South Cheaha Wilderness Loop

“I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority.” 

― E.B. White, Letters of E. B. White

There is nothing like being in the woods experiencing all this earth has to offer, it is almost addicting.  Every time you go, you just want to go back, wondering when the next time will be and how long will you get to stay.  If you ever get the taste of nature, it is very hard to get out of your mouth.  Nothing compares to it and everything inside you knows it.  It is almost as if your soul longs for it, at least I know mine does and every since I have discovered this, there is nothing that can replace it.  I never thought I would come to a point in  my life where I would desire to be outside so much, but I am glad that I am here and look forward to where this will take me.

Cheaha is a beautiful place, especially this time of year.  With all the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground it is a wondrous site that no picture can truly depict the beauty that you are surrounded by as you walk upward to Heaven and Rocky Top.  With an elevation of 2160' it is definitely a site to be seen as you look out onto the earth below and you can even see the cloud's shadow.  

The loop consists of many trails with very few blazes, but it was still pretty easy to follow.  We started it a little different then what the website suggests.  Starting at Turnipseed Hunters Camp going up to Rocky Top and back down to Adam's Gap.  We camped very close to the C.C.C. chimney the first night.  We had no clue that Pinhoti 100 was going on and had trail runners coming through our camp most of the night.  With little sleep, the next day we would decide to go ahead and finish the loop and head home.  We had ten miles to go at this point.  I never seen so many people in the woods at one time,  it was a great weekend to be out and about.

From the Pinhoti to the Skyway loop we came up on Devil's Den and decided to take a break.  It was very peaceful to watch the water race by as I ate lunch under a rock.  From there we made our way up to the Cheaha Falls Shelter.  From the shelter we could see most of our travels on the other side, it was amazing.  With a quick rest there we would finish the loop way before dark even with the time change.  I feel like we accomplished something this weekend.  With over eighteen miles in two days dodging trail runners and many people it still felt good to be in the woods.  Thank you David for letting me join.

Life is a funny thing, you never know what is going to happen but if you are determined there is nothing you cannot do.  I think as humans we do not give ourselves enough credit, we are very capable creatures.  Challenge yourself and if you truly want to succeed, you will.  Go outside and enjoy the vast wonders of Mother Nature and this place we luckily get to call home.  This earth is not ours we are just guests here.  Don't try to change it or make it better, it is already the greatest thing you could ever be apart of.  Until next time, live to wander.