for my first off road adventure. Would this be a good opportunity for that?

Ron

[Grass Janitor]

Howdy!

I just got a new Jeep and looking to join up with some folks for my first off road adventure. Would this be a good opportunity for that?

Ron

Yes, this will be a perfect time to get out and do some mild off-roading!  You should definitely join us for this one. 

[tjsahara00]

Ok we need to set a meeting place and time. Got quite a few new members on face book asking about and wanted to get out for the first time.

Who has a good route?
Let's get this planned out please.

[TravisMac]

This going to be mild enough to drive the tow rig? If so I might try to bring the kiddo

[tjsahara00]

Yes it should be.

[classified]

Ok we need to set a meeting place and time. Got quite a few new members on face book asking about and wanted to get out for the first time.

Who has a good route?
Let's get this planned out please.

Using the same web site I use when we do this in Colorado, I came up with a 2.5 hr start.
I dont know these roads or if they are open or not.

https://goo.gl/maps/nmdjYQWYXbHRhNdn6

[classified]

https://goo.gl/maps/uLq7xVeTxNHkQGhn9

There is another hour, at the end of Weeks Creek there is another road on the other side of 60 called West Skeenah Rd. Its not on Google Maps, but was open as of 12-8. Its another 45min.

So there is about a 4-4.5 hour ride. Do we need more than that? its about 20 min from the end of Skeenah to the Cooper Creek area

[classified]

In case anyone wants to read up on the route. https://www.trailsoffroad.com/states/GA

Forrest Service Rd 28-1
Winding Stair Gap
Springer Mtn Rd
Noontootla Rd
Hightower Gap Rd
Rock Creek Rd
Weeks Creek Rd
West Skeenah Rd

[tjsahara00]

I know some of you know the service roads pretty good!

@8lugLJ
@Cannonballkev
@Grass Janitor
@classified

I see where Danny posted on our FaceBook page so we need to decide on the route and who will lead.
I have some things going on but will try to be there. I know Charlie's creek but that's about it. I think
someone said the route I posted from Doug had some sections closed. It needs to be an easy route plus
a stop for lunch or anything else you can think of. I appreciate any and all help on this. THANKS

[8lugLJ]

I know some of you know the service roads pretty good!

@8lugLJ
@Cannonballkev
@Grass Janitor
@classified

I see where Danny posted on our FaceBook page so we need to decide on the route and who will lead.
I have some things going on but will try to be there. I know Charlie's creek but that's about it. I think
someone said the route I posted from Doug had some sections closed. It needs to be an easy route plus
a stop for lunch or anything else you can think of. I appreciate any and all help on this. THANKS

All of these roads are on the southwest side of town from me and on the complete opposite of the counties from Charlie Creek, which is perfectly fine because there are several signs on CC saying NO OFFROADING (they really dont want you in there at all). No creek crossings at all from what I know on these, but should be easy roads for even a 2wd tow pig if anyone wants to risk it.

The 4-4.5hr time is a bit thin, West Skeenah alone is a 2 hr road, thats the first one we did on the leaf looker ride a few weeks back. Id estimate 3-4 hrs just from Dahlonega to this end of Rock Creek, especially if you are going to stop anywhere.

I am not sure if I can make it or not Kevin, thats why I havent spoken up yet.

[Grass Janitor]

I really wish I knew these roads better, I have a couple maps saved and such but don't have much experience with them to know what's what. 

At some point I marked the start of FS 33A at Cooper Creek Rd, and have a flag noting to turn right onto Duncan Ridge Rd. which loops around to Wolfpen Gap on 180.  Anyone familiar with that route?

These two maps are helpful, but obviously having someone that knows their way around would be best.  I will definitely defer to @8lugLJ @Cannonballkev and @classified as they seem to know what's up. 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=13PWpFMKC2-qAnwlVhbIWbUX5TXtImlCr&ll=34.73126321821761%2C-83.5203095860982&z=9

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1Ql0ziGJAKsIypInacCFVfmenkmo&hl=en&ll=34.73555457862463%2C-84.01371179558737&z=13

[classified]

Im using Trails Off Road and the forest services map. Its been years since Ive been anywhere near these roads, but have used this same method to get around various trail systems in Colorado and Utah.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=13PWpFMKC2-qAnwlVhbIWbUX5TXtImlCr&ll=34.71346786157661%2C-84.08390523688222&z=9

Weeks and West Skeenah will be closed, so the last two roads I posted wont work. The rest is supposed to be open and easy roads.

Trails Off Road shows alot of "points of interest" along the way. I'll study them a little more and see if I cant come up with some locations to stop for lunch. I would think a few spots depending on how fast we are moving and how much traffic is in the woods.

If we did get to the north end of Rock Creek and it was still early in the day, then we could run over to the Duncan Ridge and Cooper Creek area to finish the day