Georgia AT trip planning help

**Doodad** · 02-26-2013, 21:13

Another loop hike near Neel Gap is the Coosa Backcountry Trail (13 mi) which starts/ends in Vogel State Park. You can also extend the loop by hiking over to Blood Mountain to catch the view. You need register at the Park office, but it's free.

Also, if you want a nice full day hike, check out Unicoi State Park nearby. The Smith Trail (5 mi ?) takes you to Anna Ruby Falls - you can hike the trail back or walk the road.

You can check out the parks' websites for more info.

If you want to venture into NC, kk4df suggested the Standing Indian loop - that's a great one.

Another option across the border in NC is the 29 mi section on the AT from Winding Stair Gap to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Two observation towers and a big bald for great views, and you end your trip at a restaurant on the river.

**TRDT** · 02-27-2013, 21:10

There are some great hammock spots on top of the mountain. After passing the stone shelter there is a stone ledge on the left side of the "trail" which is about 6 feet tall. It's a great wind break and you can hang in the middle of the trees. There is a privy own top also. Water can be found on the south side of the mountain before the climb up, and at the bottom on the north side.

**mdandashly** · 02-27-2013, 21:16

Originally Posted by TRDT

There are some great hammock spots on top of the mountain. After passing the stone shelter there is a stone ledge on the left side of the "trail" which is about 6 feet tall. It's a great wind break and you can hang in the middle of the trees. There is a privy own top also. Water can be found on the south side of the mountain before the climb up, and at the bottom on the north side.

Sweet thanks! I was looking forward to spending my first night at the top of Blood Mountain.

Will update everyone once I have decided on a route for input.

**BIG JEFF** · 02-27-2013, 21:37

Don't forget to check the Bear canister requirement on Blood Mountain. Last year there was a big fine for not having the proper factory made canister. Have a great trip.
JEFF

**mdandashly** · 02-27-2013, 21:39

Originally Posted by BIG JEFF

Don't forget to check the Bear canister requirement on Blood Mountain. Last year there was a big fine for not having the proper factory made canister. Have a great trip.
JEFF

What?!?!?! I can't just put my food in a tree?

**dakotaross** · 02-27-2013, 22:03

Blood Mountain gets lot of press but personally its not my favorite place... it certainly is not the best view in Georgia and is not a great place to camp. Besides, you would need a bear canister there. If you're dead set on seeing blood mountain, then you might consider the stretch between Hogpen gap and Woody gap which has 2 other views that I believe are better, with Blood smack in the middle of the hike.

I believe you probably have enough time on Thursday to get shuttled to hog pen and then stay at Whitley Gap shelter, 1.2m from the road with a great view from Wildcat Mountain along the way. Friday you could hike about 7m to the Bull gap site a mile short of Neels gap, enjoying the 2nd best view at Cowrock. Saturday you could hike about 8m to Dan gap campsite beside a small stream. You would pass over Blood and the extra mileage gets you past Jarrard gap and the bear cannister area. Final day would be a short 4m to Woody gap and by the best view in Ga, Big Cedar.

Of course you can do it the other direction if you like. PM me if you need more details.

**JaxHiker** · 02-28-2013, 22:09

Check out my site. Look under the Trail Reports section. It might give you some ideas.

**mdandashly** · 03-07-2013, 13:21

UPDATE: So I have decided on a route...need some feedback from you guys.

I'm going to drive up to Lake Winfield Scott In the morning and spend the night at the rec area. The next morning, I will have 1 car in that lot and leave another car in the lot at Unicoi Gap. The Jarrard Gap trail should be about 1 mile to the actual AT. Based on what I have seen, the bear canister area is Jarrard Gap to Neels Gap. My first night will be spent somewhere past Neels Gap. The total path, Jarrard to Unicoi is about 25-26 miles. That will leave me at about 9 miles a day, which is a little more than I wanted but it is doable.

What do you think about this route? Is it feasible? Is there a lot of water along the way that I can filter and fill up my CamelBak with? Also, from what I've seen I can set up camp anywhere because this is a National Forest, I am not limited to designated sites. Is this correct?

**TRDT** · 03-07-2013, 17:17

Water should not be a problem right now in that area due to all the rain and snow showers weve had. Any of the water sources listed in the AT Guide will most likely be good. When you hit neels gap swing in the store and ask the guys there. They will have the best info.

**kk4df** · 03-07-2013, 19:38

Just keep in mind that bears will bring down poorly hung bear bags anywhere. Some camp neighbors between Neels and Tesnatee gaps lost half their food to a bear on my last trip in that trail section.