Sunday Hikes the Entire GA Appalachian Trail Series-Week 5

Are You Ready For Another Fun and challenging Sunday on the AT?

This is the fifth of series of day hikes that will cover entire GA Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain to just past NC border to 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  Completed on 9/7/2014

Week 3: Woody Gap to Neel Gap           ~ 11 miles and 2700' Ascent   Completed on 9/14/2014

Week 4: Neel Gap to Hogpen Gap and RT ~ 15.6 miles and 3700' (GPS) Ascent Completed on 9/21/2014

Week 5: Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap         ~ 14.2 Miles and 2600' Ascent

Week 6: Unicoi Gap to Dicks Gap   ~ 16.5 miles and 5000" Ascent

Week 7: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap and RT to Blue Ridge Gap ~ 12.3 miles and 3000' ( Celebration dinner and GA 80 milers thru hiker patch ceremony for those that completed all events.)

 This section is characterized by many short climbs and rolling terrain. However the short climbs really add up, with section ending up with about 2600 feet of total ascent. This being a point-to-point hike, we will begin with the car shuttle (see detail under Directions). Once that bit of logistics is taken care of, we are stepping back onto the AT, headed north from Hogpen Gap (3450').

We quickly enter the Mark Trail Wilderness, in which we will remain for the entire hike. Our first climb is an easy one...just about 200' to the summit of Poor Mountain (3650'). After descending about 500' to Wide Gap at 3.4 mi, we climb 425' to the rocky summit of Sheep Top Rock (3575') over the next 1.1 mi.

It is a 500'+ descent to Low Gap and then there is a gradual 500' ascent over the next couple of miles. From there, it is rolling terrain for the most part and a few more short climbs. At 10.3 mi at Chattahoochee Gap, we will take a break and those who are interested can hike down the short trail to the spring that is widely considered the headwaters and start of the entire Chattahoochee River. We will also stop and check out the two shelters on this section...the Low Gap shelter and Blue Mtn shelter.

We slowly work our way upwards to the summit of Blue Mtn (4025’) before descending steeply the last 1.4 mi and approx 1100' to Unicoi Gap to end week 5.

From here, we will return to Hogpen Gap to pick up the other cars, and head home, with an optional stop for dinner on the way back.

Mileage breakdown:
- Hopgen Gap to Unicoi Gap: 13.8 mi mi
- side trip to Chattahoocee Spring(r/t): .3 mi
- side trail to shelters(r/t): .1 mi

Total distance: ~14.2 miles.
Total ascent: ~2500+ feet.

The information above about our hike is modified copy of Tony C.'s previous hike. Thanks Tony.

PLEASE NOTE: I LIKE EVERYONE TO STAY TOGETHER IN THIS HIKE. FAST HIKERS ARE WELCOME BUT MUST STAY WITH THE GROUP, SLOW HIKERS MUST BE ABLE TO HIKE 2.5 MILES ON LEVEL GROUND AND 2 MILES AN HOUR ON STEEP UP HILLS. THIS HIKE IS DESIGNED FOR MODERATE SPEED HIKERS.

Please note: because of shuttle requirement this event is car pool only, if you are planning to drive by yourself alone this hike is not for you. Here is how it works: We take 4 cars preferably SUVs with each carrying 3 persons including driver. At point A (Unicoi Gap) we leave 1 car; we then have 3 cars each with 4 persons including driver to drive to point B (Hagpen Gap). After our hike only drivers ride with the car that we left at point A to bring back the rest of the cars. With exactly 12 hikers each person pays $24.00 so each driver receives $48.00. Please come with exact change. If the number drops below 12 persons or we add above 12 persons, then we will adjust the cost.

North on GA 400 from the park and ride. When GA 400 ends at Chevron station. continue on GA 115. Go 4.8 miles where GA 115 meets GA 52. Turn right. Continue on GA 115 for 12.5 miles and turn left on Wilford Ash Parkway.  After 0.4 miles, Wilford Ash Parkway becomes GA-75.  Stay on GA-75 thru Helen.  From Helen it is about six miles to Unicoi Gap, where you will see hiker crossing signs.  This means the AT is coming up. You will see the parking lot on the right.  If you start going much downhill, you have gone too far.

Sunday