13.6 Miles over two days 9.2 Miles on Day 1
4.4 Miles on Day 2
Blaze:
White Rectangle (Appalachian Trail)
Departs From:
Landers Driveway
Quillians Corner Chevron
Departure Time:
7:45 am Landers Driveway
8:00am Quillians Corner Chevron
Meals:
Bring adaquate food for lunch & dinner on Saturday, breakfast & lunch on Sunday as well as any snacks. You should be prepared to properly store your food overnight to prevent critters & bears from getting your food supply.
Transportation:
POV's with carpooling, or drive on own. If you need transportation you can post an email to the hike group email list.
(Always be prepared to drive your own vehicle if necessary. If you carpool, fuel costs should be shared.)
8:00am Breakfast, Clean up Breakfast, Re-Supply Water, Break Camp, etc....
10:00am Depart Chattahoochee Gap
11:30am Henson Gap
12:00pm Blue Mt. Shelter (Lunch) I'm told there's a Grand Vista at this shelter!
12:30pm Depart Blue Mt. Shelter
2:15pm Unicoi Gap
All times are approximate and are subject to change without notice!
Trail Description:
Miles
To Unicoi Gap
Miles From Hogpen Gap
Trail Descriptioin
13.6
0.0
Hogpen Gap (3,450 ft) Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy GA 348
Trail is on North end of parking area. Climb short ramp and follow crest of ridge, pass to right of Wolfpen Stamp (3,600 ft)
12.7
0.9
White Oak Stamp. Bear to right along east side of ridge
12.4
1.2
Follow trail to right of Strawberry top (3,710 ft)
12.0
1.6
Sapling Gap (3,450 ft)
11.7
1.9
Summit of Poor Mt. (3,650 ft) Descend, Continue along narrow ridgetop
11.1
2.5
Wide Gap (3,150 ft) ascend and descend along ridge
10.0
3.6
Pass summit of Sheep Rock Top (3,575 ft) a long descent follows
9.4
4.2
Low Gap (3,050 ft) - Low Gap Shelter (2,990 ft), Spring, & Privy can be found 200 ft to right (east) of trail. - Bear to right, follow trail around east side for 1.4 miles
9.0
4.6
Stream crosses under road
8.0
5.6
Poplar Stamp Gap (3,350 ft) Campsites, Stream several hundred feet down old road to right. Continue on old road, and climb gradually for about .05 mile, going along the east side of Horsetrough Mountain an approx. 3,500 ft eleveation.
7.5
6.1
Reach shoulder and gradually descend. Small streams cross the road at several points.
5.6
8.0
Cold Springs Gap (3,450 ft) (Note: NO SPRINGS)
Head straight, leaving the old road on your right. Begin to climb
5.4
8.2
Reach top of knoll, descend.
5.2
8.4
Flat spot
5.1
8.5
Bear left, ascend following ridge
4.4
9.2
Chattahoochee Gap (3,500 ft) Blue blazed trail down hill leads approx 200 yards to Chattahoochee Spring the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Blue blazed trail ascending up ridge leads approx 2.4 miles to Ga. 180. Continue from Chattahoochee Gap along south side of ridge.
3.8
9.8
Red Clay Gap (3,450 ft) Continue along right side through laurel thicket, and around left side of Rocky Knob (4,015 ft) An unmaintained side trail leads 1.5 miles to Enota Resort
3.1
10.5
campsite on left
2.9
10.7
Spring to left of trail down rocky slope approx several yards
2.7
10.9
Campsites in large flat area. Stream approx. 150 yards below old shelter site
2.6
11.0
Henson Gap (3,550 ft)
2.3
11.3
Spring to left
2.2
11.4
Trail to blue Mountain Shlter. Continue on trail along ridge, becoming narrow with steep sides. descend and ascend.
1.4
12.2
Summit of Blue Mountain (4,025 ft) Descend
1.2
12.4
Bear to left of ridge where an old road heads south along ridge. Descend
0.2
13.4
Descend switchback
0.0
13.6
Unicoi Gap (2,949 ft)
Equipment Requirements:
Please note this is an overnight hike. Each hiker is responsible for providing thier own gear (tent, sleeping bag, cookware, food, clothing, rain gear, food storage, first aid, etc....)
General Notes:
Walk at your own pace! Try to walk with someone when possible and try to stay in sight or sound of the main group which means the lead hikers may need to slow or stop to let the rear hikers catch up. This is a good reason to carry a whistle on you at all times. Lead hikers should stop at all trail intersections to let everyone gather before moving forward.
If you need a potty break while on the trail, just let someone know you are leaving the trail for a few moments and have that person wait nearby until you return. If you should feel ill or become weak while hiking, let Jeremy or Marsha know immediately. Do not push yourself forward on the trail under adverse conditions. One of us will work with you to maintain your safety. If you have any medical concerns that need to be known, be certain a hiking partner or Jeremy/Marsha know about any issues that could require immediate attention.
Carpoolers should share the cost of fuel when returning to their base location.
If you have any questions regarding the logistics for this hike, please contact Jeremy Landers. If you are signing up to hike or have transportation issues, contact Jeremy Landers. More info on our hiking plans can be found at: www.LandersStudions.com/gechike
PLEASE - DO NOT CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE REGARDING THE HIKES. THE CHURCH OFFICE DOES NOT HANDLE OUR PLANS NOR ROSTER FOR THIS ACTIVITY. CONTACT JEREMY OR MARSHA DIRECTLY.
Marsha: Email
Jeremy: Email or (770-861-8175 Cell)
Marsha HIKE AT YOUR OWN PACE - BUT HIKE WITH A PARTNER OR IN SIGHT OR SOUND OF YOUR GROUP FOR SAFETY.
Our day began here in Gainesville meeting up in the North Hall area. A special Thanks to Reba and Vance for being our shuttle drivers. We got off to a late departure from Gainesville due to a forgotten pair of hiking poles but we were in no hurry to reach our destination of Chattahoochee Gap. On our way through Robertstown we went through a license check point with the State Patrol. Thankfully all the drivers had thier licenses with them and handy! We then dropped our vehicles at Unicoi Gap and our shuttle drivers took us back through the checkpoint and up to Hogpen Gap dropping us off there. About thirty min. behind our estimated departure time the eight hikers headed out on the trail. (Watching the video above will give you a good idea of our trip). We stopped at Low Gap Shelter for lunch and a re supply of filtered creek water. From here we continued on our way to Chattahoochee Gap a total of 9.2 miles from Hogpen Gap. Upon finally reaching our camp for the night (at the estimated original arrival time) we scouted the area for good camping spots, pitched tents, went down to the headwaters of the Chattahoochee for water to filter, cooked supper and went to bed.
Sunday morning the four slower hikers were the first to wake. So we took care of breakfast, re-packed our backpacks and were ready to head out about the time the other four (our faster hikers) were fixing breakfast & packing tents. We (the slower ones) decided to head on out and get a head start. The second day we had the harder climb and descent. All in all it was a great trip, gear for everyone seemed to have worked great but I know I'll shed a few items for the next trip and invest in some lighter gear as well. For those of us who have hiked the majority of GA with the group we have less than nine miles of trail before we finish the state of GA. Some of our other hikers have expressed interest in doing all of Georgia.
Our next trip will probably be a start to North Carolina and the finishing of Georgia. Begining at Deep Gap, NC and finishing at Dicks Creek Gap, GA a 15.6 mile section which we will do over two nights, & three days.Our first night will be spent on the GA / NC state line.
Please take a moment to read the Participation Guidlines prior to hiking with the Grace Church Hike Group.
Additional Info For All Hikes Information provided by Marsha Conner
ICE INFO
(In Case Of Emergency)
We are now carrying ICE forms with us for safety. The hike planner will
be responsible for being sure these cards are on the trail. A form in a
sealed yellow envelope with critical contact and medical data on each
hiker will be available in case of emergencies. You are required to fill
out the emergency contact information however the medical information
is optional, should an emergency arise, this data would go with you for
medical treatment and provide contact information for your relatives
and medical information at the ER that should be known. Many of us have
ICE phone numbers in our cell phones, but our cell phones may not work
in some wilderness areas.
WHAT TO CARRY
You should be self-sufficient on the trail. Do not plan to borrow items you
do not have from people hiking with you. They may not have what you need
or they may need it for themselves. Carefully look over the trail description and
map before going, ask questions, and make sure that you are physically able to
handle the terrain, the temperatures, the possible wetness, and the other
interesting things that might happen to us while on the trail! As always we
set our hiking pace to accomadate everyone. So don't think you'll be too slow.
Jeremy & Marsha are always willing to help you to be trail ready.
1. Daypack
2. Water/Fluid Supplies
3. Food/Snack Supplies
4. Cash and Photo ID (ID should be on your person at all times)
5. Other Outdoor Supplies
6. 4 AA Batteries to use in our walkie talkies.
1. Packs:
a. Plan and pack for medical emergencies including
blisters, bug bites, allergies, cuts, etc.
b. At least one snake bite kit (Sawyer style) should be
with the group (sold in most sporting goods depts).
c. Weather change needs such as poncho, emergency
blanket, cap, gloves, wind jacket, etc.
d. Cell phone (in case it might work) and other
items important to you for personal safety or comfort
2. Water/Fluid Supplies
a. Plan on carrying a cooler in your vehicle with ice to keep
food and fluids cold throughout the trip
b. Carry enough fluid with you for the designated trail hike
c. Do Not Drink Water From Streams - most mountain
water is no longer safe to drink as they may contain
protozoan imps and make you very sick
3. Food/Snack Supplies
a. Short hikes may only require a light snack
on the trail (1-2 miles) - plan accordingly
b. Longer hikes usually require a moderate
snack on the trail (3-4 miles) - plan accordingly
c. Remember that your appetite is enhanced by
being outdoors and doing physical activity
4. Cash and ID
a. Carry bills in different increments especially "ones"
for park entrance fees and incidentals - each
person is responsible for their own fees and should
share any group cost for parking and fuel
b. The cost of fule is to be shared between driver and
passengers.
c. For your safety, have your ID with you on the trail at
all times.
d. Do not leave valuables in your parked car which you
cannot afford to have stolen!
5. Other Outdoor Supplies
a. Camera, Flash Card(s) or film
b. Binoculars
c. Sun hat
d. Knife and compass
e. Extra socks if prone to blisters
f. Bug spray
g. Sting relief especially if you are
allergic to insect stings
h. Hiking pole or sticks
i. Sweat towel and/or bandana
j. Large Pepper Spray (for animal attacks and personal protection)
6. Hunting Season
Remember your Blaze Orange During Hunting Seasons.
UPON RETURNING HOME
1. Critical - Shower and check your body - CAREFULLY -
for ticks (if a tick has attached itself to your skin, do
not crush its body while removing it, but lift it away
from your skin and pull out by the legs - treat the area
properly and watch for any redness - if redness appears
seek medical attention promptly)
2. Clean and treat any wounded areas of your body -
use ice for first 24-48 hours on joint/muscle injuries
and heat as swelling subsides
3. Consider keeping a log of your hiking experiences and
write your story in a journal while memories are fresh
4. Develop pictures and share copies with your hikers
GENERAL GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER
1. Leave pets at home if hiking with a group. More Info
2. Keep groups on the trail to no more than 4-6 together
3. Walk single file in the middle of the trail
4. Step to the side of the trail as you go downhill
to allow hikers going uphill to have the right of way
5. Do not wade with your boots on unless necessary
Wet socks and shoes can create immediate blisters
6. Swift water can cause you to lose your footing in
6-12 inches of water so do not be fooled that you
can wade without danger across a stream
7. Snakebites are a critical concern to hikers
THINK before putting your hands and feet anywhere
that might be a place of hiding for a snake:
a. Step on the top of logs - not over them
b. Use your hiking pole to check on the backside
of logs and rocks before sitting down
c. Stay on the trail where visibility is better
8. Read the many different theories on protection
from bears and other wildlife - bears are most
aggressive when protecting their cubs and stay
near water and food sources frequently - bears
do not "growl" but will make a "grunting" noise
to let you know they see you when you may not
see them - stop, back away slowly, and move
back down the trail without hesitation - do not
mistake a "grunting" noise for random woods noise
on a trail as it may only be made one time to give
you one chance to back away. Carry a large pepper spray.
9. Let members of your hiking group know your intentions
in case you decide to return to the parking lot or leave
for the day.
10. Remember that the GEC Open Hike each month will
have a mixed skill level and cooperation as a team is needed.
The monthly planner has volunteered to set up the hike
and there may be slight differences with each hike.
There is room for both the scenic hiker and the extreme
hiker with good communication and proper planning.
