Jan 08

(D2)

Deep Gap (4,341 ft) to the top of Standing Indian Mountain (5,498 ft.) on the AT.  This is a 5 mile round trip hike in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area.

(C3)  vv

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)

Jan 15

(D2)

Neels Gap toward Tesnatee Gap on the AT.  In and out for about 5 miles ( ≈ 2:30 hrs )  Great view from the top of Levelland Mountain.

Combined Long and Short hike due to Wilderness Wildlife Week.

Jan 22

(D2)

Indian Grave Gap to Tray Mountain and back.  5.0 mile moderate hike on the AT to Tray Mt., the second highest point in GA.  The trail passes Indian Grave Gap (3113 ft), a fabulous hillside of Galax, the “cheese factory” turnoff, a viewpoint just before Tray Mt. (4430 ft).    

(B4)           

CANCELED DUE TO BAD WEATHER (1/21/08)

New Hike in Appletree. This is a fairly difficult loop hike of 9.3 miles. Trails will include the interlocking Appletree, Laurel Creek, Bartram (1 mi.), London Bald, and return on the Appletree. This is, to the best of the leader's knowledge, our first loop hike that goes to London Bald. (An easier trip is planned for the same area in case of inclement winter weather.)

Jan 29

(D2)

Benton MacKaye Trail from Hwy. 60 at Wilscot Gap to Skeenah Gap.  This 5.3 mile section is constantly going up and down. Many of these short grades are steep. ( ≈3:10 hrs )

(C3)

GA AT series 10. Addis Gap to Dick’s creek.  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 a steep climb. (This is rescheduled from last quarter’s rained out hike.)

Feb 05

(D4)

Wayah Gap to Siler Bald on the AT. The trail climbs 1,000 feet in l.9 miles, but the view from the top is well worth the effort.  A 3.8 mile round trip hike. (≈ 3:00 hrs)

(C1/B2)

09:00

New Hike.  Benton MacKaye Trail from Dyer Gap to Dally Gap in the Cohutta WMA & Wilderness (shuttle required). A 7.5 mile one-way hike over easy terrain with good trails in a beautiful forest. Good stream side views. Option to visit Sassafras Gap for a total of 10 miles and a little more difficulty. Option to visit Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge for treats afterwards.

Feb 12

(C2)

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

Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180.                                             Michael and Merri Murphy 706-745-8675

(B3)

09:00

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').

Feb 19

(C3) 

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 view.

(B3)

09:00

Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald on the AT.  8.8 miles in and out on the AT with 1,500 ft. elevation change.  Outstanding 360 degree view from the top of the bald. (≈ 4:10 hrs ) Option to come back via the blue blazed shelter trail to add .5 mile.

Feb 26

(C3)  vv

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. (~4 hrs)

(C2) 

09:00

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”.

Mar 04

(E1) 

Jack Rabbit Trail at Jack Rabbit Campground.  A 2.4 mile, ( ≈ 1:30 hrs) mile easy, scenic loop trail on Lake Chatuge in North Carolina.  Length of hike can be increased.

(C4)  vv

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 )

06:00 PM

Mar 11

(D2) 

Winding Stair Gap to Rock Gap.  A 3.7 mile (≈2:15 hrs) moderate hike on the AT with optional additional l.4 mile round trip to Big Tree (Wasilik Poplar).

(B2)   

09:00

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.)

Mar 18

(E3)

Hogpen Gap on the Richard Russell Scenic Hwy.  Hike the AT north toward Low Gap for approx. 3 miles in and out.

(C2)        09:00

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.

Mar 25

(D3) 

Unicoi Gap to Indian Grave Gap on the AT and return on the Rocky Mountain Trail.  A 5.5 mile hike ( ≈ 3:40 hrs ) with 1,000 ft. elevation gain both directions.

(B3) 

09:00

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').