Dayhike the GA AT - Section 6: Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap - Sat, Mar 21 2009

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Dayhike the GA AT - Section 6: Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 21 2009  8:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Mar 8 2009 11:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Mar 19 2009 4:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Scott Looper
Jennifer Rush
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:14
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This is sixth in a series of dayhikes that cover the entire Georgia portion of the Appalachian trail...from Springer Mtn to Bly Gap, just past the NC state line.

For details on the other hikes in the series, visit the AOC forums...

Dayhike the GA AT thread

...or just watch the AOC calendar.

Section 6: Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap

This is arguably the toughest of the seven sections in this series. While it has a fairly flat middle section, the long climbs at the start up Rocky Mtn and Tray mtn, plus the total distance just make it very challenging. It will be a rather grueling hike, but definitely an adventure and well worth the effort. This section includes views from Tray Mtn plus a nice overlook near Kelly Knob.

This being a point-to-point hike, we will begin by shuttling cars...dropping some vehicles off at Dicks Creek Gap and taking the remaining ones to the start at Unicoi Gap. Once that bit of logistics is taken care of, we are stepping back onto the AT, headed east from Unicoi Gap at 2949'.

We start with a 1050' climb up to Rocky Mtn over about 1.3 mi...then descend about 1300' to Indian Grave Gap. From there it is up 1300' over the next 2.4 mi to the summit of Tray Mtn (4430'), the 2nd hightest mtn on the GA AT. The views from Tray mtn are decent, but there are better views from near the Tray mtn shelter just past it..so we'll take the .2 mile side trail and our first long lunch break here.

Over the next 5 miles, there are no major climbs. This area is known as the "Swag of the Blue Ridge". According to the Appalachian trail conference guide: “This area is called a “swag” or “low point” and is a long, broad ridgecrest with only moderate elevation change, extending for more than three miles- among the remotest areas of the Georgia Trail.”

At 10.8 mi, we reach Addis Gap and it is a 900' climb over 1.1 miles to the shoulder of Kelly Knob. This is the one of the two peaks of Double Spring Knob and the highest mtn between the NC line and Tray mtn on the AT. We don't pass directly over the summit, but there is a nice overlook near here that we try to find.. After another lunch break here, we will start heading down...there will be an optional .3 mile side trip to the Deep Gap shelter but those who are too tired at this point can skip it. But it is mostly downhill (but with a few short climbs) from Kelly Knob over the last 4.2 miles to Dick Creek Gap to end section 7.

We will return to Hogpen Gap to pick up the other cars, and head home, with an optional stop for pizza...the restaurant has a buffet as well as other items on the menu.

To summarize, the three big climbs in this section are:

Unicoi Gap to Rocky Mtn 1050’ in 1.3 mi
Indian Grave Gap to Tray Mtn 1300’ in 2.5 mi
Addis Gap to Kelly Knob 900’ in 1.1 mi

Mileage breakdown:
- Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap: 16.1 mi mi
- side trip to Tray mtn shelter .4 mi
Total distance: ~16.5 miles.
Total ascent: ~5000+ feet.

Click on elevation profile for larger version:

PLEASE NOTE:
  • If rain is forecast, the hike will be rescheduled for a future date (hopefully within two weeks).
  • Because this a strenuous D6, this event is for advanced hikers only. We are going to keep a moderate pace...about 2.5mph avg. So if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC D5 hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of experience and if this is the right hike for you.

    • Required Items to Bring:
  • emergency rain gear (even if chance of rain is minimal)
  • water/food
  • hiking boots or trail shoes
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • trekking poles
  • camera
  • headlamp

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:From Clayton, Ga proceed 16.1 miles west on GA-76 to the parking at Dicks Creek Gap.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):202Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 8:15 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $80.80 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

    Notes:
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

    Cost Includes:NA

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
    *Note: NA