Backpacking A.T. from Woody Gap to Gooch Mtn Shelter

A great time to backpack while the trees are probably still bare in the mountains, and the temperatures still cool!  This is an in/out trip - we'll go in and return on the same route.  

I have hiked this part of the Appalachian Trail but add "Exploratory" since I've not camped here for many years and do not recollect the exact campsite locations and amenities.  Read this for a great description of the hike.  We'll be going in the southern direction from Woody Gap to the Gooch Mtn Shelter area.  There are a couple camp sites that we'll pass along the way, and if they are not taken and are of appropriate size and amenities (e.g., water and view), we will go ahead and set up camp.  Be prepared to hike the full 5 1/2 miles with your backpack to the camp site.

Since we're unsure of the amount of space at the campsites, we're keeping the number of attendees low.  Additionally, there are a lot of through-hikers out at this time of year potentially filling up the camp sites. 

On Sunday morning, we'll plan to depart camp by 9:30 or so.  Lunch in Dahlonega may be an option that we can discuss prior to our car pool departure.

Up to 2 dogs allowed.  Jake will be one dog already attending.

http://tinyurl.com/j96hvvs