Long Creek Valley: AT 14-mile segment GA

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Long Creek Valley: AT 14-mile segment GA

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Suches, GA

Date(s) & Time:

Thu, Aug 27 2020 8:30 am >> Thu, Aug 27 2020 2:30 pm

Registration Opens:

Sun, Aug 23 2020 6:25 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Aug 26 2020 6:25 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D6: Advanced

Distance:

14.6 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Gary 'L'
Leigh B

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

4 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Plan to hike at a 2.8 mph pace to keep the group on time for completing this trek in 6 hours.

We have 2 mountains coming and going for a total climb of 2600 feet.

During the 7.3 mile first half we will climb Hawk Mountain before descending eventually to Stover Creek. The second half will be a return so we will climb Hawk Mountain again.

We will hike the Appalachian Trail southbound from Hightower Gap (off Forest Service Road 42) and finish at the intersection with the Benton Mackaye Trail which is 0.3 miles from the Springer Mountain parking lot.

Our prize near the mid-point of our hike is the Long Creek/Three Forks area of beautiful mountain streams, waterfalls, majestic trees and rhododendron tunnels.

The Long Creek Valley includes 3 beautiful mountain streams -- Stover, Chester, and Long Creek to form Noontootla Creek. The magnificent hemlocks are the only virgin stand south of the Smoky Mountains NP. After cresting a ridge of Rich Mtn, will will also cross Davis Creek

A highlight of the trek will include Long Creek Falls, with a beautiful pool suitable for swimming.

Available rest stops include the Hawk Mountain and Stover Creek shelters.

Hawk Mountain is used by US Army Rangers as a base of operations.

Three Forks is the terminus for the 288-mile Benton Mackaye Trail which can be used to form a 500-mile hiking loop with the AT and the Duncan Ridge Trail which can be used to form a 60-mile loop with the AT

Required Items to Bring:

3 liters of water

lunch and trail snacks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

treking poles for a little help up and down mountains and over streams

sunglasses

compact umbrella

shoes that already have miles on them

extra pair of shoes for the swimming hole

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

please meet us at the trail access at 8:30am.

There is no privy nor water at the trail access so we suggest a stop in Dahlonega at the McDonald's (or the convenience store across the street from the McDonald's may have larger restrooms and save you time)

Following the GPS directions will lead you past parking and trail

access at Cooper Gap and Horse Gap. We are going to the 3rd

access which is Hightower Gap and will park there.

Here is a link to Google Maps that will take you to Hightower Gap:

https://goo.gl/maps/WQBiqL3aHYfyzirH7

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

There is no cost for parking at the trailhead.

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