AT Section 2: Hightower Gap to Long Creek Falls

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.

Starting last year, I'm knocking 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 Hightower Gap and heading west (southbound). We'll hike approximately 3.3 miles from Hightower Gap to Long Creek Falls. We'll stop for a short lunch break and turn around to head back. The total distance will be approximately 6.6 miles with roughly 1,100 feet of elevation gain. We'll maintain a pace of roughly 2.5 mph. The overall trip should take us around 3 hours. Please plan accordingly. Please make sure you are capable and prepared.

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.

34.663742, -84.129811

• From I-85N, take the I-985N split (on the left) towards Gainesville and follow for approximately 24.5 miles
• At Gainesville, take exit 22 and continue left onto GA60N/US129 for 22.1 miles (US19N will merge with your route)
• When you reach Dahlonega, turn right onto US19N (just past the Dahlonega Mountain Inn) and continue for 8.0miles
• At the roundabout, take the second exit to continue on GA60N. Follow for 16.8 miles
• Just past the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, turn left onto Gaddistown Road/FS15 to the junction with FS42-2 at Coopers Gap
• Turn right and follow FS42-2 (this road may be rough) approximately 3.7 miles to the junction with Rock Creek Road and the Hightower Gap AT Trailhead.