Locust Log Ridge and Brasstown Bald

This is a NEW description that covers the same trail, but with a different start point, so the location shown above and the directions to the trailhead have changed!

Join us as we hike on the Arkaquah Trail from Trackrock Gap past Buzzard Roost Ridge and Cove's Gap to Low Gap and Locust Log Ridge, past Blue Bluff and Chimneytop Mountain and on to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. We will take a break for lunch or a snack on the observation tower, where there also are restrooms.

The Arkaquah trail is one of the lesser-used trails in Georgia. It begins with a long, steep climb, climbing about 1,000 feet in the first mile. After about two miles it levels off somewhat before reaching the parking lot for Brasstown Bald, where we will begin another steep climb. We will hike 12 miles with about 3,760 feet of climbing. Much of our trail is above 4,000 feet high, and the views that will be available to us are some of the best in Georgia. It has some steep climbs, but also some level hiking with continuous views. At one point we should be able to see the tower on Brasstown Bald, and at another point we will have to squeeze between boulders (this part is named "Fatman's squeeze"). After a well-deserved rest we will return to the beginning of the hike. Our average pace will be around 2.3 mph.

This hike is a strenuous hike that is not for beginners. You must have recent D5 AOC hikes or provide the trip leaders with comparable evidence that you can meet the challenge of this hike. If you do not, you will be moved to the waitlist while the trip leaders assess your experience. If you have comparable experience outside of AOC, provide it to the trip leaders (for example, you have recently completed a marathon). Expect a call from one of the trip leaders if you don't have recent D5 events.

We will meet at the very small Trackrock Gap parking lot across from the start of the Arkaqua Trail. There are no bathrooms or water at the trailhead, but both are available at Brasstown Bald, the mid-point of our hike.

In Google Maps or Apple Maps you can find the trailhead by searching for Trackrock Gap, or by searching for the GPS coordinates: 34.88237° N, 83.87754° W.