AT - Hightower Gap to Gooch Shelter - Sat, Aug 24 2024

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



AT - Hightower Gap to Gooch Shelter


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Appalachian Blue Ridge Rd, Blue Ridge, GA - see link below   Hike: AT - Hightower Gap to Gooch Shelter   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Aug 24 2024  9:00 am >> Sat, Aug 24 2024 4:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Aug 18 2024 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 23 2024 6:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:14 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Pam M
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

This hike will be at a moderate pace of 2.5 MPH.

Join us for this favorite section of the AT which takes us over Sassafras and Justus mountains. 

We will park at Hightower Gap. At the 1.9 mile mark we reach Horse Gap. We will continue north and ascend 700 ft over the next mile and reach the summit of Sassafras Mountain at 3357ft at the 2.9 mile mark. 

We will then descend to Cooper Gap at the 3.5 mile mark. Here we begin to climb again to summit Justus Mountain at 3224ft and the 4.1 mile mark. A nice steady descent follows which takes us to beautiful Justus Creek and the Devils Kitchen camping area at 5.5 mph. From Justus Creek we will ascend the wooden stairs and head to Gooch Shelter for lunch. We will break for around 25 minutes at this 7 mile mark. Then we repack our packs and retrace our steps back to the cars. 

Recent D5 experience at this pace is required to join the hike. Aproximate elevation of 3600ft.

Pls note, the last 8 mile drive is on gravel. It is wise to have a vehicle with a high clearance.

Original hike write-up from Leigh & Gary!

 


Required Items to Bring:

Water and/or electrolytes

Appropriate clothing layers for the weather

Lunch/snacks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles 

Sunscreen


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

link to trailhead.            https://goo.gl/maps/6pzVnAzY 7frcdteR6

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):116Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:15 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $46.40 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.


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

AOC Policy