AT Woody Gap to Jarrard Gap and Back

Please join us on Earth Day for a get-back-to-nature hike on one of the most scenic sections of the Applalachian Trail, a moderately challenging 11.6 mile trek from Woody Gap to Jarrard Gap.

Our adventure begins at the easily accessible Woody Gap parking lot off GA 60 north of Dahlonega. We'll head north on the Appalachian Trail, beginning with some gentle climbs and descents through a hardwood forest. At a little over a mile, we'll climb a switchback to the top of Big Cedar Mountain, where we will enjoy sweeping vistas from an outcrop known as Preacher's Rock. From here, we'll pass multiple campsites and soon reach Miller Gap, where the Dockery Lake Trail joins the AT and where we should have an excellent view of the Blood Mountain Wilderness area.

Our next challenge is a moderate switchback climb to the top of Baker Mountain, followed by a relatively easy uphill and descent to our destination, where the Jarrard Gap Trail intersects with the AT. We'll take a well-deserved snack break, then reverse course and return to the Woody Gap trailhead parking lot. The return trek provides a different perspective of this portion of the AT, which will make it feel as if we're covering new ground on the way back.

Total elevation gain is expected to be between 2,000 to 2,500 ft, and our average pace while moving will be moderate (2.5mph). We'll take a handful of short breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery, refuel, and rest.

After the hike, the trip leaders plan to stop at Yahoola Creek Grill in Dahlonega, which features Southern-inspired cuisine and wines -- much of it from produce and vines cultivated in the North Georgia soil. The restaurant is on GA 60 along our return route, about a mile south of downtown Dahlonenga. Please add a note when you register whether you will be joining us for lunch.

The estimated event duration encompasses carpooling and the restaurant stop. Parking at the trailhead does get crowded at times, so please consider carpooling if you're able. The carpools will depart the Mansell Road Park and Ride at 7:30am (please arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for introductions and carpool assignments), with an expected trailhead arrival of 8:45am. We will begin the hike no later than 9:00am. There are restrooms at the trailhead, so we do not plan to stop on the drive from the carpool meetup to the trailhead.

This hike is a challenging D4 with plenty of ascents and descents. We will hike together as a group, so participants must be able to maintain the group pace. As such, it's not suitable for members who haven't recently completed D4 or harder hikes. The trip leaders may contact you if your AOC event history doesn't show that.

To Trailhead from Mansell Road Park and Ride

> Exit right from the parking lot onto Mansell Road, quickly getting into one of the two left-hand turn lanes.

> Turn left at the first light onto the ramp to GA 400 / US 19.

> Continue on GA 400 / US 19 for approximately 53 miles to the intersection with GA 60.

> Make a left on GA 60 (it's co-signed as US 19 for a while) and continue for a little over five miles to the trailhead. Watch the signage; GA 60 will make a right-hand turn at the bottom of the hill just before downtown Dahlonega. Also, when you get to the rock pile northwest of Dahlonega, continue straight on GA 60.

The trailhead and a parking lot will be on the right; an additional parking lot is across the road. Parking is free. If you reach the town of Suches, you've gone too far. The published GPS coordinates for the trailhead are 34.677883, -83.999550.

To Restaurant from Trailhead

> Head east on GA 60 back toward Dahlonega.

> The restaurant is on GA 60 about a mile south of Dahlonega, on the right.

Yahoola Creek Grill, 1810 S. Chestatee St, Dahlonega, GA 305333. 706-482-2200.

Approxmiate round-trip distance per Google Maps (with or without the lunch stop) is 114 miles.