Broad River Wildlife Management Area (Blog Hike #190)

Trail: (unnamed)

Hike Location: Broad River Wildlife Management Area

Geographic Location: northeast of Danielsville, GA (34.18603, -83.14354)

Length: 1.4 miles

Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)

Dates Hiked: February 2006, November 2012

Overview: An easy walk along an old roadbed above the Broad River.
Area Information: https://georgiawildlife.com/broad-river-wma
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=720364
Photo Highlight:

Directions to the trailhead: From Danielsville, take US 29 north 2 miles to SR 281.  Turn right on SR 281.  After SR 281 crosses the Broad River, continue 0.5 miles to a gravel cul-de-sac at a sign marking the recreation area.  Park in this cul-de-sac.

The hike: Located 30 minutes northeast of Athens, the 280 acre Broad River Wildlife Management Area (formerly known as the Broad River Natural Area) protects 2.5 miles of the north bank of its namesake.  Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the tract remains undeveloped and provides prime territory for hunting and fishing in season.

            While hunting season is not in effect, the paths through the area can be used for hiking.  In particular, an old gravel road that leads off of SR 281 makes for a nice exploratory trek.  The gravel and firm ground underfoot makes this trail more passable when other trails are too muddy.  Use this hike to stay in condition during the offseason.

Vehicle gate at trailhead

            From the far end of the cul-de-sac, pass through an opening in the fence and begin following the gravel two-track trail as it first ascends and then descends gently.  The gravel underfoot seems fresh and well-maintained, and at 0.2 miles you find out why: a shut-off valve for a petroleum pipeline sits in a fenced in area to the left of the trail.  The pipeline has cut a broad swath through the mostly pine forest here, but no views are available in either direction.

Trail curves left

            Past the pipeline, the trail descends moderately, curving to the left with the contour of the hillside.  Still following an old road, the nice, fresh gravel is gone, replaced by more uneven rocks and dirt.  Soon the river can be heard but not seen through the trees on your right and beneath you.

            The further you follow the road, the more encumbered it becomes.  Several full-sized pine trees have been allowed to grow in the middle of the trail that must be negotiated, and a couple of steep ravines must be crossed without the aid of a bridge.  When the going gets tough enough for you, turn around and retrace your steps back to your car to complete the hike.