Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald

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Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Unicoi Gap

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Feb 5 2022 8:30 am >> Sat, Feb 5 2022 4:30 pm

Registration Opens:

Thu, Jan 20 2022 6:03 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Feb 5 2022 6:03 am

Event Duration:

8 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D6: Advanced

Distance:

20 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Pam M

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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:

6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Ready for an AOC favorite that never gets old? This 20 miler from Unicoi Gap to the summit of Brasstown Bald, the highest mountain in GA may be it, you get amazing views and a sense of accomplishment.

We will start at Unicoi Gap and hike approx 4.4 miles on the AT (Appalachian Trail) to Chattahoochee Gap. From Chattahoochee Gap we will turn north (hang a right) leaving the AT and onto the Jacks Knob Trail. This will take us 4.5 miles to the Brasstown Bald parking lot and will involve approx. 2000 feet of total ascent.

From the parking lot, we will take the Brasstown Bald paved trail .6 miles and 400 feet up to the summit and the observation platform which will hopefully give us great views if the weather cooperates. We'll have lunch here while viewing how far we have come and how far we have yet to go.

After lunch, we will return the same way we came.

We can refill our water at Brasstown Bald and/or at Chattahoochee Gap (bring a filter). Also, if you have never seen the spring at Chattahoochee Gap, you have to check it out. Onlu a few feet down from the Gap, which is little more than a trickle of water at 3200 feet, this spring is widely regarded as the origin/headwaters of the Chattahoochee River.

Recap:
Unicoi Gap to Chattahoochee Gap - 4.4 miles, ~1600 feet total ascent
Chattahoochee Gap to Brasstown Bald parking- 4.5 miles, ~2000 feet total ascent
Brasstown Bald trail .6 miles to Brasstown Bald -.6 miles, ~400 feet ascent
Brasstown Bald to Brasstown Bald parking lot - .6 miles
Brasstown Bald parking lot to Chattahoochee Gap- 4.5 miles, ~1000 feet total ascent
Chattahoochee Gap to Unicoi Gap - 4.4 miles, ~900 feet total ascent

Total: ~20 miles, ~6000 feet of ascent

This is a strenuous hike and only for advanced hikers with recent experience of hiking 15 or more miles in the mountains. We will be trying to maintain pace while hiking. However, it should all be well worth it and should prove to be an adventurous day on the trail for those who are up to the challenge and would like to join us...

Event write up courtesy of Jasmine

Required Items to Bring:

2-3 liters of water
Snacks/lunch (it's a tough hike, so bring lots of food)
Hiking boots/shoes
Headlamp in case the sun sets prior to return to Unicoi Gap
Emergency rain gear

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

Trekking poles
Camera
Change of shoes and shirt for drive back

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

When coming from I-85N, take GA Hwy 211N, Hwy 53W, I-985N and US-23N to GA-52W for 34 miles

Continue on GA-52 W to Clermont for 11 miles

Continue on US-129 N. Take GA-75Alt S ti GA-17 N/GA-75 N for 27.3 miles

Parking lot will be on your right

Notes:

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

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