Ocmulgee river near the boulders in Hitchiti Exper...
Description
This is a group of boulders located in the Hitchiti experimental forest just northeast of Macon. This is public land so there are no known issues with access. There is a hiking trail and a forest service road that lead down to the Ocmulgee River. There is also a gravel lot to park in across the street from the trail. You usually will not see too many people down there but you'll see hikers every now and then.
The area is comprised of some pretty coarse granite boulders that follow the river, set into the sides of the hill. They are hard to see from on top. Grip is not a problem here. Be prepared to have your fingers chewed up if they aren't hard as nails already. There are six larger boulders and many smaller ones. We've tried at least 10 routes and there may be more. A lot of the rocks stay wet unless there has been an extended dry period.
The best time for bouldering here is fall through spring. In the summer, the heat is just a bit much and the poison oak and ivy and the mosquitos and snakes kind of take the fun out of it. Almost all of the rocks get some afternoon sun but it does stay pretty shady as they are set back in the trees.
Getting There
From Forsyth, Georgia take Hwy. 18 east towards Gray, or from Macon take Hwy. 87 (Riverside Dr.) north. At the intersection of Hwy 87 and 18 (you'll see a caution light and a convience store), take Hwy. 18 east towards Gray. You will cross the Ocmulgee river. A few miles after crossing the river take a left onto Jarrel Plantation road. Proceed about one mile, park in the gravel parking lot on your right. The trail head is across the road.
The trail begins at the sign-in; it is 1.5 miles long and deadends into a forest road which is one mile long and brings you back to the start, making a nice 2.5 mile loop. The trail is scenic, but if you're here to climb, take the road in, it's shorter. Where the road forks, go left. At the end of the road the trail will be on your right. The trail parallels the river.
About 200 yards down the trail from the end of the road, the boulders will begin to be visible to your right stretching back into the woods along the hills. Enjoy!
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Hitchiti Boulders:
There is enough to keep you busy if you can't go north. There have been a good many folks climbing here before but I haven't found much info. I hope to have the time to put up more info about boulders around the Macon area.
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