Dougherty County Highpoint Trip Report

Date: February 20, 2005
The Facts: Kevin Williamson
Wordsmithing: Anonymous

First, an historical perspective of Dougherty's downfall (After all, a First Ascent is sometimes a mere walk-in-the-park by a climber using information gleaned from earlier failed attempts of pioneers whose heroic deeds would otherwise remain obscure.):

Winter of 2004, Bill Jacobs eliminated possible approaches from the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern flanks after being turned back by insurmountable obstacles.

Fall of 2004, Dennis Dean made an attempt from the northern side and in spite of difficult impediments reached the St Mary's Church spire (one of two peaks needed to complete the county).

Winter of 2005, Kevin Williamson, relying on the accumulated knowledge and intrepid feats of the earlier Dean and Jacobs expeditions, successfully reached BOTH summits in FORTY minutes - a glowing tribute to the HUMBLE pathfinders that preceded him and made it all possible.

Western area: From the intersection of Nelms Road and Gravel Hill Road, northwest of the highpoints, go south to 4062 Gravel Hill Road - a point coinciding with the 249 foot elevation sighting on the topo map. Here there's a fence enclosing a hunting preserve. The managers live in a house on the other side of the fence. Kevin resorted to access-gaining methodology that has proven effective in the past - honk your horn until someone comes out to encourage you to stop honking. Then, plead your case for access. The property managers have declined to provide any contact information. Once inside the fence compound it is easy to drive the roads to the western areas.

Eastern area: Return back to the starting point in the last paragraph and east go on Nelms Road. Turn right on something Hatcher Road and head south to the area.