PLEASE READ ALL OF THE DETAILS BELOW TO ENSURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING BELOW, PLEASE POST IN THE COMMENTS OR DM ME BEFORE THE DAY OF THE HIKE. I WILL NOT BE CHECKING POSTS OR MESSAGES THE DAY OF THE HIKE.
Over the coming months, I'm going to try to knock out the remaining sections of the Georgia Appalachian Trail that I haven't yet hiked. I've divided up the GA portion of the trail based on potential starting points/parking areas. If you're interested in how I've defined the sections, please ask. I had mentioned my plan in the group and there seemed to be some interest. So, I'll be posting some of the sections here as group hikes.
Those of you that have hiked with me before know my polices and practices. We'll depart the trailhead at the scheduled time. If you are late and not there, you are on your own. This is not a hike for beginners and this is not a guided hike. You are responsible for your own fitness and ability to maintain the listed pace. If you don't think you can keep up over this distance and terrain, you should reconsider attending. If you still want to attend and can't keep up, don't be surprised if the group leaves you behind. As an out and back, we'll see you again on our way back to the parking lot. I'm not saying this to be harsh, but I want to ensure those that decide to join me are responsible and able to take care of themselves.
Today, we'll be starting at Gooch Gap and heading south. We'll hike approximately 4.8 miles to Cooper's Gap. We'll stop for a short lunch break and then turn around and head back the way we came. The total distance will be approximately 9.7 miles with about 1,680 feet of elevation gain. We'll maintain a pace of roughly 2.5 mph. The overall trip should take us 4 to 4.5 hours. Please plan accordingly.
As always, inclement weather may force me to cancel the hike. I will be monitoring the forecast closely and will post a cancellation (if appropriate) the night before hike. Please ensure you check this event in Meetup, prior to heading to the trailhead.
Directions:
There is not a lot of space at the parking area and so carpooling is encouraged, though I will be driving solo as I have other plans after the hike.
34.652044, -84.032439
- From I-85N, take the I-985 split (on the left) towards Gainesville
- From I-985 at Gainesville, take Exit 22 and turn left onto US-129 BUS N/EE Butler Pkwy
- Follow this road for 24.5 miles. It will become GA-60N at some point.
- GA-60N will merge with US-19N. Just north of Dahlonga, the highways will separate again. Continue on GA-60N by taking the second exit from the round-about.
- Continue on GA-60N past Woody Gap and then take a left onto Cooper's Gap Road just south of Suches.
- Follow Cooper's Gap Road approximately 2.8 miles to the crossing of the AT and find a place to park.