Grand Opening of the Chimp Trails

by Tom Decker

The grand opening of the chimp trail system on our property happened on April 22, also known as Earth Day! In honor of this occasion, let’s take a look at the origin of the trails, the amazing people who maintain it, and what hikers can expect when they visit.

The origin story of the chimp trails

Volunteer Marty Engelstad is an avid adventurer and now a full-time resident in the North Georgia mountains. Upon his arrival at Project Chimps, Marty immediately joined the Site Planning Committee and became interested in revamping the previously abandoned trail system that had existed on the property when it was Gorilla Haven. It started small and organically developed into the over four miles of trails it is today.

After planning out the trail system with Executive Director Ali Crumpacker for a few months, Marty told me, “I brought volunteers onto the trails to help execute [their] plans, and the trails have been evolving ever since.” This arduous process has taken two years, and to this day the trails are still being improved at the hands of Marty and a number of dedicated volunteers eager to help.

Trail Maintenance

A core group volunteers carefully oversee the maintenance of the trails, ensuring that they stay safe, clear of debris, and continue to be accessible to all. This group ownership makes keeping the trails up a manageable task.

In addition to the core volunteers, there have been numerous other groups which have spent time working on the trails. Some of these groups include scout troops, forest service technicians, and even the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

Megan Hume, Event Coordinator at Project Chimps, emphasizes that volunteer work is mutually beneficial to both sides. “Volunteering is a great way to offset the cost of a private tour to see the chimps, and also do something to connect with the property!”

If you or your organization is interested in learning more about how to volunteer, click here.

Flora and Fauna

In addition to being within earshot of the chimpanzees, there is plenty of flora and fauna that guests may be able to see as they hike our trails. You can review guides for commonly seen birds and plants on our property.

Staff and volunteers have observed everything from white oak trees and red-headed woodpeckers to bobcats and bears! Marty has set up trail cameras and tells us he has “captured short videos of half a dozen bobcats on the property,” as well as “wild turkeys, deer and bears.”

Visitors may be able to see these, as well as many other species while using our trails. Along the Nature Trail, hikers will find interpretive signs to highlight various species you might want to learn more about. You will even find a few chimp facts along the trail.

Trail Accessibility and Safety

Our trails are available from dawn to dusk; we ask for a $2 donation per person to support the chimps. There are four different trails, so guests of all ages and physical capabilities can have an enjoyable and fulfilling time while with us! The three loops are:

• The Blue Trail – 0.3 miles (moderate)
• The Nature Trail – 1.25 miles (easy)
• The Yellow Trail –  2.5 miles (moderate)
• The White Trail – 2.0 miles (difficult)

The trail has 15 total intersections, where hikers can decide if they want to continue on their original trail, or begin a new adventure! Each of the 15 trail intersections has 2 or 3 routed wooden signs on a post, so guests always are able to figure out exactly where they are. One of the main goals Marty had in mind when working on the trails was to ensure that they were easy to navigate.

The other goal was safety. With proper signage, visitors can feel safe and confident as they enjoy their escape into the forest.

A look into the future!

As of right now, the backbone of the trail system is in place. Marty and the trail maintenance volunteers may decide to add additional trails. Although most updates can be made with relative ease, others do have some costs. Marty said, “I plan on building benches for guests to relax on and bridges … to cross small rivers on the property,” which can be expensive additions.

Are you nature lover and want to support the chimps and the trails? Consider making a tribute gift for a naming opportunity available for benches, bridges and more. Your gift will help us make the trails more enjoyable and also provide for the daily care of the chimpanzees we hope you will hear while you hike! Contact us today for available chimp trail naming options.