Afoot and Afield: Atlanta. MARCUS WOOLF

at the southeast end of the paved parking area and enter the path marked with green blazes (Waypoint 1). Walk south to take a footbridge across a creek and pass the sign for the Pocket Loop Trail.

      Walk a little more than 500 feet to reach the beginning of the loop (Waypoint 2). Turn left to follow the trail marked with green blazes. This dirt path crawling with roots and moss takes you through oak and beech trees, which are called out on an interpretive sign near the beginning of the loop. The downed trees in the dense forest ahead are reminders that drought and southern pine beetles have put this forest under stress.

      Some of the interesting points along this path are subtle, such as a sinkhole at about 0.3 mile. This slight depression was dry as I passed by in summer, but it actually fills with water in wet times of the year.

      Just ahead is the Pocket’s more obvious attraction. At the half-mile mark, bear right at the Y intersection and go east about 400 feet to the Aquatic Viewing Area (Waypoint 3). On a bright summer day, this wetland is striking, as tall trunks of dead trees cast long reflections across the still pond. Georgia birding expert Giff Beaton recommends that you visit this spot in spring to hear migrant songbirds, while the summer months draw breeding waterbirds. “Red-winged blackbirds breed here,” Beaton says. “And keep your eyes open for green or great blue herons in summer.”

      When you’re set to depart, retrace your steps to the intersection and turn right to continue on the main loop. Just beyond 0.8 mile is a trail intersection (Waypoint 4). The Interpretive Trail goes to the left (southwest) for 0.4 mile and allows you to complete a short loop back to the beginning of the Pocket Loop Trail. (The mileage listed in the summary information doesn’t include this connector trail.) To continue on the Pocket Loop Trail, go straight at Waypoint 4 and travel north, ascending a hill. (Be careful not to trample the bulbous mushrooms in the path.) After a gentle descent, you’ll skirt another small hill and pass over a long wood walkway, which takes you across a bog (Waypoint 5). More beech trees, pines, and oaks dominate the forest ahead, and your stroll ends at a paved campsite road. Turn left on the road to return to the parking lot.

      Aquatic viewing area

      WAYPOINTS

      1. N34º 35.119' W85º 4.921'

      2. N34º 35.077' W85º 4.846'

      3. N34º 35.092' W85º 4.400'

      4. N34º 35.204' W85º 4.534'

      5. N34º 35.598' W85º 4.760'

      14 New Echota Cherokee Capital

      Distance 1.5 miles, loop

      Hiking Time 1–1½ hours

      Difficulty Easy

      Elevation +/– 65'

      Trail Use Good for kids

      Best Times Year-round

      Agency New Echota Cherokee Capital State Historic Site

      Recommended Map A trail map with interpretive information is available at the museum and visitor center.