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Oconee National Forest
Roads and Trails |
The forest is full of dirt roads that a barley used. I road for about six hours on a
Saturday and only passed three cars. The dirt roads are easy to ride with no big
challenges but are still fun. One of the more interesting sites in the part of the
forest I road was the Scull Creek Archeological. This site has part of one building
remaining and a few other visible foundations. At one time the site was the
farthest inland outpost in Georgia and was also home to Georgia's first paper
mill. The mill was successful during the time of the War of 1812 but a few years
later the mill failed. So time later the mill was bought by Thomas Poullai who
started a cotton mill. Poullai also built a 400 foot dam across the river to run the
mill. In 1845 the mill was burn down by fire but a four story mill quickly replaced the
destroyed mill. While the mill was being rebuilt Poullai continue to support him
employees. At its height the mill employed 250 employees and had 150 slaves and
consumed over 4,000 bales of cotton annually. Due to a lowered lake level
because of silt form local agriculture and a severe drought the mill became unable
to make a profit and was forced to close its doors in 1884.
Another good destination in the forest for the dual sport rider is the
Towns
Creek trail system. Please click this link to read my review of the trail. Below is
the route I took to the trail system. There are also many side roads but I have only
listed the direct route to the trail. |
Scull Shoals |
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Typical Flat Road |
I started
my adventure from Athens are traveled dirt roads to the
Towns Creek
riding area. From Athens I took US Hwy 78 east and turned right on to Morton Road 1
mile past the Super Wal-mart. Fallow Morton road until it dead ends
and turn left and
fallow until the road turns to gravel in about four miles, this is were the fun starts. Many
of the roads in the area are unmarked but to get to the national forest stay to the right at
every intersecting dirt road. After three or four right turns you will see a road to the right
named Oconee Forest, turn here and it will lead you to the national forest. Once into the
forest turn left at the Turkey Neck sign and onto FS 1227. This road presents the
biggest challenge on any off the roads as the road crosses Falling Creek. This creek
don't look like it is a problem normally but when I crossed it, it was much higher that
normally due to recent heavy rains. Next turn left on to County road 87 fallowed by a
right turn onto FS 1231. At the end of the road turn right to go to Scull Shoals
Archeological site and left to continue to Towns Creek trail system. Turn left onto FS
1234 and fallow to Macedonia RD and turn left again. At Macedonia Church turn right
onto County Road. Next bare left onto Callaway RD and fallow County Road 192 and
turn right and fallow to Shiloh Church were you will see signs to trail area across street
from church.
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One of 2 creek
crossings
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The other crossing is above the waterfall |
Anderson's Mill |
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Taylor Park ATV Trail Guide
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Guide to Moab ATV
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Guide to
Colorado Trails
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Guide to Northern Colorado
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Promoter List Your Trail On This Site
Click Here |
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