Sat, Sep 19 2020 - Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald - No carpool (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Steve H Participants: Steve H, LaRue Cook, Fay, Pam M, LIM Verona (Laura M), Jasmine, Nahid, Umit

Today’s AOC hike, featured 8 strong hikers starting out on the white blazed AT at Unicoi Gap, heading toward Georgia’s highest point, Brasstown Bald (4784 ft). The weather was ideal, starting off at a cool 50 degrees with a breeze it was almost chilly. Once we got moving our blood flowing easily warmed up. We ascended out of the gap and quickly reached Blue Mountain at mile 2 and another 2.5 miles we soon reached Chattahoochee Gap and the headwaters of the famed river. From here, we headed north on the blue blazed Jacks Knob trail which was surprisingly well maintained and a few gentle rises for the next 2.4 miles to the GA Hwy 180 junction. Here, the Jacks Knob trail changes character dramatically, with a steep ascent of 1500 ft over the next two miles and 30+ switchbacks to reach the Wolfpen Ridge and an unnamed knob (4561 ft) that while in shadow of Brasstown Bald, is actually Georgia’s fifth highest peak. After that climb, a gentle descent into to Brasstown parking lot and a stop bathrooms and a quick lunch before the final half mile push to the summit and prize of the day, the Brasstown observation tower. After all that and a short stop to admire the accomplishment we knew we were only halfway for the day, so headed back down the way we came. It was a 20 mile and nearly 6,000 ft elevation gain for this tough but fun day.