Stanley Gap Trail and Flat Creek Loop

We'll start in the Deep Gap parking lot off Aska Road and follow the Stanley Gap Trail climbing up and over Rich Mountain.  Descending down the other side we'll reach Fall Creek Falls overlooked by several glamping domes.  Then we'll double back, climbing over Rich Mountain again to find a good lunch spot on the mountain.  After a short lunch break we'll descend to intersect with the Flat Creek Loop trail following this easy and fast 5 mile loop back to the parking lot.  A total of about 16 miles with 3300 ft of climbing overall.

There should be sufficient parking at the trailhead but there are no restrooms.  This pleasant hike through the woods features 2 long climbs over Rich Mountain with a view of the modest Long Creek Falls.  For about 5 miles we'll also be following white diamond blazes of the Benton Mackaye Trail.  These trails are also open for mtn bikes but I doubt we'll see too many on a weekday morning.

This is a solid D5 hike in both distance and elevation.  Average pace should be around 2.8 mph.  Recent D5 or high end D4 experience is required.  Be sure you're comfortable with hikes lasting up to 6 hours (moving time) at a faster pace (up to 3.0+ mph).  Hikers without D5 experience may get an email to assess your compatibility.

See this link for more information about the Aska trail system near Blue Ridge,  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10532.

Deep Gap Parking - From Blue Ridge, GA, go south on Aska Road 4.4 miles to Deep Gap parking area.  The parking area is located south of the gap and on the right side of the road.

Directions to the trailhead