Ch.85 - We're Climbing Anna Ruby

Chapter 85 begins with a 7:15a.m., EST meetup at Publix 1625 Pleasant Hill Rd #200, Duluth, GA 30096.

Our carpool caravan will leave Publix promptly at 7:30 a.m. EST. The drive is 2hrs with one bathroom stop on the way with an anticipated arrival at the trailhead at 9:15 a.m. EST.  The gate opens at 9:00a.m.

There is a $5 parking  fee.

Spectacular Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and has become one of North Georgia’s premier spots to visit. The Recreation Area consists of a visitor center with local crafts, educational items and clothing, picnic spots, fishing, and of course the paved hiking trail to Anna Ruby Falls. Throughout the year, the Visitor Center hosts public programs and activities ranging from stargazing to viewing the Foxfire – a bioluminescent insect larva that glows in the dark! Taking a trip to Helen, GA? Anna Ruby Falls is a short drive away, and only a few hours from Atlanta. In short, we’re the perfect place to relax and unwind! Be sure to visit our other beautiful Recreation Area, Brasstown Bald, located just a short drive away!

DIRECTIONS

From Helen, GA, head west on GA-17 N/GA-75 N/N Main St/Unicoi Turnpike toward White Strasse. Turn right onto GA-356 E. Slight left onto Anna Ruby Falls Rd. Turn left to stay on Anna Ruby Falls Rd. Slight left.

The road is narrow so be prepared to slow down for oncoming vehicles.

* We plan to arrive at Anna Ruby Falls by 9:15 a.m.   **We may not have cell signal in the area, please plan accordingly.

Ch8sing Waterfalls is an amazing experience.  It is typically an all-day adventure.  We will not rush or hurry the process. We encourage you not to plan an event the day of the ch8se, as you are not guaranteed to return on time. We Embr8ce the Ch8se in a way that welcomes healing and restoration.  There is no rushing universal intentions. Please keep this in mind and alert your family accordingly.

Don't forget to pack any emergency medicine and essentials items.  I recommend investing in a RoadiD device. It allows you to wear your emergency contacts, and essential medical alerts on you in the event it is ever needed, whether you are hiking with us, or just out living life.  If you do not own a RoadID device, please be sure to have your emergency contacts listed on a piece of paper enclosed in a Ziploc bag in your backpack.

** You MUST bring ample hydration and hearty snacks.  I recommend Gatorade, Powerade, or water with electrolytes. You will want at minimum 48ozs. or three 16oz water bottles. Additionally, grab some hearty power bars, nuts, and/or protein snacks for energy. *Pack Your Lunch - We will take up space in community after the Ch8se and  share a meal, and reflections at a space on the property.  Bring a chair and/or cushion to sit on for lunch.

If you are unsure how to pack, our friends at REI have created this great check list for reference:  Day Hiking Check List

If you are sharing on social media, help us share our shine by attaching the following hashtags to your posts:  #ch8singwaterfalls, #embr8cethech8se, #brownfacesingreenspaces.

Don’t be surprised if your reel or post is re-shared on our IG to our 8.8K followers. You can even tag Ch8sing Waterfalls and invite us as collaborators. We love to share ALL OF OUR SHINE!!! Thank you for helping us extend our reach and intentionally Increase The Brown Faces In Green Spaces.

We look forward to Embr8cing The Ch8se with you soon.

What to Bring *  Check out our partners REI's Day Hike Packing List to help you prepare.

• Backpack with chest and/or waist strap
• Water, hydration
• Hearty Snacks
• Ziploc and/or trash bag to pack out your trash, and a grocery bag for your wet, muddy shoes.
• A pair of recovery shoes/sandals/tennis for the ride home.
• Please start to hydrate on Friday by drinking extra fluids. Your body will appreciate this during the hike, especially when its hot,
• Please wear hiking boots.
• Bring hiking poles.
• Bring water and or Gatorade to drink during the hike. We cannot express how important it is to stay hydrated
• If you do not wear a RoadiD please have your emergency contact information sealed in a zip lock bag and placed where it can easily be located if an emergency should occur.
• Please dress for the weather and wear hiking boots.
• A hand towel in the event you wish to place your barefeet in the water.
• A dry change of clothes, to leave in your vehicle, if like Deb, you decide to get into the waterfall and get soaked. 
• Wear a hat or visor.
• Apply sunscreen.

Lunch Details

Bring your lunch and something to sit on. We will have lunch at the park after the hike. (*Weather permitting)