Sunday Hikes the Entire GA Appalachian Trail Series-Week 2

Are You Ready For Another Fun Sunday on the AT?

This is second of series of day hikes that will cover entire GA Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain to just pass NC Border Bly Gap.

Week 1: Springer Mtn to Hightower Gap ~ 11 miles and over 1000' Ascent completed on 8/31/14

Week 2: Hightower Gap to Woody Gap   ~ 12 miles and 3000' Ascent

Week 3: Woody Gap to to Neels Gap      ~ 11 miles and 2700' Ascent

Week 4: Neel Gap to Hogpen Gap and back  ~ 14.6 miles and 4000' Ascent ( no shuttle )

Week 5: Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap         ~ 14.5 Miles and 2500' Ascent

Week 6: Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain and back ~ 11 miles ( no shuttle, subject to change)

Week 7: Tray Gap to Dicks Creek Gap ~ 12.5 Miles ( subject to change)

Week 8: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap and back ~ 18 miles ( Celeberation dinner and badg cermony for those that completed all 8 events and willing to pay $5 so I can order badges from GA appalachian trail club- Victor )

 This section begins at Hightower  Gap and is characterized by several short steep climbs and  descents.  Elevation varies from about 2600 to 3400  feet.

After dropping off some cars at Woody Gap for the shuttle, we  will proceed down FS42 to parking for the trailhead at Hightower  Gap. We will hit the trail...headed due East. After a short climb  of about .3 mi, we will descend into Horse Gap (2673')...from  here, the next climb is the toughest one of the day...about 650'  up to Sassafras Mtn 3336'.

From here, it is back down.... to Cooper Gap and another climb  up to the summit of Justus Mtn (3224'). After crossing through  Gooch Gap (and checking out the shelter there), we begin to  head uphill, eventually ascending up Ramrock Mtn at mile 10.5...  A short side trail should provide some scenic views.  From here,  it is some more rolling terrain down to Woody Gap (3150') to end  section 2 and another fun and challenging day on the  AT.

Total distance: ~11.8 miles.
Total ascent: ~3000 feet.This hike works best for every one to meet at car pool at Windward Park and ride.

Thanks to Tony C. and Richard Zelic for sharing their vast AT knowlege with me, and hope to see Tony C. on trails soon. Victor

PLEASE NOTE: I LIKE EVERYONE TO STAY TOGETHER IN THIS HIKE, FAST HIKERS ARE WELCOME BUT MUST STAY WITH GROUP, SLOW HIKERS MUST BE ABLE TO HIKE 2.5 MILES AN HOUR. THIS HIKE IS DESIGNED FOR MODERATE SPEED HIKERS.

Please note: because of shuttle requirement this event is car pool only, if you are planing to drive by yourself alone this hike is not for you. Here is how it works: We take 4 cars preferably SUVs with each carry 3 persons including driver, at point A (Woody Gap) we leave 1 car, we have 3 cars each with 4 persons including driver to drive to point B (Hightower Gap). After our hike only drivers ride with the car that we left at point A to bring the rest of the cars. With exactly 12 hikers each person pays $18.50 so each driver recieves $37.00. Please come with exact change. If the number drops below 12 person then we readjust the cost.

Sunday