The trip to Sosebee Cove is a short loop trail that only takes 0.3 miles to complete and is located near the Eastern Blue Ridge and is intertwined with the 7,800-acre wilderness of Blood Mountain south of GA 180. The trail serves as a memorial to Georgia Forest Ranger Arthur Woody who played a major role in the purchase of this cove. The trailhead has a commemorative marker that lists his accomplishments.
To get to this trail headed west from GA 180, check the north side where the trailhead is. At the intersection of US 19 and US 129, where Turners Corner is located, head north onto US 19-129 for about 11 miles. Turn left onto GA 180 then go 3.1 miles until you approach the Sosebee Cove parking area.
The 175-acre Sosebee Cove Scenic Area is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, where old-growth trees and various species of flora abound. Sosebee Cove is a field of rocks where the ecosystem offers one of the best views for hiking and nature photography. The trail consists of two interconnected short loop trails where the first loop is around 0.2 of a mile and the second is around 0.1 of a mile. There are no colored trails around this trail as it is fairly easy to hike. Near the trailhead marker you will notice a huge tulip tree.
To start the trip, just follow that path that initially descends to a double loop cove. Move along wooden steps as you descend to cross Wolf Creek via a footbridge and then on to a couple of rock hopping sessions. The path can be taken as the shape of an infinity symbol in which you can pass through the middle section twice. The path then continues curing to the right where you can see a huge tulip poplar covered in moss. This section is wet, providing good thriving ground for various species of wildflowers. You will also pass through second growth forest as you circle back to the trailhead.
Throughout this tour, expect to see various species of flowers thriving abundantly all over the place. Due to the cove’s naturally moist soil, flowers such as lilies, sweet cicely, sweet deely, orchids, and trilliums grow freely and bloom seasonally, typically March through May. This is definitely the haven for botanists and nature hikers who just want a good easy hike with the most stunning view.
