Currahee!

Any fan of military history will appreciate this short trail. Currahee Mountain was made famous by the release of Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers. The release of the HBO miniseries based on the book of the same name brought the area additional prominence in 2003.

During World War 2, the United States Army used Camp Toccoa to train the first generation of American Paratrooper. The 501st, 506th, 511th, and 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments initially completed prerequisite training here prior to traveling south to Fort Benning to complete Jump School. Between 1942 and 1945, over 17,000 young American Soldiers underwent rigorous physical training and combat training as they prepared to join the 11th, 17th, and 101st Airborne Divisions. Part of the daily training regimen included forced marches and runs to the top of Currahee.

Today, getting to the top of Currahee is much easier than it was over 80 years ago. Following the war, the rutted and rugged roads were graded over as the top Currahee was repurposed to host radio towers.

This trail starts at the intersection of West Currahee Street and Currahee Trail. The trail is graded gravel and winds its way through Georgia forests. It can be completed by any type of vehicle. 4WD is not necessary. The trail gains approximately 700 feet in elevation from start to finish.

Nearing the summit, the forests give way to really neat rock formations and beautiful views. Unfortunately the area has been "tagged" with a lot of graffiti, but the views are still great. Make sure to take time at the turnaround point to get out and explore the area. The turnaround point for the young soldiers can be found near the base of the cell phone towers located at the highest point on the mountain. From the turn-around point, make your way back down to the trailhead. Make sure to check out the Airborne Memorial and the newly renovated Camp Toccoa at Currahee Museum near the entrance of the trail.

No camping is permitted along the trail, but camping is available just north of Toccoa.

Think the trail is easy? It is! For a challenge, park your vehicle at the beginning of the trail and hike or run the trek to the top while thinking of the young Americans that did the same up to three times per day! It is a rewarding experience. If you have time available, take the trip to Toccoa. The Historic Toccoa Rail Station now holds the Currahee Military Museum, which has several one-of-a-kind artifacts from the original Band of Brothers.

Three Miles Up, Three Miles Down. Currahee!