Ladyslipper

Ladyslipper is a hard hike in Georgia's Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, set within the Chattooga River Ranger District and the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area. The State Department of Natural Resources manages the land, and the trail is 10.5 miles long, with a total climb of 2,150 feet. The route starts at 1,326 feet and reaches a high point of 1,390 feet before descending back to the start, so the round trip involves about 2,150 feet of gain and loss. The climb is steady, but the first 0.4 miles is the steepest, with a grade of 20%. The trail's natural surface makes it suitable for horses and bikes. For timing, October is a comfortable month, with typical highs around 70°F and lows near 49°F, based on averages from a nearby weather station in Cornelia. The station sits at about the same elevation as the trail, so temperatures on the ridge should run similar to those figures. The trail is open year-round and takes about 4.5 hours to complete. Lake Russell Loop and Nancytown Lake Loop both start within a mile, and Lake Russell Campground is about 1.8 miles away. Climbers can head to the Below the Brick Wall area, roughly 5.6 miles off.