Unicoi Gap To Brasstown Bald

Earlier in the year I enjoyed a hike from the west to the top of Brasstown Bald via the Arkaquah trail. This past Saturday, along with fellow AOC’ers, I again climbed to the summit of Georgia’s highest peak but this time from the east. It was a cold but calm and sunny day as we embarked from Unicoi Gap. Immediately the trail climbs over 1100 feet to the top of Blue Mountain. Even with temps in the 30’s, we found it necessary to shed the jackets as we warmed up. A few miles later we reached Chattahoochee Gap where we had lunch. A few of us took the opportunity to hike down a few hundred feet and see the frozen spring that is the source of the Chattahoochee River! After lunch it was downhill to Jack’s Gap and then the real climbing began. The trail to the top is about 4 miles with about 40 switchbacks and gains over 2000 feet in elevation! Definitely one of the hardest climbs in Georgia. We made it to the top with about 15 minutes to spare before sunset. As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, the air became noticeably colder. Soon we were on our way back to civilization. We enjoyed an all you can eat pizza buffet in Cleveland before heading back to Atlanta. Check out the great pictures taken by our trip leader Tony C. by clicking here.

Neel Gap To Cowrock Mountain

This weeks’ hike report highlights a very special spot along the AT. The Walasi-Yi Center and store marks the 30 mile point for hikers just starting out on their trip to Maine. In fact, the AT passes through the breeze way to the side of the store. The store itself is a fun place for hikers and tourists alike and anyone can get a glimpse of hiking culture from inside. Bluegrass music greets those who enter to browse the hiking gear and souvenirs. A couple of “store dogs” calmly sit by among the merchandise. Hot coffee and friendly folks abound.

We arrived early Sunday morning to a light dusting of snow! Yes, winter has come to north Georgia. The brisk wind and cloudy skies were not enough to  dampen the spirits of any in our group so we bundled up and hit the trail. The light dusting of snow thoughout the woods was quite nice. Sorry I did not get any pictures of it but I was more intent on getting the hike underway and getting warmed up. The trail from Neel Gap to Cowrock is a roller coaster of hills so we all got a great workout. By the time we arrived at Cowrock Mountain, the sun was shining and the snow had melted. We enjoyed our lunch and conversation for a while and then headed back.

Hiking is great for the appetite and once back to town we all headed to a favorite restaurant for shrimp tacos and a beverage.

Photos From Big Scaly Hike

This is High Falls where we stopped for lunch on our way to the top of Big Scaly. To see more photos from the hike go here.

Big Scaly Mountain N.C.

On a cool crisp November morning, I joined a group of hearty AOC hikers for a hike to the top of Big Scaly Mountain. Big Scaly, lying just across the line in North Carolina, rises 5060 feet. We had a good long climb to the top as the trail winds its’ way along cascading Beech creek. About mid way, we stopped for lunch at the base of an incredible 200 foot waterfall whose craggy rock rose steeply and was crowned by a clear blue sky. After a good break we resumed our trek to the top. The view from the crest of Big Scaly looks back into Georgia for miles. On the way down a few in our group took a side hike to Chimney Rock for a quick climb. We arrived back at our cars as the sun was setting, highlighting the rich fall colors along the ridges.

16 Miles Along The Pinhoti

The Pinhoti trail stretches from Alabama into Georgia and links up to the Appalachian Trail. Yesterday I joined four hiking buddies for a hike along section 12 of the Pinhoti, a 16 mile section that runs along the ridges and valleys just west of Dalton. The Pinhoti, known by it’s “turkey track” blazes that mark the trail is one of the newer trail systems in north Georgia. For the most part, the trail is wide and smooth as it travels along the high ridge sections and is quite enjoyable to travel. The foliage is peak and the weather could not have been better. Probably because it was a weekday, we saw no one along the entire 16 miles. There were great views along the entire trail and a couple of really good scenic overlooks toward the end. The best news is that I got no blisters and the knees held up well.