Dick’s Creek Gap to Blue Ridge Gap on the AT

Unlike the hike going south from Dick's Creek Gap, this hike going north involves lots of short ups and downs, also known as PUDS (pointless ups and downs); the longest uphill is 800 ft. over 1.5 miles (to Buzzard Knob). In hot, humid weather this sort of terrain can be annoying and fatiguing, but in the cold winter it is perfecct for staying warm. From Dick's Creek Gap, then, it is up to Little Bald Knob, down to Cowart Gap, up to Buzzard Knob, down a bit to Bull Gap and right back up again, down to Plumorchard Gap, up to As Knob, and down to Blue Ridge Gap, where we turn around and do it in reverse. It all adds up to 3200-3500 ft of elevation gain. We will have lunch at the Plumorchard Shelter. 

We'll probably start hiking at about 10:30 and be off the trail by about 5:00. We plan to have dinner in Clayton afterwards. Anyone who cannot stay for dinner should carpool with like-minded hikers or drive on their own to the Clayton Ingles ("meet at event"), where they can join the carpool. Parking is limited at the trailhead, which is why the "meet at event" is at the Ingles.

I doubt we will see as much snow as shown in the photo, but please do remember it is still winter. Take more clothing than you think you will need, because you might be glad to wear it in a cold wind or in an emergency.

Mike will coordinate the carpool at the Indian Trail Park and Ride. I as well as anyone else "meeting at event" will join the group at the Clayton Ingles at 9:45.

From Indian Trail park-and-ride, take I-85 North. After 11 miles bear left to take I-985 North. This road will change to GA 365, US 441, and US 23. Stay on it for 75 miles, then stop at the Ingles in Clayton. From Clayton we take Hwy 76 west for 30 minutes to the parking area at Dick's Creek Gap. All driving is on paved roads.

Because this is a D5 event, if you have not recently completed some tough AOC hikes, I may be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and experience to make sure this is the right hike for you.