May 29
Cedar Ridge trail runs along the northern boundary of Doughton Park. We started at the bottom of the mountain, at the entrance off of Longbottom Road (at the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands). This is a very strenuous hike, the round-trip runs about 9 miles, with an elevation change of over 2000 feet! It is quite a climb and required several rest stops. The end of the hike is the Brinegar cabin on the parkway, so we basically climbed the mountain. It is a beautiful trail that winds along the ridge, and there are wonderful views. It is well worth the climb. We promised to return in fall or winter when the leaves were gone so we could really see the vistas.
The mountain laurels were in full bloom and in many parts of the trail we were literally walking through a tunnel of blooming laurel. Plants of interest: large undergrowths of ferns (probably sweet-scented hay ferns based on the smell), Galax in bloom, andThalictrum (meadow rue); a nice stand of Pink lady’s slippers, Squaw root, Tulip poplars in bloom; beautiful stands of very large trees.
Directions: Take the Stone Mountain exit off of 21 North (Traphill Rd). Turn right onto Longbottom Road (it’s the first right turn after Traphill Elementary School and there is a sign for the Stone Mountain golf course). Follow Longbottom Road until you see the parking area for the Doughton backcountry / Thurmond Chatham game lands (about 7-8 miles). It’s about 25 mi from home.
A walk a week ... 