PLEASE READ ALL OF THE DETAILS BELOW TO ENSURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING BELOW, PLEASE POST IN THE COMMENTS OR DM ME BEFORE THE DAY OF THE HIKE. I WILL NOT BE CHECKING POSTS OR MESSAGES THE DAY OF THE HIKE.
Starting earlier this year, I'm knocking out the remaining sections of the Georgia Appalachian Trail that I haven't yet hiked. I've divided up the GA portion of the trail based on potential starting points/parking areas. If you're interested in how I've defined the sections, please ask. I had mentioned my plan in the group and there seemed to be some interest. So, I'll be posting some of the sections here as group hikes.
Those of you that have hiked with me before know my polices and practices. We'll depart the trailhead at the scheduled time. If you are late and not there, you are on your own. This is not a hike for beginners and this is not a guided hike. You are responsible for your own fitness and ability to maintain the listed pace. If you don't think you can keep up over this distance and terrain, you should reconsider attending. If you still want to attend and can't keep up, don't be surprised if the group leaves you behind. As an out and back, we'll see you again on our way back to the parking lot. I'm not saying this to be harsh, but I want to ensure those that decide to join me are responsible and able to take care of themselves.
Today, we'll be starting at Hogpen Gap and heading north. We'll hike approximately 4.5 miles to spur for the Low Gap Shelter. We might hike down to the shelter, but we'll see how everyone is feeling. Either way, we'll stop for a short lunch break and then turn around and head back the way we came. The total distance will be approximately 9.0 miles with roughly 1,600 feet of elevation gain. We'll maintain a pace of roughly 2.5 mph. The overall trip should take us around 3.5 to 4 hours. Please plan accordingly.
As always, inclement weather may force me to cancel the hike. I will be monitoring the forecast closely and will post a cancellation (if appropriate) the night before hike. Please ensure you check this event in Meetup, prior to heading to the trailhead.
Directions:
There is not a lot of space at the parking area and so carpooling is encouraged, though I will be driving solo as I have other plans after the hike.
34.725851, -83.839890
- From I-85N, take the I-985N split (on the left) towards Gainesville and follow for approximately 24.5 miles
- From I-985 will continue as US23N. Follow for another 7.5 miles
- At Lula, turn left onto Lula Rd/GA5W at just past the Waffle House. Follow for 6.2 miles
- Turn right onto GA283/Holly Springs Rd and follow for another 0.4 miles
- At the 5-way junction, take a slight left to continue on GA283/Holly Springs Rd.
- Drive about 1.9 miles and then turn right on to Cleveland Hwy/US129N. Follow for 7.3 miles
- Near the Taco Bell, veer left to continue onto the Appalachian Pkwy/Cleveland Bypass. Follow for 3.0 miles
- Turn left on US129N and follow for 0.3 miles
- Turn right onto Albert Reid Rd. Continue for 2.0 miles
- Take a left onto John Hear Rd. and follow for 0.3 miles
- Turn right onto GA75Alt. Follow for 4.4 miles
- Just past Smithgall Woods State Park, turn left onto the Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy/GA348W
- Continue for 7.0 miles to reach the trailhead at the coordinates above.