According to Native Cherokee Indian lore, a flood of biblical proportions once engulfed the entire region we now call the Southeast. The legend recounts a safe haven where many of those displaced by the deluge sought refuge. It describes how the tribe's people found safety on the back of a massive turtle. Indians believed the turtle's spirit was watching over those in need. Today that turtle's head is thought to be the Brasstown Bald, which at 4,784 feet, is the highest point in all the state of Georgia. To its west, the shell of the turtle, where flood refugees found sanctuary from rising waters is known today as Beasley Knob OHV area, part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Beasley Knob is also valued by Georgians and inhabitants of adjacent states as the only officially recognized public OHV area that allows owners of Jeeps, SUVs, and pickups a place to enjoy a handful of medium to expert-rated 4WD trails.
BFGoodrich Tires recently inducted Beasley Knob among the six Outstanding Trails of 2008. As such, the dedicated folks of Georgia Bounty Runners 4x4 club were gifted $4,000 to aid their current program with trail preservation and maintenance projects. We recently spent a day with members of BFG and the Bounty Runners to get to know the hard-working individuals who donate their own personal time to ensure future generations will get to enjoy what Beasley Knob has to offer. We're proud to say Beasley Knob is in good hands. Where some OHV areas fall short on volunteers and organization, Beasley Knob enjoys much the opposite. Active participation from all members year round exemplifies precisely how a balance of conservation and recreation can be achieved. After our brief visit to the area, we couldn't help but wonder if the ideals of the Cherokee Indian and their admiration for the territory were somehow passed on to the current regime, as if to demonstrate appreciation for the many lives spared during the flood.
Signage is always important...
Signage is always important to keep accurate and up to date. Here some of the female volunteers set up trail markers with the appropriate stickers.
The morning activities included...
The morning activities included finishing off several small construction projects surrounding a new restroom facility near one of the parking lots. Here volunteers are seen spreading hay to help newly planted grass seed take root.
Even the little ones played...
Even the little ones played a part in the morning work party.
After lunch a group of volunteers...
After lunch a group of volunteers hit the trails to show BFG and us the trails of Beasley Knob.
Seen here is Gary Enterline...
Seen here is Gary Enterline of BFG as he double-checks positioning of a fence post that was about to be cemented in place. The newly constructed fence will prevent wheeled vehicles from entering a small meadow adjacent to the parking area.
The trails of Beasley Knob...
The trails of Beasley Knob are tight in places, and thick forests shade every square inch of ground. Some of the tougher sections require lockers or a heavy right foot to pass through.
This TJ owner took the more...
This TJ owner took the more challenging route through one tough section. A few of the participants picked less challenging lines, but everyone had a good time.
After a traditional Southern...
After a traditional Southern barbeque lunch hosted by BFG, a $4,000 grant was awarded to the Georgia Bounty Runners 4WD club. Seen here are all the senior members of the club.