The Dawson Forest is a large, 10,000-acre, yet little-known natural area owned by City of Atlanta, located about one hour north of the City. There are many trails, and we’re planning to walk a special section that hosts a native forest that blends Piedmont and mountain habitat, including a small falls on a tributary stream of the Etowah River. 

We’ll see a rich variety of native wildflowers from dry ridge to cove forest habitat. This forest also hosts many migratory songbirds whose calls ring through the forest including hooded, black-and-white, yellow-throated and northern parula warblers, scarlet tanager, oven bird and Louisiana water thrush. Common yellow-throat, prairie warblers and yellow-breasted chat can often be heard in the more open areas. Experts from the Georgia Mushroom Club will identify and share info about the various mushrooms we’ll find. 

Due to a road closure, this hike will be about 5 miles roundtrip, with fairly easy walking along dirt roads and well-defined trails. There is one long, quite steep hill down to the Etowah River, and part of the trail is shared by horseback riders and can be muddy in wet weather. 

After this walk we have a tradition of having a late lunch at a small but fabulous Mexican cafe in Cumming, GA.

To register (RSVP) click HERE  – Details and directions sent to registered participants. 

Limit 10 participants

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