T


he call of adventure is in Columbus’ DNA. It has been since Edward Lloyd Tomas was sent by the Georgia Gen-


eral Assembly to survey the fall line on the Chattahoochee River in 1828 in order to locate land on which to build a trading post along the southern frontier. He and his son Truman roamed the unspoiled


landscape; hiked along the muddy river; found nourishment in nature and slept beneath the stars. Journeys such as theirs promise adventure. Discovery. Beauty. In the case of the Thomas’s, their time in the wilderness gave rise to a city. Ours. Today, the people of Columbus have


renewed an effort to protect and preserve our environment, an environment that boasts a wealth of outdoor recreational activities within the city limits. But for those hardy souls among us that yearn to truly disconnect from the urban bustle and escape to wide, open spaces, there is outdoor adventure to be had all across the Valley. And with the arrival of spring, there is no better way to uncover the unspoiled natural treasures of the Chattahoochee Val- ley than by hiking the trails found around the Georgia-Alabama border. In hiking and camping circles, one name


comes up again and again: Neal Wickham. In his youth, Wickham would pass through Pine Mountain on his way to the trails and rivers of the Nantahala or the Ocoee, each time lamenting the lack of good trails. In 1975, Wickham led a group of volunteers that spent countless hours planning, scout- ing and clearing the land, seeking the best route that would offer the most points of interest. Te end result is the Pine Moun- tain Trail, a trail popular amongst hikers throughout the region due to the fact that it has much in common with north Georgia, but without the steep and tiring grades. This makes it an ideal place for beginners.


Jim Hall, secretary of the Pine Mountain Association, recommends that beginners start off with what he calls a “down and out”


24 Columbus and the Valley April 2013


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