Name: GA AT Section Hike #3: Springer Mountain parking lot to Hightower Gap
Start: 2024-12-07T06:50:00-05:00
End: 2024-12-07T15:00:00-05:00

There is parking for only 4-6 cars at Hightower Gap so we all must carpool to Hightower Gap. We ALL will meet at the Dahlonega Walmart, no exceptions (sorry), look for me at the furthest end from the store, just as you turn into the parking lot.

It would be best if we can take only two vehicles to Hightower Gap, so if anyone has an SUV and you are willing to drive on the service road, please let me know.

Hike details: 8-9 miles, 2000 ft elevation gain; $18 shuttle fee

We will begin the hike at the Springer Mountain parking lot where we will be dropped off by our shuttle drivers. We will hike northbound on the AT. At 0.2 miles we will reach a blue blazed side trail on the right which leads to the Springer Mountain Shelter. We won't have time to visit the shelter so we will continue northbound. If we are doing good on time, at 5.1 miles there is a side trail on the left that leads a short distance to Long Creek Falls and we can take a quick trip to check it out. We'll need to keep an eye on mileage so we don't miss it. At 8-9 miles we will arrive at Hightower Gap on USFS Road 42/69 where we have parked our cars. The GPS coordinates are N34 39.815 W84 07.787

This is not one of the more difficult sections of the GA AT. We should have a nice hike and hopefully we will have good weather.

Again, I want to stress that **this is not a beginner hike**. We will take it easy but please don't sign up if you haven't done long distance and elevation hiking. **There will be no turning around to take you back if you can't do these hikes. If you have not done long distance and high elevation gain hikes then these are NOT the hikes for you. NO EXCEPTIONS.**
**PLEASE READ THIS LIST AND BE PREPARED!**
As always:
Wear a backpack with water reservoir and lots of water. **In the summer** I freeze my water reservoir to help me stay cool. Bring extra unfrozen water to drink until your reservoir starts to thaw. **DO NOT** freeze in the winter because it may not thaw.
Wear layers especially in the fall/winter/spring.
Have sun protection and a hat/cap.
Have a Map/Navigational Tools. There are great websites and apps for finding trails. I highly encourage you to have a few of these downloaded on your phone.
Energizing Snacks and lunch. Bring enough food for the day to stay full and keep your energy up, plus extra to be safe.
Lightweight First Aid Emergency Kit.
Flashlight or Headlamp.
A Multi-Tool.
**Trekking Poles**. These mountains are rocky, steep and challenging.
Solar blanket. You never know when there may be an emergency and you may have to stay in the mountains overnight.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip and are waterproof. I prefer high tops for ankle support.
In the winter there could be snow or ice so bring crampons. (I'll keep an eye on the weather and may cancel if there is a lot of snow or ice.)
Always have rain gear.
I also recommend cooling clothing and neck cooling gear to help you cool down during hot days.
Hike Distance: 8-9 miles, 2000 ft elevation gain
Pace: 1-3 miles per hour.
**If you take your name off the going list less than 24 hours before the hike, or if you no-show for this hike, then you will be bumped from any of my future hikes. I'm limiting these hikes to 8 people because of the shuttles, so a no show or a late cancellation may prevent someone else from joining this hike.**

Make payment to: $deborahluehm for cashapp, @deborah-luehm for venmo, 823-244-3802 Deborah Luehm for Zelle

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GA AT Section Hike #3: Springer Mountain parking lot to Hightower Gap

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GA AT Section Hike #3: Springer Mountain parking lot to Hightower Gap

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