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Dayhike the GA AT - Section 2: Hightower Gap to Woody Gap




The Basics:
Event Type:Explorer
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 17 2009  8:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Jan 4 2009 11:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Jan 17 2009 8:00 am
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Jennifer Rush
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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: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This is second 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 2: Hightower Gap to Woody Gap

Ready to get back on the AT? This section begins at Hightower Gap and is characterized by several short steep climbs and descents. Elevation varies from about 2600 to 3400 feet.

After dropping off some cars at Woody Gap for the shuttle, we will proceed down FS42 to parking for the trailhead at Hightower Gap. We will hit the trail...headed due East. After a short climb of about .3 mi, we will descend into Horse Gap (2673')...from here, the next climb is the toughest one of the day...about 650' up to Sassafras Mtn 3336'.

From here, it is back down.... to Cooper Gap and another climb up to the summit of Justus Mtn (3224'). After crossing through Gooch Gap (and checking out the shelter there), we begin to head uphill, eventually ascending up Ramrock Mtn at mile 10.5... A short side trail should provide some scenic views. From here, it is some more rolling terrain down to Woody Gap (3150') to end section 2 and another fun and challenging day on the AT.

Total distance: ~11.8 miles.
Total ascent: ~3000 feet.

Click on elevation profile for larger version:

PLEASE NOTE:
  • part of the drive to the trailhead will be on FS42, a fairly well graded gravel road.
  • If rain is forecast, the hike will be rescheduled (hopefully within a few weeks).
  • Because this a mountainous D5 hike in the winter, this event is for advanced hikers only. We are going to keep a fairly quick pace...at least 2.5mph avg. So if you have not have recently completed some AOC D5 (or tough D4) hikes, I will 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)
  • winter clothing (hat, gloves, etc)
  • 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 Woody Gap on GA60, drive NW 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Cooper Gap Road, proceed 12.5 miles to Hightower Gap.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):143Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 8:15 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $57.20 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