AtlantaOutdoorClub
sponsor
Print-Friendly Version
Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)
Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar


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.



Dayhike the GA AT - Section 5: Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 7 2009  8:15 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Feb 1 2009 11:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Mar 5 2009 8:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Scott Looper
Ed Doran
Tony C
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
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 fifth 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. We hope to get through them all by mid-April. And there is an AOC GA AT backpacking series being offered as well...so between all these events, there should be plenty of opportunites to cover the entire trail.

Section 5: Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap

This section is characterized by many short climbs and rolling terrain. However the short climbs really add up, with section ending up with about 2600 feet of total ascent. This being a point-to-point hike, we will begin with the car shuttle...dropping some vehicles off at Unicoi Gap and taking the remaining ones to the start at Hogpen Gap. Once that bit of logistics is taken care of, we are stepping back onto the AT, headed north from Hogpen Gap (3450').

We quickly enter the Mark Trail Wilderness, in which we will remain for the entire hike. Our first climb is an easy one...just about 200' to the summit of Poor Mountain (3650'). After descending about 500' to Wide Gap at 3.4 mi, we climb 425' to the rocky summit of Sheep Top Rock (3575') over the next 1.1 mi.

It is a 500'+ descent to Low Gap and then there is a gradual 500' ascent over the next couple of miles. From there, it is rolling terrain for the most part and a few more short climbs. At 10.3 mi at Chattahoochee Gap, we will take a break and those who are interested can hike down the short trail to the spring that is widely considered the headwaters and start of the entire Chattahoochee River. We will also stop and check out the two shelters on this section...the Low Gap shelter and Blue Mtn shelter.

We slowly work our way upwards to the summit of Blue Mtn (4025’) before descending steeply the last 1.4 mi and approx 1100' to Unicoi Gap to end section 5.

From here, we will return to Hogpen Gap to pick up the other cars, and head home, with an optional stop for pizza on the way back.

Mileage breakdown:
- Hopgen Gap to Unicoi Gap: 13.8 mi mi
- side trip to Chattahoocee Spring(r/t): .3 mi
- side trail to shelters(r/t): .1 mi Total distance: ~14.2 miles.
Total ascent: ~2500+ 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 mountainous D5 hike in the winter, this event is for advanced hikers only. We are going to keep a fairly moderate pace...about 2.5mph avg. So if you have not recently completed some AOC D4 or D5 hikes, I may 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)
  • at least one liter of water
  • trail snacks/lunch
  • hiking boots or trail shoes
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • trekking poles
  • camera

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:From Helen, GA, take GA-17/GA-75 north 8.7 miles. Unicoi Gap parking is on the right.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):186Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $74.40 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.

    Cost Includes:NA

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