HIKE: Jack's Knob Trail Part 2 to the Chattahoochee R to Unicoi Gap...7 miles

On this hike you will see the HEADWATER/START of the massive Chattahoochee River.

This is the second half of Jack's Knob Trail (which we will do at a later time) so will do that and add a piece of the AT from Chattahoochee Gap to Unicoi Gap. This will involve a short car shuttle. If you have not hiked on the AT then this is your chance to check it out without signing up for 12 miles and can't get off.

We will meet at the trailhead or I-985 park and ride at Exit 4 and meet at Unicoi Gap (1.5+ hrs 78 miles). We will pile into as few cars as possible and go back to Jack's Gap (12 minutes 8 miles). If you are driving SOLO please meet me at Unicoi Gap at 10:15 am. We leave at 10:30...boots on and ready to roll. We will start hiking from here at Jack's Gap on GA-180. We will start at the base of Brasstown Bald (where Highway 180 meets Spur 180). The first 2 miles is up and down and up and down moderate-strenuous…about 2 MPH. The trail gets narrow in spots. We will take a few minutes to explore Chattahoochee GAP where the headwaters of the Hooch begin. Its a trickle and its hard to believe this will be our mighty Hooch but it will. We can lunch or snack here.

Then we will continue on the AT about 5 miles to Unicoi Gap. The trail dips a little then a gradual climb for 3 miles up to Blue Mountain and then a big descent over 1.5 miles into Unicoi Gap. From here we will drive back to Jack's Gap to get the cars (12 minutes 8 miles)

This is NOT a beginner hike. Again, it is rated moderate/strenuous. Total mileage will be about 7 miles. We will go about 2-2.25 miles per hour...a slower pace than usual due to the terrain. Total hiking 4 hours.

Parking I-985 and GA 20 and Ride for Carpool...leaving at 8:15am.

Unicoi Gap . 34.801735, -83.742844 This crosses 75 at Unicoi Gap. It is a parking area for about a dozen cars.

Jacks's Gap for start of hike : Coordinates: 34.84793, -83.79871 This is where GA Highway 180..meets spur 180. DO NOT DRIVE UP TO VISITOR CENTER WHICH IS WHAT COORDINATES GIVE YOU. Do not pay for parking. You should not be going here without me.

Bring snacks, lunch and water and be prepared to book your entire day. When you RSVP please put where I am meeting you..985 park and ride or unicoi gap.

For more info, Barbara 678-438-5593.

Meeting time: 8:15am 985-GA 20 Exit 4...on the SW area of the intersection...you can see it when you approach exit 4.
Leave by 8:30 for unicoi gap.
10:15 arrive unicoi gap
10:30 to Jack's Gap
10:45 start hike
3pm finish hike
Maybe we can tighten all this up and finish a little earlier.

Hike time: 4 hours (maybe touch more)

What to bring: lots of water, lunch, snacks, hiking boots, bug spray???, sun screen, and a good attitude. No whining permitted. Cost: free parking

Ability level: moderate/strenuous. Please email or call me to discuss your personal ability level if you are not sure.

Return Time: Approximately 6pm

Barbara (678) 438-5593 We will not hike if terrible weather... I will not drive in ice or snow...this is Atlanta. The pin is not always correct as meetup puts it not me. Use the coordinates. Parking is free.

Vehicle expense will be $20-30 to be shared by the riders .Please bring small bills.