C-HIKES (6 - 8 MILES)

Rev 30 November 2010

ßß = Trails maintained by MHHC

## = Designated Wilderness Area

C4##

Addis Gap over Kelly Knob on the AT to Deep Gap Shelter and return on Forest Service road. 7 miles. Trail climbs 1,000 ft. in 1.1 miles. Side trip to spectacular waterfall.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.
Note: Too strenuous for short hikers in summer.
8 miles to trailhead

C4ßß##

Arkaquah Trail from Trackrock Gap to Brasstown Bald parking lot, then down to Jacks Gap for a total of 7.8 miles of strenuous hiking. Trail ascends 2,100 feet and descends 1,400 feet. Spectacular views. Shuttle

Jacks Gap at base of Brasstown Bald on Hwy. 180.

Bartram Trail from Russell Bridge on Hwy 28 east of Clayton to Licklog Falls. Return on fisherman trail along SC side of Chatooga River. 7.5 miles.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.

Bartram Trail from Hale Ridge Rd to Rabun Bald: on Come see the great 360 degree 3-state view from the top, also a Waterfall thrown in. 4.2 miles on the Bartram to Rabun Bald, then 2.9 miles on Three forks trail to the cars total 7.1 miles. 3.5 mile shuttle

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.

Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Pinnacle Knob and return for a 7.6 mile hike. The last half mile is very steep, but the view from the top is worth the climb.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee

Bartram Trail – Wayah Bald to Nantahala Lake – 8 miles. Starting at Wayah Bald in NC, Mostly downhill hiking, with views of Fires Creek area and Nantahala Lake. Shuttle
Meet at Rest Stop on 19/74 west of, Andrews, NC.

Bear Paw and Chestnut Mountain loop trails opposite the Whitewater Center in the Ocoee Gorge, TN. A moderate 7.7 mile hike. Good winter views of gorge.

SE corner of Hwy 64 / Hwy 129 in Murphy

Beech Creek Loop – Moderately strenuous 7.9 mile hike with 1740 elevation gain begins on Tallulah River Road, just north of Tate City in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness. Great view of Beech Creek gorge, two waterfalls, and Standing Indian Mt. make this a great hike, plus it’s a loop! Bring $$$ in case you want to shop at Tate City Mall.

Macedonia Baptist Church in Hiawassee

C2 (Winter) C3 (Summer)

Benton MacKaye Trail from Hwy. 60 across Toonowee Mountain to the suspension bridge and return for 7.2 miles ( ≈3:40 hrs) round trip. Elevation change 800 ft. in, 900 ft out.

Park & Ride in Blairsville.

Benton MacKaye, Hemp Top, Jacks River trails. We will start hiking from Watson Gap, enter the Cohutta Wilderness on the BMT, then use the Hemp Top and Jack’s River trails to complete a circle and return over a 2.6 repeat of the BMT to Watson Gap again. About 8.3 miles.

Home Depot parking lot in Blue Ridge, GA. Earlier meet at Park & Ride in Blairsville at 8:30

Benton MacKaye Trail from Highway 60 across Licklog Mountain to Skeenah Gap. A 6.3 mile (≈4 hrs) hike with 1,800 foot elevation change in first 3.2 miles. Short shuttle required.

Park & Ride in Blairsville.

Benton MacKaye Trail from Wilscot Gap to Shallowford Bridge for 7.6 (or 7.1 without road walk) miles with a total of 4,100 feet of change in elevation before ending at Toccoa River. Good views in winter of Lake Blue Ridge. Shuttle or key swap.

Park & Ride in Blairsville

C3

Benton MacKaye Trail from Bushy Head Gap, west of Blue Ridge, in and out for 7.6 miles. A moderate hike with 1,000 ft. elevation change.

Park & Ride in Blairsville

BMT: Springer parking lot, up AT to Springer, then BMT to 3 Forks. 7 mi. mod hike. Southern terminus of the AT and the BMT with memorial marker for Benton MayKaye. Beautiful rock outcropping overlook. 3 Forks is the confluence of Stover, Chester and Long Creeks. Shuttle

Blairsville Park and Ride

C3##

Big Frog Wilderness loop. 7.2 miles. Hike starts at Thundercreek Campgound on the Benton McKaye trail to West fork trail to 1330 bypass to Bear Paw trail to Rhododendron Trail. Lunch at the Whitewater Center and then walk the beautiful boardwalk along the river back to cars.

SW Corner Hwy 64 and 129/19 in Murphy, NC

Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton. Hike the James E. Edmonds Loop Trail for 7.2 moderate to strenuous miles. State park pass or current parking fee.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.
Distance to trailhead is 35 miles

C3##

Blood Mountain Creek to Jarrard Gap and return. New hike. About 6.8 miles with 2646’ elevation change. About 5 hours with lunch at Jarrard Gap. Hike on unblazed trails. Group integrity required with guidance from hike leader to insure no one misses the trail. We will hike at a moderate to deliberate pace. Nice creek side and mountainside views.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy. 180.

C2##

Blue Ridge Gap to Bly Gap at the NC border on the AT and return. 8 miles ( ≈ 3-5 hrs ). Limited parking at Blue Ridge Gap trailhead. 800 ft. elevation gain going in.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.
Note: Bad road to trailhead.

C1

Brush Creek Trail near the Ocoee Whitewater Center. 6.5 mile easy to moderate from Boyd Gap overlook with good views of the lake. Short shuttle required.

SE corner of Hwy 64 / Hwy 129 in Murphy
Note: More PM shade if you start from the opposite end and not at Boyd Gap overlook.
22 miles to trailhead

C4##

Byron Herbert Reece and Freeman Trails with return over Blood Mountain on the AT. A 6.5 mile loop hike ( ≈ 4:00 hrs ). Elevation gain 1,400 feet. Rough, rocky footing.

Byron Herbert Reece parking lot on Hwy 129, close to Neels Gap.

C4-5##

Byron H. Reece Parking area to Woods Hole Shelter on the AT. Return on the Freeman Trail. (7.5 miles, ≈ 4:30 hrs) 1,400 ft. climb. Rough, rocky footing.

Byron Herbert Reece parking lot on Hwy 129, close to Neels Gap.

C3##

Byron H. Reece area to Flatrock Gap on the AT and northbound to Swaim Gap and return. Scenic rock formations north of Flatrock Gap. 7.6 miles in and out.

Byron Herbert Reece parking lot on Hwy 129, close to Neels Gap

Chestnut Mountain Loop Trail . This is a 7.7 mile moderate hike opposite the Ocoee Whitewater Center in TN. Much of the trail is along an old logging road with early fall color. Good hike in winter with lower elevation, views.

Meet at Piggly Wiggly in Ducktown

C4ßß##

Chunky Gal from the AT to Glade Gap. 7 miles strenuous hiking starting at Deep Gap. From Deep Gap we will hike on the old AT to the start of Chunky Gal and then down to Glade Gap. Shuttle.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville
Note: Carpool info: From Ingles to Glade Gap – 31 mile r/t, from Ingles to Deep Gap – 48.5 mile r/t
Shuttle info: Glade Gap to Deep Gap – 9 miles, duration 23 minutes (one way)
Good hike when leaves are turning. Not a good winter hike because the Forest Service road to Deep Gap is closed Jan-March. Difficult hike which may not be suitable for some club members.

C4ßß

Chunky Gal Trail from Bob Allison Campground to Tusquitee Bald. 7.5 strenuous miles round trip. 2,200 foot elevation gain. Scenic area with giant hickories and old growth hemlocks.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.

Cooper Gap to Hightower Gap and return. A moderate 7.6 mile hike on the AT, hiking over Sassafras Mountain. (Driving distance SR 60 to Gap via FSR 42 = 8.7 miles.)

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.
Note: Long drive on rough FSR #42.

Coker Creek trail to BMT, then out to Hwy 68 – 7 miles, first 3 miles along a nice mountain stream with some waterfalls and cascades,

Meet in Murphy at junction of Hwy 64 and 19/129 at the Flea Market

Coosa Backcountry Trail from Wolf Creek Road to Wolfpen Gap. Strenuous hike with 2,500 ft. el. gain and 2,100 ft. el. loss. 7.2 miles ( ≈ 4:10 hrs. ). Short shuttle.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.

Coosa Backcountry Trail from Wolfpen Gap to Wolf Creek Road. Strenuous hike with 2,100 ft. el. gain and 2,500 ft. el. loss. 7.2 miles ( ≈ 3:30 hrs. ). Short shuttle.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.

C3##

Deep Gap south on old and new AT. See aircraft crash site and Ravenrock Cliffs. This is a moderate round trip hike of 6.5 miles. ( 4:30 hrs ),

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.

Dicks Creek Gap south on the AT to Deep Gap Shelter and return for 7.6 miles. ( ≈ 3:30 hrs ) Elevation gain 1,200 feet. Nice scenic viewpoint.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.

C2##

Dockery Lake to AT and return. A 6.8 mile hike. Elevation gain 1,000 ft. going, 600 ft. returning. Trail noted for wild azaleas and Carolina silverbells. Optional wildflower walk in Sosebee Cove.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.

Duncan Ridge Trail from Mulky Gap to Fish Gap for ≈6 miles round trip. This section has some moderate to strenuous ascents and descents. (≈ 3:30 hrs)

Park & Ride in Blairsville
6.8 miles to trailhead

C4##

Duncan Ridge Trail from Wolfpen Gap over Slaughter Mnt. and on the AT to Blood Mtn. and return. About 7 miles with lots of steep elevations. (≈ 3:50 hrs)

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.

C3ßß

Fires Creek Park. Up Huskins Branch Trail for 2.5 miles, then right along FSR 6176 for 1.1 miles, right on Rim Trail for 0.4 miles, right on FSR 340 and back. ≈ 7 miles ( ≈ 4 hrs ) round trip. 1189 ft elev. change in 2 miles.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.

C3ßß

Fires Creek Rim Trail - FSR 6176 Loop. From Leatherwood Falls, follow Rim Trail for 2.2 miles, and 1,000+ ft. climb. Turn right and follow FSR 6176 for 4.4 miles. Turn left after crossing Leatherwood Creek onto unmarked trail. 7 mile loop.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville

C4 ßß

Fires Creek Rim Trail Series Hike #3. Up Shinbone Trail #80 2.3 miles to Rim to where Clay, Macon, and Cherokee Counties meet, 2 miles on the Rim passing Signal Bald, a short side trip on the Chunky Gal Trail thrown in for the vista at Tusquitee Bald and then back to the Rim Trail and down Far Bald Spring Trail #389 1.7 miles (park cars here for loop). 6.2 miles total. (Option: Side trip to Potrock Bald, adding .5 miles).

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville
Distance to trailhead: 20 miles (10 miles of long gravel FS road)

C3 ßß

Fires Creek Rim Trail Series Hike #4. Up Sassaphras Trail 2.1 miles to Rim then 2.5 miles on the Rim passing Signal Bald, a short side trip on the Chunky Gal Trail thrown in for the vista at Tusquitee Bald and then back to the Rim Trail and down Far Bald Spring Trail #389 1.7 miles. 7 miles total.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville
Distance to trailhead: 20 miles (10 miles of long gravel FS road)

C2##

GA AT series 3. Woody Gap to Gooch Gap (in and out). 7.2 miles. Moderately easy. 3.6 miles each way. Trail passes Woody Gap (3150), Ramrock Mt. (3200) high point, Gooch Gap (2784) low point. MHH “favorite”.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy. 180.

C3##

GA AT series 5. Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap. Shuttle/key exchange. 6.4 miles. Moderate. Trail passes Neels Gap (3125), Levelland Mt. (3942), Cowrock Mt. (3842), Tesnatee Gap (3138), Trail to Whitley Gap Shelter, Hogpen Gap (3450).

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy. 180.
Distance to trailhead from CBC: 6 miles

C3##

GA AT series 7B. Jack’s Gap to Unicoi Gap. 6.6 miles (shuttle/key exchange). Moderate. 4.4 miles on AT plus 2.2 miles on Jack’s Knob trail. Trail passes Unicoi Gap (2949), Blue Mt. (4025), Blue Mt. Shelter trail (3800), Chattahoochee Gap (3500). Some rocky sections of trail.

Unicoi Gap on Hwy 75 south of Hiawassee

C3##

GA AT series 10. Addis Gap to Dick’s Creek Gap. 6.2 miles (shuttle/key exchange). Moderate. 5.3 miles on AT and .9 mile access to Addis Gap. Trail passes Addis Gap (3304), Kelly Knob (4276), Deep Gap shelter trail (3550), Dick’s Creek Gap (2675). Kelly Knob is steep climb.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.

Grassy Mountain Firetower and Lake Conasauga Loop. In the Cohutta's, 6.2 miles, great view from tower

Home Depot in Blue Ridge.

C3

Green Mtn. Loop and Long Branch Trails in Fannin County off Aska Rd. south of Blue Ridge. Easy to moderate 6 miles.

Park & Ride in Blairsville.

Green Mountain Trail in Fannin County. A moderate round trip hike of 7 miles.

Park & Ride in Blairsville
From meeting place to trailhead is 26 miles

C4##

Hogpen Gap to Neels Gap on the AT. Strenuous 6.4 miles. Shuttle required.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy. 180

C3##

Hogpen Gap to Wolf Laurel Top and back to Tesnatee Gap. With a side trip to a beautiful overlook toward Whitley Gap Shelter ( 6.6 miles, ≈ 3:30 hrs).

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy. 180

C1

Jack Rabbit hike/bike trail. 7.6 miles. Hike four loops of the Jack Rabbit Hike/ bike trail--3.1 miles on the white blazed loop, 2 miles on the blue blazed loop, 1 mile on the orange blazed trail, 1.5 miles on yellow blazed loop. Great views of Lake Chatuge and variety of hard woods.

Jack Rabbit hike/bike trailhead.

C4ßß##

Jacks Gap to Brasstown Bald on the Jacks Knob and Summit Trail. This 6 mile round trip hike climbs 1800 feet to the top of Georgia’s highest peak. (≈ 4:30 hrs )

Jacks Gap at the base of Brasstown Bald on Hwy 180

C4ßß##

Jacks Gap to Chimneytop at Brasstown Bald area. This 7 mile round trip hike climbs steeply to the Brasstown Bald parking area and then on to the boulders at Chimneytop for lunch. Hopefully we will see many pink lady slippers (in spring).

Jacks Gap at the base of Brasstown Bald on Hwy 180

C4##

Jacks Gap to Unicoi Gap. A 6.8 mile trip to Chattahoochee Gap and then on the AT. Rough footing. Shuttle required

Jacks Gap at the base of Brasstown Bald on Hwy 180

Kimsey Creek Trail from Back Country Information Center in Standing Indian area to Deep Gap and return. A moderate hike of appr. 7.5 miles up and along scenic creek. 25 miles to trailhead

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville
25.1 miles to trailhead

C3##

Lake Winfield Scott, Jarrard Gap, up and down Blood Mountain, Duncan Ridge Trail to Wolfpen Gap on Hwy 180. 7.7 miles. Shuttle required. ($5.00 or Golden Age Pass at Lake Winfield Scott)

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.

C2##

Lake Winfield Scott –Jarrard Gap- Slaughter Creek Trail loop for a 7 mile moderate hike. Lunch at Woods Hole Shelter. Option to climb Blood Mountain.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.

C2##

Lake Winfield Scott-Jarrard Gap- Slaughter Gap loop. This is a pleasant 6 mile (≈3:30 hr) hike with moderate ascents and descents. ($5.00 or Golden Age Pass at Lake Winfield Scott).

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.
10 miles to trailhead

C3ßß

The Miller Trek at Brasstown Valley Resort. This 6.5 mile loop is moderately difficult with an elevation change of 1,400 feet and some rough, rocky footing. (3 hrs)

Trailhead parking lot on service road at the Resort.

C2##

Mooney Gap to Timber Ridge Trail in Standing Indian area. 5 miles on the AT plus 2.5 on the Timber Ridge for a total of 7.5 miles. ( ≈ 4:00 hrs ) Optional 1.2 miles to Big Laurel Falls. Shuttle required.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.

C4ßß

Mulky Gap to Wolfpen Gap on the Duncan Ridge Trail. This is 7.8 miles on Georgia’s most challenging long trail. Ascents are strenuous; descents are steep. Long shuttle.

Park & Ride in Blairsville.

C3##

Neels Gap to Wolf Laurel Top and back on the AT. A 6.8 mile round trip. Great views from Wolf Laurel.

Byron Reece Parking Area on Hwy. 129

Osage Mountain Overlook on Hwy. 106 in NC over Scaly Mountain to Jones Gap on the Bartram Trail. 7.2 miles with steep ascents and descents. Shuttle required. Spectacular view.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.
Note: Too strenuous for short hikers.

Panther Creek Falls Trail. A 7 mile round trip hike along beautiful Panther Creek to spectacular waterfall off Hwy 441 south of Clayton. Some very difficult footing due to erosion. Rare spring wildflowers.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.

C2##

Rock Creek Trail and Dry Pond Lead Trail in Ocoee Gorge ,TN. 7.4 miles. Must cross creek so bring flip flops or be prepared to wade. Short shuttle. Can visit Ocoee White Water Center afterward.

SE corner of Hwy 64 and 19/129 in NC.
24 miles to trailhead

Rock Creek Trail and Dry Pond Lead Trail in the Ocoee Gorge, TN. 7.4 miles. Must cross creek; bring flip-flops or be prepared to wade. Short shuttle. Can visit Ocoee Whitewater Center afterward.

Park & Ride in Blairsville.

C2##

Summer Waterfalls Hike. We’ll hike first to 250 ft. Dukes Creek Falls for an easy 2.2 miles. Then on to Raven Cliff Falls where we’ll have lunch at the base of the cliffs. A total of 7.2 delightful miles.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.
Notes: Carpool info: r/t from Choestoe to Raven Cliffs – 25.5 miles, Choestoe to Raven Cliffs (w/o Dukes Creek) – 22.5 miles
Hiking times: Dukes Creek – 1:01, Raven Cliffs – 2:10, total of 3:11 for 7.2 miles

C3 ##

Trails of Tallulah Gorge State Park – This includes a visit to the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretative Center displays and the excellent 20-minute movie on the gorge. Then we will hike the North Rim Trail with its views of several waterfalls; go down Hurricane Falls staircase to the swinging bridge (about 200 steps each way), hike the High Bluff Loop, and maybe trek a portion of the Stoneplace Trail. Moderate hike with no long climbs (except the steps) – distance is 6- 8 miles depending on how much the group decides to do.

Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee.

C2##

Tesnatee Gap to Levelland Mountain on the AT and return. This 7.6 mile hike has spectacular views from Cowrock, Wolf Laurel Top and Levelland Mountains

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.
Note: Summer: 04:15, Winter : 05:15

C3 ##

Trails of the Ocoee River. Good 7+ mile hike, beginning at Thunder Rock Campground, climbs the Benton MacKaye Trail moderately, then other trails to return to the Ocoee WW Center. Return to our vehicles via the Rhododendron Trail along the river. The rhododendron should be in full bloom in early June.

Piggly Wiggly in Ducktown

C3##

Unicoi Gap north on the AT to a mile past Indian Grave, return to Indian Grave and out on the Andrews Cove Trail. 6 miles. Short car shuttle.

Unicoi Gap on Hwy 75 south of Hiawassee

Unicoi Turnpike Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail. Come walk some actual pieces of the famous Cherokee Trail of Tears of 200 years ago, then the other half is the Benton MacKaye Trail. 7 miles total. 4:30 hrs. The trip includes CCC camp site and side trip to Buck Bald’s vista. 16 mile r/t shuttle.

Meet at Pigley Wigley near US 64/TN 68 intersection near Ducktown
18 miles to trailhead

C4##

Vogel State Park to Blood Mountain on the Coosa Backcountry Trail and AT, then down to Byron Reece parking area. Strenuous hike with 2,200 ft. ascent and 1,200 ft. descent. 6 miles. Short shuttle.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.

C2ßß##

Wagon Train Trail from Brasstown Bald parking lot to Young Harris College. This is a 6.5 mile hike, but it’s all down hill. Shuttle or key exchange required.

Sharp Memorial Methodist Church parking lot in Young Harris.
14 miles to trailhead

Warwoman Dell to Pinnacle Knob. 7.6 miles. Hike north on Bartram Trail into a dense mountain laurel and rhododendron forest. At 2.2 miles visit Martin Creek Falls, continue another 1.7 miles to Courthouse Gap and then take the 0.5 mile side trail to Pinnacle Knob for a spectacular rocky vista. Option for after hike refreshment on the porch of Rumor Haz-It.

Macedonia Baptist Church in Hiawassee
27.2 miles to trailhead, 3 miles from HWY 441 intersection in Clayton, GA. There is a marker showing entrance. Park in first parking area. Maps: Bartram Trail – Georgia, Ray J.R. and Skove, M.J. Nat’l Geo #778

Winding Stair Gap to Rock Gap and back. A 7.4 mile moderate hike on the AT with optional additional 1.4 mile round trip to Big Tree (Wasilik Poplar). (≈ 3:20 hrs).

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.
Distance to trailhead is 25 miles

C2##

Woody Gap to Gooch Gap on the AT. 7.2 miles round trip. A moderate hike with two nice viewpoints.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180

C2##

Woody Gap over Big Cedar Mt. to Miller Gap on the AT, then down Dockery Lake Trail for a total of 6.4 miles. Shuttle required.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180
16 miles to trailhead

C2##

Woody Gap over Big Cedar Mt. to Jarrard Gap on the AT, then down to Lake Winfield Scott for a total of 6.3 miles, or contunue on to Slaughter Creek Trail for a longer 9.5 mile walk. Shuttle required.

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180

C2ßß

Yellow Mountain Trail in the Coosa Wildlife Management Area. 7 miles and 800 foot elevation change. The Yellow Mountain Trail to the top, then the Shope Gap Trail to the Duncan Ridge Road, follow the road to the Mill Shoal Creek Trail which will take us back to the Campground. Relax with your feet in the beautiful creek at the end of the hike.

Park & Ride in Blairsville.
Note: Carpool info: 1 hour drive from Blairsville to trailhead