"D" Hikes

Andrews Cove to Tray Mountain. 9 mile in and out hike (≈ 4:30 hrs), 2,500 ft. elevation gain. Hike the Andrews Cove trail and the AT. 360 degree view from the summit.

Appletree Trail and Bartram Loop Trail. This is an 8.4 mile hike. Starting at the campground, 5.9 miles on the Bartram Trail, then 1.4 miles on Laurel Creek Trail, the return to the campground on Appletree Trail for 1.4 miles. Moderate climbing, ridge walking and about 2.5 miles along Nantahala River.

Appletree. 9.3 mile loop hike. Difficult hike. Trails include the interlocking Appletree, Laurel Creek, Bartram (1 mi.), London Bald, and return on the Appletree.

Bartram Trail from Russell Bridge to Licklog Falls. 8 mile in and out hike, easy elevation gain. Hike from Russell bridge on Hwy 28 east of Clayton along SC side of the Chattooga River to Licklog Falls and return.

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

D3##

Benton MacKaye and Jacks River Trails in the Cohutta Wilderness. 8 mile moderate hike through forest of hemlocks and rhododendrons. Lunch by the river.

Big Frog Trail to Benton MacKaye Trail and back to USF 221 on the BMT. 8.5 miles (4:15 hrs). Shuttle required.
Distance to trailhead: 10 miles

Big Frog Wilderness, near Ocoee Gorge, TN. Big Creek, Big Frog and Yellow Stand Lead Trails. A moderate 8.4 mile loop.

Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton. Hike the James E. Edmonds Loop Trail for 7.2 moderate to strenuous miles. Then the Tennessee Rock Trail for 2.2 moderate miles. 9.4 miles total. State park pass or current parking fee.

Blue Ridge Gap to Plum Orchard, return and then on to Bly Gap. 9 miles in and out. 1.3 miles each way to Plum Orchard and 3.2 miles each way to Bly Gap. Trail passes Blue Ridge Gap 3020’, GA/NC line 3600’, Bly Gap 3840’. Get your picture taken by the gnarled tree!

Chestnut Mountain Loop at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, TN. We will add another loop of the Tanasi Trails to make it a moderate 8 mile hike with beautiful vistas into the Gorge.

Chunky Gal Trail: Deep Gap to Glade Gap. 8.1 Miles, shuttle hike. Strenuous ups and downs. From Deep Gap hike 3 miles on the AT. Turn right on Chunky Gal Trail and hike 5.1 miles to Glade Gap on Hwy 64 for a total of 8.1 miles.

Chunky Gal Trail from Bob Allison Campground to Tusquitee Bald and north on Rim Trail to County Corners. Down Old Road Gap Trl. to FSR-7099, then east to Tuni Gap Road. 9.5 mi. Short shuttle required.

Chunky Gal Trail from Bob Allison Campground to Tusquitee Gap. 8 mile in and out hike, 1000 ft. elevation change. Moderate hike.

Cohuttas/Conasauga River hike. We will hike down the Chestnut Lead Trail (1.8 miles) to the Conasauga River and follow the trail downstream 2.2 miles for a riverside lunch and return. Many tricky rocks and 38 water crossings - bring poles and wear hiking boots. Total 10.2 miles.

Park and Ride in Blairsville, or at the Food Lion in East Ellijay at 08:30
18 miles to trailhead

Cooper Gap to Woody Gap on the AT. This 8.4 mile hike has lots of ascents and descents. Several of them are steep. Shuttle required.

Deep Gap to Sassafras Gap on the AT. 9+ miles. Note: the FS usually closes the Deep Gap road from Jan. through March. We start on the AT and head South to Muskrat Shelter area, then on for a visit to Ravenrock Cliff, stop and explore an aircraft crash site, then back on the AT for scenic views of Lake Chatuge and on to Sassafras Gap. Return to our cars the same way except near the end we take the “old AT.”

Dicks Creek Gap north to Plum Orchard Gap Shelter, in and out on the AT. 9 miles ( ≈ 5hrs ). Moderate with some steep climbs. Trail passes Dick’s Creek Gap 2675 ft, Cowart Gap 2920 ft, Buzzard Knob 3760 ft, and Plum Orchard Gap 3090 ft.

Dicks Creek Gap south on the AT to Kelly Knob and return by way of Deep Gap Shelter for 9 miles.

Duncan Ridge Trail from Mulky Gap to Sarvis Gap and return. An 8.2 mile strenuous hike. Excellent winter views.

Eagle Mountain, near Hiawassee. 9 mile loop with some steep climbing. About 4:30 hrs. Come climb the mountain that along with Bell Mountain dominates the skyline from Hiawassee and Hayesville. Up close views of Bell Mountain, pass old hunter’s cabin and great views of Lake Chatuge. Weather permitting, we may even do a short bushwack just for fun!.

Ellicot Rock Wilderness. Hike East Fork and Chattooga River Trails from Walhalla Fish Hatchery to historic Ellicott Rock at junction of NC, SC and GA. 8.4 miles round trip.

Fires Creek Area. Leatherwood Trail to intersection with Rim Trail (at Shortoff Knob). Back on FSR 6178. 9.5 mile hike. About 2,200 ft of elevation gain.

Fires Creek Rim Trail Series Challenge Hike #4. Hike up Far Bald Trail #389 1.7 steep miles to the Rim, then turn right and continue about 6 miles on the Rim past Potrock Bald and on to Carver Gap, then down the Bristol Cabin Trail #76 1.0 mile to Bristol Horse Camp. Shuttle required.

Little Fires Creek Trail - Rim Trail - Bristol Cabin Trail. 9 mile strenuous loop. 2300 ft. elevation change.

GA AT series 1. Springer Mountain to Hightower Gap. Shuttle/key exchange. Total miles 9.0. 8.1 miles on AT plus .9 miles from route 42 to Springer Mt. Moderate hike with elevations varying from 3782 to 2525. Trail passes Springer Mt. (3782) high point, Stover Creek Shelter, Three Forks (2525) low point, Long Creek Falls, Hawk Mountain Shelter, Hightower Gap (2854).

GA AT series 2. Hightower Gap to Gooch Gap. Shuttle/key exchange. 8.3 miles. Many ups and downs for a rating of moderately strenuous. Trail passes Hightower Gap (2854), Horse Gap (2673), Sassafras Mountain (3336) high point, Cooper Gap (2828), Justus Creek (2500) low point, Gooch Gap shelter, Gooch Gap (2784).

D3##

GA AT series 4. Woody Gap to Neels Gap. Shuttle/key exchange. 9.9 miles. Moderately strenuous with climb up Blood Mt. (highest point on the GA AT) but with good switchbacks. Elevations from 3150 to 4461 to 3125. Trail passes Woody Gap (3150), Dockery Lake trail, Jarrard Gap(3250), Bird Gap (3650), Freeman Trail, Slaughter Creek Trail, Blood Mountain (4461) high point, Flatrock Gap (3452), Neels Gap (3125).

D2##

GA AT series 6. Hogpen Gap to Low Gap (in and out). 8.4 miles. Moderate. 4.2 miles each way. Trail passes Hogpen Gap (3450), Wide Gap (3150), Low Gap shelter trail (3050). Option of .1 miles to shelter. MHH “favorite”.

GA AT series 7A. Low Gap to Jack’s Gap. 8.2 miles. Shuttle/key exchange. Moderate. 5.0 miles on AT plus 1 mile access to Low Gap and 2.2 miles on Jack’s Knob trail. First 3 miles are the “easiest” miles of the GA AT. Trail passes Low Gap (3050), Poplar Stamp, Chattahoochee Gap (3500), Jack’s Gap (2960). Note: We decided to split this hike into two parts to keep all AT hikes under 10 miles.

D3##

GA AT series 9. Indian Grave Gap to Addis Gap. 9 miles. Shuttle/key exchange. Moderately strenuous. 8.1 miles on AT and .9 mile access to Addis Gap. Trail passes Indian Grave Gap (3113), Tray Gap (3847) second highest point on the GA AT, Tray Mt. (4430), Blue Ridge Swag (3400), Addis Gap (3304).

GA AT series 11. Dick’s Creek Gap to Plum Orchard shelter (in and out). 9 miles. Moderate with some steep climbs. 4.3 miles on the AT plus .2 miles to shelter for 4.5 miles each way. Trail passes Dick’s Creek Gap (2675), Cowart Gap(2920), Buzzard Knob(3760), Plum Orchard Gap(3090). Plum Orchard shelter is .2 miles each way and is the nicest shelter on the GA AT. MHH club “favorite”.

D2##

GA AT series 12. Blue Ridge Gap to Bly Gap and from Blue Ridge Gap to Plum Orchard Gap and back. 9 miles (in and out). Moderate. 3.2 miles to Bly Gap each way for 6.4 miles plus 1.3 miles each way to Plum Orchard for 2.6 miles. Trail passes Blue Ridge Gap (3020), GA/NC line (3600), Bly Gap (3840), Plum Orchard Gap (3090). Interesting oak tree at Bly Gap.

Gahuti Backcountry Trail in Fort Mountain State Park. An 8.2 mile moderate to strenuous hike with good fall views. State Park Pass or current parking fee.

Gooch Gap to Cooper Gap on the AT and return. A moderate to strenuous hike of 9.6 miles. Pass Gooch Mountain shelter, Blackwell Creek and Justus Creek.

Hanging Dog Recreation Area near Murphy, NC. A moderate hike of 8 to 9 miles with views of Lake Hiwassee. A few short, steep hills but mostly elevation changes of 200 to 300 feet.

Hike Inn Trail. 4.9 miles from Amicalola Falls State Park to Len Foote Hike Inn, 4.9 miles return. 9.8 mi total. Several moderate climbs.

D3##

Hogpen Gap on the Richard Russell Hwy. to Low Gap Shelter and return. This is a moderate 8.4 mile hike on the AT.

Indian Creek Trail to Martins Gap Trail in the Smokies near Bryson City. Hike in and out along a rushing mountain stream for 8.6 miles or return by Sunkota Ridge Trail for more strenuous 11.6 miles.

Jacks Gap to Chattahoochee Gap on the Jacks Knob Trail. Then left on the AT to Blue Mountain Shelter and return. A strenuous and very rocky 8.4 mile hike. (≈ 4:30 hrs )

Jacks Knob Trail at Jacks Gap to Brasstown Bald parking lot. 1,800 ft climb, Then down the Wagon Train Trail to Young Harris College. 9 miles. (≈ 4:45 hrs ). Optional side trip to Brasstown Bald tower.

Jacks River - Cohutta Wilderness Hike : This is a 9.2 mile hike with < 400 foot elevation change, going from Dally gap in the Cohutta's 4.6 miles down Jacks River Trail (one of the prettiest areas in the Cohutta's) to a beautiful lunch spot with a swimming hole, then back out. There will be 3 river crossing each way which are knee deep, so bring water shoes and poles. This will be a great escape from the summer heat. Plan on getting wet, so bring a change of clothes!!

Lake Winfield Scott over Blood Mountain to Wolfpen Gap via the Jarrard Gap, Freeman Loop, AT and Duncan Ridge Trails. 8.5 miles, 1500’ elevation gain, some rocky footing. This hike has it all but the view is worth it! Short shuttle. ($5 or Golden Age Pass + $2.50 at Lake Winfield Scott).

Lake Winfield Scott- Slaughter Gap-Jarrard Gap loop with lunch at Woods Hole Shelter. Climb Blood Mountain. A moderate 9 mile hike.

Long Branch Trail to AT to Winding Stair Gap in Standing Indian area. This 8.2 mile moderate hike begins at the Back Country Information Center. Shuttle required.

London Bald Trail #19C. (Approx. 8.4 miles total) Start from Appletree Camp and go up 19B 2.5 miles to London Bald Trail (#19C). Go left 5.9 miles to Junaluska Gap. Spectacular views of Tusquitees, Nantahalas, and Snowbird Mts. Enjoy the Tuni Gap Road ride from Hayesville to Andrews! Short Shuttle.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville

Mooney Gap to Timber Ridge Trail in the Standing Indian Area. 8.7 miles total. At Mooney Gap go southbound on the AT for 5 miles, then down 2.5 miles on the Timber Ridge Trail, and finish up with 1.2 miles to Big Laurel Falls. Shuttle required.

Panthers Creek Falls in the Cohuttas. The hike will start at the Three Forks area, proceed 2.3 miles on East Cowpen Tr., then turn onto Panther Cr Tr.,down to falls (another 2.3 miles) then back out the same way for 9.2 total miles.

Blairsville Park and Ride

Park Creek Trail and Park Ridge Trail loop in Standing Indian area for a 9 mile hike. Several stream crossings and lots of ups and downs.

Sandy Gap to Unicoi Gap on the Benton MacKaye Trail. It is an 8.3 mile section, with a beautiful ridgeline walk along the NC/TN state line, with added attractions of seeing an old engraved stone marker on the ridge marking the state line, and “old” Doc Watson’s TB sanatorium, in ruins, with rock walls over 3 stories high still standing, and ending at the historic Unicoi Gap in TN. Shuttle.

Sandy Ford Road to Warwoman Dell near Clayton on the Bartram Trail. Trail is constantly undulating with several steep grades and many moderate ones. A 9.4 mile hike.

Smith Creek Trail from Unicoi State Park to Ana Ruby Falls and return. A moderate 9 mile hike (≈ 5 hrs) with lunch at the falls. State Park Pass or $3.00 Park Fee required.

Standing Indian Area. Beech Gap to AT to Timber Ridge Trail. 8.3 mile modest to strenuous hike.

Standing Indian Area. Bearpen Trail over Albert Mountain to Backcountry Information. 8.2 mile short-shuttle hike, steep climbing. Up the Bearpen Trail to the AT. North on AT over Albert Mountain to Glassmine Gap. Then down the Long Branch Trail.

Standing Indian Area. Beech Gap Trail to AT, then down the Timber Ridge Trail. This moderate 8.3 mile hike is a club favorite.

Standing Indian Area. Mooney Gap to Carter Gap Shelter on the AT for a 9.2 mile round trip hike. Optional l.5 mile side trip to Pickens Nose.

DD2##

Standing Indian Area. Timber Ridge Trail to AT to Beech Gap Trail. This moderate 8.3 mile loop hike is a club favorite.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville./span

D2##

Standing Indian Area. Deep Gap to Muskrat Shelter on the AT. 8 miles round trip. Possible side trip to Ravenrock Ridge for outstanding cliff view. ( ≈ 3:50 hrs.)

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.

Standing Indian Area. Winding Stair Gap to Back Country Information. 8.2 mile short-shuttle hike, moderate difficulty. Hike the AT to Glassmine Gap. Then down the Long Branch Trail to the Back Country Information Center.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.

Three Forks to Hightower Gap on the AT and return. Lunch at Hawk Mountain shelter. An 8 mile hike with 800 ft. elevation change.

Park & Ride in Blairsville.
25 Miles to trailhead

D2##

Unicoi Gap to High Shoals Falls via the AT, Rocky Mountain Trail, FS 283 and High Shoals Trail. This is a 9.6 mile (≈5:30 hrs ) round trip hike to see two beautiful waterfalls.

Unicoi Gap on Hwy 75 south of Hiawassee

D3##

Unicoi Gap to Chattahoochee Gap and return on the AT. This hike is 8.8 miles with some rough, rocky footing. Side trip to Blue Mountain Shelter.

Unicoi Gap on Hwy 75 south of Hiawassee

Wayah Bald (el. 5,342 ft.) to Burningtown Gap (el. 4,236 ft.) on the AT. 9 miles round trip. View mountains from Georgia to the Great Smokies from observation tower on Wayah.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.

Wayah Bald (el. 5,342 ft.) to Tellico gap (el. 3,850 ft.) on the AT. 9.3 miles. View mountains from Georgia to the Great Smokies from observation tower on Wayah. Shuttle
Meet at Rest Stop on 19/74 west of, Andrews, NC

Wayah Crest to Wayah Bald on the AT. Trail climbs from 4,188 ft. at Crest to 5,342 ft. at observation tower with some ups and downs in between. 8.4 miles round trip.

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville
42.7 miles to trailhead

D4
Wesser Creek Trail up to the AT then Loop to NOC. 9.3 mile shuttle hike. Hike up the easier old AT route to Wesser Bald Shelter with optional .8 mile side trip to the Wesser Fire Tower with great views, and return via current AT (2900 ft. elevation descent). Short seven minute shuttle.

Andrews Rest Area on Hwy 19/129 near Andrews, NC

Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald on the AT. Return by Siler Bald Shelter. A 9.4 mile hike with 1,400 ft elevation change. Outstanding view from the top of the bald. (≈ 4:10 hrs )

Ingles parking lot in Hayesville.