Pine Mountain Hike
Lorean and I are always trying to get out into the outdoors and hike regularly. We have an outstanding scheduled hike together every Wednesday. Sometimes we stick close to town some weeks we travel to nearby state parks. We mostly have been hiking and walking around the Columbus Georgia area and hade’t been out to Pine Mountain’s F.D.R. Park since last Fall so we were due a visit. Our favorite trail to hike is the Cascade Falls trail. It’s a 2.1 mile moderate hike in to the waterfall through the woods, over many tree roots, bridges, creek crossings, and mini waterfalls. You are essentially in a cove of greenery the whole way. The stream runs along side most of the trail for a good 75% of the way through it so you get a very moist and humid environment, especially in August with the Georgia heat!
The trail is a moderate to borderline mildly difficult in some areas. Especailly the one part at the end where it decides to go straight up hill and make you work for the waterfall view. The 2.1 mile trail i mentioned is one way. Once you are at the waterfall you turn around and do it again to get back. So round trip hike in and out it 4.2 miles. The waterfall and its shallow pool below offer a great chance to stop, rest, take in the view, and above all, cool off in the chilled water that is a year round 65 degrees.
It is said that the water in there has healing properties. According to the Native Americans and later on President F.D.R. who had Polio. Infact he loved it so much they built what is called the Little White House only about 7 miles down the road where the natural spring water bubles up and they have created pools for the former president to soak in. What it really comes down to is that the water has many minerals like magnesium and others that are good for aliments. not the miracle curing water they once thought it was but none the less it is helpful to the body.
Everytime I hike the trail i make sure to get in the water as much as i can and being August, i hiked in with my bathing suit on so i could swim when i got there. If you are ever hiking the trail in Summer I suggest you do the same, you wont regret it.
