2018-12-16 Brasstown Bald from Unicoi Gap

This is an out and back trekking to Brasstown Bald, the highest summit in Georgia standing at 4,784 feet. On a clear day we'll have panoramic breathtaking views from four surrounding states.

We’ll meet and start from the Unicoi Gap. We'll follow AT (Appalachian Trail) SoBo (South Bound). First 1.4 miles we’ll climb Blue Mt. to its summit at 4,025 feet Elev. This section is very rocky with many switchbacks. We’ll reach AT Chattahoochee Gap at 4.5 miles, then turn right heading north and follow Jacks Knob Trail. We’ll cross GA-180 and continue Jacks Knob Trail to Brasstown Bald Recreation Area.

The last section is a paved parking lot and Brasstown Bald Trail leading to its summit and surrounding facilities. After trekking 10 miles we’ll take our lunch break at the summit, and enjoy everything it has to offer. After break, we’ll retrace the same route for another 10 miles to get back to our cars.

<<< Important Notes >>>

The event duration does NOT include our travelling/ driving time. If you choose to meet at the event, please arrive 10 minutes before our starting time. Our duration time is an educated estimate, so we need to have some flexibility.

This event is physically challenging and rewarding! You can fully enjoy it if and only if you have good fitness and endurance. Please only register if you are comfortable going long distance at a pace of 2.5 to 3 mph in the remote mountains environment, and have recent D5/D6 experience.

If your recent experience is not from the club, please include it in a note when you register, or email TL; otherwise you will be moved to the waiting list for the safety of everyone. We encourage our members to actively participate with joyful experience, and most importantly to stay healthy and safe at the end of our event.

Take GA-400 N/US-19 N to its end. Continue straight onto GA-115 N for 4.8 miles. Turn right onto GA-115 N/GA-52 E for 2 miles. Keep left to continue on GA-115 N for 9.5 miles. Turn left onto Tesnatee Gap Valley Rd. for 2.7 miles. Continue onto McAfee Rd for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto US-129 N for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto GA-75A for 8.1 miles. Turn left onto GA-17 N/GA-75 N for 7.8 miles to arrive at Unicoi Gap parking lot.

1. This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not satisfactory for an enjoyable outing.

2. Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader.