GA Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap-Bly Gap Overnight Backpack (#10) 9 Miles

Interested in a fall foliage backpack trip which includes a challenging hike in the beautiful north Georgia mountains on the *historic Appalachian Trail? Dicks Creek Gap to GA/NC Line and Bly Gap is the 10th and last section (the final 9 of 75 miles) of the Georgia Adventurers Group 10 Appalachian Trail hikes. We'll start at Dicks Creek Gap and hike to Plumorchard Gap Shelter, set up camp, then hike to the GA/NC line and up to nearby Bly Gap. There is an easier, camping only, option below. Participants are expected to RSVP respectfully and responsibly by checking back frequently for updates and continually making sure their calendar has this as the number one and only event for this weekend.

This will be a very difficult hike due to length: 13 1/2 miles in one day in addition to hiking a portion with a backpack. If you are not capable of doing long hikes with elevation gains over 1,300 feet do NOT attempt this trip.

This is a moderate hike for experienced hikers. Beginners will find the hiking portion (combined with 4.5 miles of backpacking) VERY difficult. We'll hike slow (hiking speed 1.2 mph with backpack, closer to 2 mph without backpack), but even with a slower pace, this is not a hike for inexperienced, beginner hikers. This hike will require a number of things: ability to hike long distance in one day (13.5 miles--4.5 with a backpack), ability to hike steep up and down mountains, and ability to carry a pack with camping gear (recommend to not go above 20% of body weight). We will hike 4.5 miles with a backpack before setting up camp, then hike another 9 miles in-and-out to GA/NC border and Bly Gap (4.5 miles each way). This will make for a long, strenuous day.

Everyone is expected to know how to keep themselves dry and warm while hiking and camping as well as to independently navigate in the wilderness. I'll use FarOut and attached is an AllTrails Map: Dick's Creek - Bly Gap Map.

An easier option is to hike just the backpack portion of trip: 4.5 mile to Plumorchard Gap. Anyone not needing to complete this hike to the Georgia-North Carolina border to meet the GA AT completion, are welcome to remain at camp with me to celebrate those returning from the border/Bly Gap.

We'll start at the parking lot/picnic area of Dicks Creek Gap and head north to the GA/NC Line on the Appalachian Trail. The trail is narrow and rocky and follows some ridgecrests, with a total elevation gain of 875 feet. At 4.5 miles we'll follow a blue blaze trail over a small creek to Plum Orchard Shelter 0.2 miles east. Plumorchard Gap Shelter has 3 decks to sleep in and there are several large sites for tents. There is a bear box (for food) and stream close by to filter water.

After setting up camp and eating lunch, Bly Gap hikers will then begin the 9 miles in-and-out to the dividing line for Georgia/Chattahoochee National forest and North Carolina/Nantahala National Forest. Bly Gap is 0.1 miles north and an old, gnarled oak tree (picture at top) let's hikers know they are officially in North Carolina. The gap, sitting at 3,840 feet elevation also has an open ridge with a beautiful view into North Carolina. Total elevation gain of hike: 1,165 feet.

Times:
9:00 am - Dicks Creek parking area, U.S. 76, Hiawassee, GA
9:30 am - begin hike

*The Appalachian Trail is celebrating its 100th year in 2025: 1925-2025.

For those who have completed the Georgia Appalachian Trail email section titles and dates to: MoBill122@aol.com. You will get a GA AT completion certificate and patch.

Photo: Expedia.com, for educational purposes only.