Deal with It Series #1 - Unicoi Gap to Raven Cliff Falls

This series of hikes will be strenuous in a multiple ways. They will require strength, endurance, an adventurous spirit and creative problem solving. Deal with it! :-)

The first in the series will be Unicoi Gap to Hogpen Gap to Raven Cliff Falls. Distance: 18 miles This is a one-way shuttle hike, on the trail for at least 8-9 hours.

 It will be an early morning at the carpool so that we can enjoy the sunrise over the Georgia mountains...

We will start off with an immediate steep ascent of 1.5 miles to the top of Blue Mountain. That should get us motivated. Then it's about 10 miles of relatively flat and downhill on the ridge line of the AT. THIS PORTION WILL BE A FAST HIKE TO GET US TO THE FALLS BEFORE DARK. We will be treated to sweeping views on both sides, including Brasstown Bald on our right and Yonah Mountain on our left. And, if we are lucky, we will get amazing gifts of the winter along the way... 

 And, just when you are starting to question why we are calling this a D6, there will be a couple of asthma-inducing mountains to get up and over.

Then the real fun begins! We will go OFF TRAIL, following the creek for about 2 miles until it plunges over the Raven Fall Cliffs. We will walk, climb and crawl during this section of the hike.

See impenetrable Rhododendron Bushes
See impressive briar patches
See people crawling under logs
And see the World Famous Georgia Tire Graveyard!!!!
What more could you want from a hike!!!

HOWEVER, BE PREPARED! The group will need to stay very close together and be very aware of every step. As we get closer to the waterfall, the terrain slopes dramatically. If you are not careful, there is a sharp drop off the cliffs. We will not be walking close the edge and we ask that you don't either! 

Once we arrive at Raven Cliff Falls, there is a trail to lead us back to our cars. BE AWARE - THE CLIMB DOWN TO THE TRAIL IS EXTREMELY STEEP AND WILL REQUIRE TO YOU HOLD ON TO THE ROOTS OF A LARGE TREE TO GET DOWN. We will be greatly rewarded with views of spectacular waterfalls...

This is one-way shuttle hike, so please be prepared for that also. 

Elevation Gain: 3,241 ft
Elevation Loss: 4,161 ft
Min Elevation: 2,001 ft
Max Elevation: 3,999 ft

Because of the off-trail section of the hike that leads to steep cliffs, we will be closely screening those who sign up. If you have not demonstrated a recent D5 or D6 with ease, please expect to hear from one of the trip leaders. We reserve the right to remove anyone from this trip.