All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter,
Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
-Tolkien

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Walk With Me - Hiking Line Creek Again

^{Line Creek in all it's glory!}

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Well I didn't have much time available, so driving up to the mountains was out of the question. Instead, I hit my go to spot when I need some time with nature and water. I dearly miss the ocean(even after 10 years), but this is definitely a great substitute. Line Creek Nature Area is a great little park hidden within the city of Peachtree City, GA, a stone's throw from Atlanta. I guarantee thousands of people pass by this place on a daily basis and never realize what a relaxing retreat they have.

The entrance to the park is somewhat low-key and you will definitely miss it if you're not looking for it. The parking area is a large gravel bed and there are a few port-a-potties located here for your before and after hike needs. Funding trickles in from budget year to budget year and there a many improvements planned for the future.

As you leave the parking lot, you enter the trail head that has a beautiful, smallish fishing pond on the left and a rough log amphitheater to left. I have never seen anything advertised for the amphitheater, but I would adore seeing some of the 'ol Bard being presented by torchlight. I saw A Midsummer's Nights Dream once performed at night in a park in Jacksonville, FL and it was absolutely magical! I've tried fishing the small pond on the right, but to no avail. I think it is probably heavily fished due to the ease of access. There is also a covered gazeebo and several picnic tables to eat or rest while visiting.

Just past the pond and theater, there is a choice of trails based on difficulty and how quickly you want to get to the main section of the creek to rest. We always go right for a bit more challenging, less traveled hike that takes you around the back side of the fishing pond, through a few switchbacks through the forest, and finaly upstream quite a ways before coming back downstream. This way is not only longer and more secluded, but it offers more chances to catch fish along the way.

There are a few fairly steep incline and declines along the way, but most people would consider them mild to moderate. The wooded area along the pathways are extremely thick and dark during the spring and summer, but they take on a more skeletal look during this time of year.

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The creek finally starts to peek through the underbrush and foliage to bend it's way to a fro like a meandering snake on a cool summer's evening in the south. Today the creek is rather high and a bit muddied due to recent heavy rains. These conditions make it difficult to fish and(spoiler alert) we got skunked today...lol.

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We, nevertheless, continued along the trail to keep trying to prove our luck wrong. This next shot struck me as extremely beautiful if it were not for the garish paint on the middle tree marking the way. But these markers are here for people just like me who could get lost in a store parking lot! The picture doesn't do it justice, but it was if you were walking through a portal with the branches and limbs hanging over you, almost like a fairy archway used for elvish matrimonial ceremonies.

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^{Fairy Archway}

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After the archway, the trail continues, for the most part, along the creek side. I love the many twists and turns along the creek's path. It give the feeling of new adventures and surprises around each turn. As you are walking the creek will be out of sight and then you turn a corner and....bam.....there she is again in all her majesty.

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^{Rounding the bend}

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^{She's running quick today.}

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Normally the creek is not as high and fast as it is today. The lower water levels reveal numerous stepping stones and outcroppings to help you get that perfect cast in the middle of the stream. Some of the larger outcroppings are perfect for taking a break or enjoying a picnic lunch as you are lulled to peace by the soft song of the water passing by.

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^{Nature's Lunch Counter}

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^{This makes a perfect sliding rock during the summer!}

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The hardest leg of the hike is the final push back out to the parking area. The trail leaves the creek and turns sharply uphill on uneven granite outcroppings that would make a mountain goat look like a Saturday night drunk! I always end up winded, but thankful for the opportunity to have enjoyed the creek again. It is always a pleasure to play at Line Creek and it is always a bit depressing when it's time to go. Like leaving a good friend even though you know you will see them soon.

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Check out these other #walkwithme posts!

Plants of the Far Eastern Forests by @fareast-history

No #5 WalkWithMe A Day on the Beach by @hatemmkh

Seeking Out Australian Native Orchids #82 - Werakata NP, NSW by @carrinm

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