Name: GA AT Section Hike #4: Hightower Gap to Gooch Gap
Start: 2025-01-04T07:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-01-04T14:00:00-05:00

This is the fourth of our section hikes on the GA AT. This hike is rated difficult at 8.3 miles and 1700 ft elevation gain. This will be a shuttle hike in which we will be shuttled from Gooch Gap to Hightower Gap where we begin the hike. We 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. $15 shuttle fee
This section of the AT features Sassafras Mountain, Justus Mountain, Gooch Mountain, Justus Creek, and Devils Kitchen. This section starts where the trail crosses USFS Road 42/69 at Hightower Gap. Going north bound on the AT, the trail ascends 700 feet over one mile and reaches the summit of 3357 foot Sassafras Mountain at 2.9 miles. The trail descends quickly and reaches Cooper Gap at 3.5 miles. The trail then climbs again, reaching the 3224 summit of Justus Mountain at 4.1 miles. After a steady descent the trail will cross Justus Creek on a footbridge at 5.5 miles. The flat area near the creek is called the Devils Kitchen. If time allows, we will stop at the Gooch Mountain Shelter at 6.8 miles. This huge, double decker shelter that sleeps 14 and has a privy nearby. Then we'll hike another mile to Gooch Gap.

T**his 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
**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: 8.3 miles, 1700 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 #4: Hightower Gap to Gooch Gap

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GA AT Section Hike #4: Hightower Gap to Gooch Gap

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