Georgia Natural Wonder #232 - Mulberry River/Chicopee Woods - Hall Co. (Part 2) 147

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #232 - Mulberry Riverwalk and Waterfall

Now we are cyber exploring Hall County so I can tangent some more on Hall County itself. Wanted to cover the Historical Markers of Hall County with this post. I covered the town of Braselton in my GNW #122 - Hurricane Shoals - Jackson County. The Town of Braselton has a rich heritage and the unique characteristic of being located not only in Jackson County but also spanning into three additional counties: Hall, Gwinnett, and Barrow.  So today's GNW may not all be in Hall County, but it's close enough damn it. It may not be as strong a Natural Wonder as a lot of people complain the trail has eroded, it's muddy, and stinky, it's too close to Road Atlanta (loud car sounds). It's been closed for over a year for repairs, but I present the Mulberry River Walk as Georgia Natural Wonder #231.



Wikipedia tells us the Mulberry River is a 28.2-mile-long  tributary of the Middle Oconee River in the U.S. state of Georgia. It rises in southeastern Hall County (Braselton) and flows southeast, forming the boundary between Jackson and Barrow counties, to join the Middle Oconee south of Jefferson. The river's name is an accurate preservation of the native Creek-language name Tishmaugu.



The trail dates to 2001 with the development of Mulberry Park, Riverbend and the Falls of Braselton neighborhoods east of Old Winder Highway/Ga. 211.



Explore Georgia tells us the protection of the Mulberry River, a drinking supply source for the community, is paramount but the fringe benefit provides a unique place to connect with the beauty of the natural setting - just steps away from a busy commercial and residential area. 



A 2.5 multi-use trail along the banks of the scenic Mulberry River can be accessed by a gravel parking lot on Thompson Mill Rd near Hwy 211.



A 5 minute bike ride or 20 minute hike brings you to a beautiful spot to pause and enjoy the falls.



A short walk from the falls brings you to Braselton's historically reminiscent bridge connecting the park with the township neighborhoods.



One hundred yards away you'll arrive at the 4 counties marker, a granite monument denoting the intersection of Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall & Jackson counties all within the town limits.


See, the first County is Hall, so this qualifies for Hall County.

Sidewalk access to the trail continues along to a quiet picnic area. The trail continues along the steepening banks to climb to its terminus. Rivers Alive Cleanup & Flood Run are held here.



One thing to be aware of is that this trail is not material consistent. Only the first 50 yards is paved, then it changes between dirt/mud, bark chips, leafy areas. I suggest to wear hiking shoes.



Mile 1 & 3 are next to residential backyards. The rest is wooded and narrow. For safety, I would recommend having a partner.



The trail looks to be a work in progress as much of its funding has been obviously spent on erosion control at the river. The river is nice and scenic.


Braselton Parks tells us the Mulberry RiverWalk along the Mulberry River north of Interstate 85 is one of our more exciting recreational sites.

 

The Town has identified the Mulberry River and its banks as a portion of Braselton that the Town believes should be protected and preserved. To further this purpose, the Town has acquired over 200 acres along the river.



The Town has constructed a walking path with perennial gardens, footbridges and picnic areas along the river for all the public to enjoy.



All Trails tells us to experience this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail near Braselton, Georgia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour 21 minute to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.



All Trail Reviews:

Beginning is next to houses and has been recently worked on. Shrubbery is hence to still come in. As you progress, the trail becomes thinner and the terrain better. Well maintained. Many squirrels, grinnies and birds. It’s a very easy, flat trail for all ages.



Simple river trail with decent views along the water. There is a spot where you can climb down easily to a large set of boulders to get a closer look at the water. If you're local and looking for an easy nature walk it's great.



Lots of wildlife to see (deer, squirrels, bunnies, turkey).



It's pretty flat and a pretty easy walk. There's a few places where you can go down onto the sandy banks and wade into the river. It was fun to splash in the water. Where we were it was maybe 3 feet deep at the deepest part. I'm sure there are parts that are deeper but it was a fun, mostly shallow place to play with our three kids. The waterfall is at the 1 mile mark. The trail keeps going, but it's only a 2 mile hike to get to the rocky falls. Great hike. We'll be back!

 

Today's Georgia Natural is a little weak as Georgia Natural Wonders go, so I include another park featured in nearby All Trails suggestions.

Chicopee Woods Park

This forest preserve contains gentle, shaded trails, with bridged stream crossings, throughout rolling topography located in the transition zone between the piedmont and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The forest was originally protected to keep the water supply of a nearby mill town clean. The oldest trees are estimated to be 150-200 years old. Visitors will see large oaks, hickories, tulip poplars and many kinds of pine. The Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve is a protected woodland which is overseen by Elachee Nature Science Center, and contains a visitor center and a nature school. Elachee is celebrating more than 35 years of building environmental literacy and promoting a healthy ecological consciousness for Georgians. Chicopee is the largest contiguous conservation easement in North Georgia.



Elachee Nature Science Center invites you to hike the 12.24-mile trail system in the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve.



Savor the tranquil beauty. This urban forest features rolling typography and four diverse habitats: woodland, lake, stream and wetland.

                        

Enjoy a self-guided hike among the diverse topography of Walnut Creek Valley that includes some steep sections.



Geiger Trail

Travel this paved trail (stroller-accessible) that winds through Piedmont Oak-Hickory Forest features storybook kiosks and breathtaking views of the Walnut Creek Valley.



Elachee Creek Loop

Take a brisk hike around Elachee Creek and get your heart rate up along steep sections of the trail.



Ridge Trail

Hike through Oak-Hickory Forest along the trail from the Dodd Loop to a Tulip Tree-Hardwood Forest at the intersection with Bridge Loop. 



Veer left onto Bridge Loop for a longer hike or stay right to return to Elachee Visitor Center.

Upland Trail

Experience a transition in topography, hiking from upland dry successional forest to riparian stream habitat along Vulture Rock Creek.



Bridge Loop

Hike this moderate-difficulty loop that crosses through diverse Piedmont forest types with five bridged stream crossings, including the 140-ft. suspension bridge.



Lake Loop

Hike this moderate-difficulty loop that takes you over a large earthen dam, then tracks through several stream riparian zones and diverse forest types. Experience the 140-ft. suspension bridge along a 0.4-mile overlap with the Bridge Loop.

 

Chicopee Backcountry Trail

This moderate/difficult backcountry trail is characterized by steep terrain changes and several creek crossings. Trail winds through diverse forest types and native vegetation. Trekking poles recommended. Hiking this trail in wet or inclement conditions is not recommended.



AllTrails says Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Chicopee Woods Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 39 to 1,466 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Chicopee Woods Park.


The park consists of 8 miles of hiking trails and 21 miles of mountain bike trails. These trails are for these specific activities only.

The preserve has great trails for birding and hiking and more. The Preserve is recognized by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area, an area essential to nesting and migrating birds.



As of January 1, 2021, dogs and pets are prohibited from all Chicopee Woods Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails, parking areas, and the Elachee Nature Science Center campus. OK, I feel I have satisfied my Natural Wonder of the day with these two parks in Hall County. We presented the National Registrar of Historic Places with our last post on Don Carter State Park so now we turn to the Historical Markers and Monuments of Hall County.

Historical Markers Hall County Georgia

HMdb.org list the following 27 Historical Markers and Monuments in Hall County Georgia.

Clermont War Memorial

In memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in service for their country Zack T. Addington Dwight E. E. Collins Wiley W. Haynes, Jr. Thomas K. Staton Town of Clermont.



Concord Academy / Chattahoochee High School / Clermont School House

For more than a century, this site has served many pursuing an education. The earliest known school, Concord Academy, initially began serving this community as an extension of Concord Baptist Church. In 1901, the Chattahoochee School was established.




Monument and vintage image snowy Chattahoochee Senior Class back in the day.

March 1998 Tornado

Dedicated to the memory of those who lost their life in the Tornado March 1998 in Clermont Georgia.


Clermont Memorials in City Park.

Gen. Andrew Jackson





Jackson at Young's Tavern

At Young’s Tavern, 12 room log home of Robert Young, where travelers frequently stopped for lodging, Andrew Jackson, his staff and two companies of militia, spent a night on their way to the Seminole Campaign in 1818.





Old Federal Road

The route leading west from this point is the Old Federal Road, an early thoroughfare which linked Georgia and Tennessee across the Cherokee Nation. Rights to open the passage were granted informally by the Indians in 1803 and confirmed by treaty in 1805.




Vann's Tavern has been relocated to GNW #202 New Echota State Park.

The Flowery Branch Depot

Cotton, leather and furniture, as well as manufactured items from the region passed through these walls, as did passengers during its working years (c.1890-1970s) as a Richmond & Danville Railroad and Southern Railway System Depot.





Bicentennial Park

This marker and plaza proudly acknowledges the significant contributions of John William Morrow, Jr., and countless citizens for the betterment of this community.



Dedicated to the Veterans of 1898 - 1902

“You triumphed over obstacles which would have overcome men less brave and determined” President McKinley Dedicated to the Veterans of 1898 - 1902 By Department of Georgia National Auxiliary United Spanish War Veterans.





Dr. Emmett Ethridge Butler 1908-1955

Dr. Emmett Ethridge Butler was deeply respected by his colleagues in medicine as well as throughput the community.





Federal Building U.S. Courthouse Gainesville, Georgia

This property significantly contributes to the nations cultural heritage. Commemorated June 1976 by Gerald R. Ford President of the United States.





First Private Mint / Templeton Reid Mint 1830-1831

Two hundred yards west, on the north side of Washington Street is the site of the first private mint in the United States to manufacture gold coins in dollar values.






Templeton Reid and his coin.

George Washington Father of Our Country

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.



Hall County Sesquicentennial

In memory of the pioneer citizens who gave a great heritage to this area, this plaque was presented December 19, 1968 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the creation of Hall County, 44th county of Georgia.




In front of the Civic Center.

Henry O. Ward 1926-2000

Henry O. Ward earned the singular distinction of serving both as Mayor of the City of Gainesville and the Chairman of the Hall County Board of Commissioners.

 

James Longstreet

This is his tombstone at Alto Vista Cemetery. How Sleep the Brave Who Sink to Rest By all their Country's Wishes blest.




Longstreet and statute at Gettysburg.

Jesse Jewell 1902 - 1975

The father of the ingenious “vertical integration” management program for chicken production. His hometown became the “Poultry Capital of the World,” largely based upon Jesse Jewell’s vision, personal integrity and energetic leadership.


 
Lt.-Gen. James Longstreet

This was the post-war home of General Longstreet, whom General Lee called his “Old War Horse”.




This marker is on grounds of Hall County Courthouse right next to Lyman Hall marker.

Lyman Hall

Lyman Hall (1725-90), one of three Georgia signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Right next to Longstreet Marker above.

Bonus recognition of another monument in front of the Hall County Courthouse near the hall and Longstreet markers that commemorates President Roosevelt's assistance after the 1936 tornado which did severe damage to Gainesville and Hall County.



Site of the Home of General James Longstreet

Longstreet's home burned in April 1889 under what were described as "mysterious circumstances."


Marker in stone and sculpture of Longstreet up on hill at actual site of house.


The life-sized statue standing on the site of General Longstreet's home was erected in October 2001. It was sculpted by Gregory Johnson, endowed by the estate of the late L. Denton Hadaway, and erected by the General James Longstreet Chapter 46, United Daughters of the Confederacy, of Gainesville. General Longstreet has his foot on an ammunition box, with his order book in his hand.

The Historic Jackson Building

The Jackson Building, Gainesville's first skyscraper, formally opened on December 22, 1915 and is still standing today.





The Historic Piedmont Hotel

A number of notable 19th century Americans stayed at the hotel, including Union General and New York Congressman Daniel Sickles, Confederate General Joseph Johnston, newspaperman Henry Grady and writer Joel Chandler Harris. The hotel’s most famous guests were the young Woodrow and Ellen Axson Wilson.





The majority of the hotel building was demolished c. 1918, but in 1993, a run-down duplex apartment building was discovered to be the Piedmont Hotel’s lower-level west-wing.



Longstreet later in life after the war.

Two Georgia Governors

In Alta Vista Cemetery, two Georgia governors, both officers in the Confederate Army, are buried.





JAMES MILTON SMITH Elected Governor in 1872 to fulfill Gov. Bullock`s unexpired term, he was reelected and served until 1877.

 

ALLEN DANIEL CANDLER Governor of Ga., 1898-1902.



U.D.C. Confederate Soldiers Monument

To the defenders of the Confederacy, patriots. Dedicated to Southern convictions Consecrated to Southern valor.




When the tornado destroyed the rest of downtown Gainesville, the Confederate memorial survived.

Capt Denver V. Truelove

He was a crewmember on Plane #5 as the Bombardier on the Tokyo Raiders Mission. He dropped the first bombs on Tokyo April 19, 1942.





Became known as one of the Doolittle Boys.


Crew of Plane #5.

Major Kevin Jenrette Park - City of Lula

Kevin was one of three Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers killed by an IED near Kapisa, Afghanistan on June 4, 2009.





Historic Redwine

Company D, 27th Ga. Infantry, Colquitt’s Brigade, CSA, organized here in early 1861.






Company D - General Alfred Holt Colquitt's Brigade.

Whew, if you made it this far, you are a die hard GNW follower. In recognition of the Chicopee Nature Preserve, Today's Johnny Bee Georgia Natural Wonder Gals are Chick's Who Pee .....