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The Georgia Loop Backpacking Plan MapQuest Departure Destination: Can start anywhere on the loop – Woody Gap Look for the marked parking area on the northeastern side of GA 60. The AT crosses the road here. Park : Woody Gap Parking off northeastern side of GA 60 MapQuest Car Drop Destination: Loop Trail – one spot Rating : Strenuous Distance: 54.6 miles USGS Quadrangles: Noontoola, Suches, Mulky Gap, Cowrock Emergency Numbers : 911 U.S. Forest Service, Blue Ridge District Alan Polk - District Ranger (706) 745-6928 Water Availability: AT Multiple Stream crossings Spring on Springer Mtn Stover Creek Chester Creek Long Creek Falls Spring at Hawk Mtn Shelter Justus Creek, Blackwell Creek Spring 0.3 miles on Jarrard Gap Trail (blue blaze) Slaughter Creek Headwaters DRT Water is sparse and usually in gaps marked by Blue W’s BMT Mill Creek spring 500 feet to the east, but very difficult to find Day 1 : AT Trail ~9.2 milesWhite Rectangle Blazes – Junctions & turns Double vertical blazes – side trails Blue blazes Begin from the Woody Gap parking area on GA 60 (3160 ft). The trail crosses GA 60 and continues northward from the rear of the parking area near the picnic area. Continue northward and slowly gain elevation along the western hardwood ridge of Steel Trap and Jacobs Knob. 0.5 mile Decline for 100 yards to a stand of tulip poplars at Lunsford Gap (3,330 feet). Then, climb to Preaching Rock overlook. 0.5 mile Climb along the eastern ridge, almost cresting Big Cedar Mountain (3,721 ft.) Then, lose elevation to Dan Gap. 1.0 mile Continue down off of the ridgeline to the western slope of Granny Top. Meet Miller Gap (3,005 ft.). 0.6 mile Hike north along the eastern side of Baker Mountain and drop to Henry Gap (3,100 ft). 1.1 mile Top two knobs on Burnett Field Mountain. Enter Jarrard Gap (3,300 ft), which ends at a sign to the left of the gap. 1.6 mile Almost summit Gaddis Mountain (3,520 ft). Then descend to Horsebone Gap at 3,460 ft. 0.2 mile Top Turkey Stamp (3,780 ft) and meet the western end of the Freeman Trail. 1.4 mile Cross Slaughter Creek. It will often run dry in summer and early fall, depending on conditions. (No campfire zone) 0.5 mile The spring at Slaughter Gap (3,860ft.) is the last source of water for miles. The trail enters Slaughter Gap, a major trail junction. The old roadbed to the left is the Slaughter Creek Trail. Turn right 90 degrees at Slaughter Gap and begin a series of moderate switchbacks up Blood Mountain (4,461 ft.). 0.9 mile Reach the top of the mountain, marked by the large Picnic Rock and the famous Blood Mountain shelter and turn around. 0.9 mile Return to Slaughter Gap and continue through the straight junction following the Duncan Ridge Trail west. CAMP on the north side of the trail, after the junction. Day 2 : Duncan Ridge Trail ~12.4 miles Blue Plastic Blazes Go West along the DRT The Yellow Blazed Coosa Backcountry Trail Joins the DRT for 3.0 miles. 0.1 mile

Georgia Loop Backpacking Plan - Troop 1776 than 50 Miles... · The Georgia Loop Backpacking Plan MapQuest Departure Destination: Can start anywhere on the loop – Woody Gap Look

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The Georgia Loop Backpacking Plan MapQuest Departure Destination: Can start anywhere on the loop – Woody Gap Look for the marked parking area on the northeastern side of GA 60. The AT crosses the road here. Park: Woody Gap Parking off northeastern side of GA 60 MapQuest Car Drop Destination: Loop Trail – one spot Rating: Strenuous Distance: 54.6 miles USGS Quadrangles: Noontoola, Suches, Mulky Gap, Cowrock Emergency Numbers: 911 U.S. Forest Service, Blue Ridge District Alan Polk - District Ranger (706) 745-6928

Water Availability: AT Multiple Stream crossings Spring on Springer Mtn Stover Creek Chester Creek Long Creek Falls Spring at Hawk Mtn Shelter Justus Creek, Blackwell Creek Spring 0.3 miles on Jarrard Gap Trail (blue blaze) Slaughter Creek Headwaters DRT Water is sparse and usually in gaps marked by Blue W’s BMT Mill Creek spring 500 feet to the east, but very difficult to find

Day 1: AT Trail ~9.2 milesWhite Rectangle Blazes – Junctions & turns Double vertical blazes – side trails Blue blazes Begin from the Woody Gap parking area on GA 60 (3160 ft). The trail crosses GA 60 and continues northward from the rear of the parking area near the picnic area. Continue northward and slowly gain elevation along the western hardwood ridge of Steel Trap and Jacobs Knob. 0.5 mile Decline for 100 yards to a stand of tulip poplars at Lunsford Gap (3,330 feet). Then, climb to Preaching Rock overlook. 0.5 mile Climb along the eastern ridge, almost cresting Big Cedar Mountain (3,721 ft.) Then, lose elevation to Dan Gap. 1.0 mile Continue down off of the ridgeline to the western slope of Granny Top. Meet Miller Gap (3,005 ft.). 0.6 mile Hike north along the eastern side of Baker Mountain and drop to Henry Gap (3,100 ft). 1.1 mile Top two knobs on Burnett Field Mountain. Enter Jarrard Gap (3,300 ft), which ends at a sign to the left of the gap. 1.6 mile Almost summit Gaddis Mountain (3,520 ft). Then descend to Horsebone Gap at 3,460 ft. 0.2 mile Top Turkey Stamp (3,780 ft) and meet the western end of the Freeman Trail. 1.4 mile Cross Slaughter Creek. It will often run dry in summer and early fall, depending on conditions. (No campfire zone) 0.5 mile The spring at Slaughter Gap (3,860ft.) is the last source of water for miles. The trail enters Slaughter Gap, a major trail junction. The old roadbed to the left is the Slaughter Creek Trail. Turn right 90 degrees at Slaughter Gap and begin a series of moderate switchbacks up Blood Mountain (4,461 ft.). 0.9 mile Reach the top of the mountain, marked by the large Picnic Rock and the famous Blood Mountain shelter and turn around. 0.9 mile Return to Slaughter Gap and continue through the straight junction following the Duncan Ridge Trail west. CAMP on the north side of the trail, after the junction. Day 2: Duncan Ridge Trail ~12.4 miles Blue Plastic Blazes Go West along the DRT The Yellow Blazed Coosa Backcountry Trail Joins the DRT for 3.0 miles. 0.1 mile

Hike a level section from Slaughter Gap. 0.7 mile Climb steeply to Slaughter Mt. (4,140 ft.). 0.9 mile Turn Right onto a dirt road and cross GA 180 at Wolfpen Gap (3260 ft.) to Buckeye Knob (this is the Coosa Bald Scenic Area). 0.1 mile Ascend sharp switchbacks to Wildcat Gap (3,780 ft.) and descend to Wildcat Knob. 1.0 mile When you come out of the forest skirt the edge for 30 yards before turning right onto Duncan Ridge Rd. 0.1 mile Follow the steep grade up to Coosa Bald (4,271 ft.). 0.5 mile Follow trail down and long decline passing through a grove of Yellow Birchto White Oak Stomp (3,460 ft.). 0.9 mile Proceed over a low knob then steadily uphill to Buckeye Knob (3,820 ft.). 1.7 mile Hike downhill to Buckeye Gap (3,280 ft.). 1.0 mile Continue and skirt FS 39 Duncan Ridge Road to Bryant Gap (3,200 ft.). 0.6 mile Gain elevation quickly to Buck Knob (3,540 ft.) and descend to the second Wildcat Gap (3,380 ft.). 0.8 mile Climb to Wildcat Knob (3,500 ft.). 0.3 mile Descend switchbacks quickly to Mulky Gap (2,780 ft.). 1.1 mile Cross FS 4 follow the foot bed off to the left. at a Double Blaze 0.5 mile Follow a long upgrade to the benchmark atop Akin Mountain (3,531 ft.). 0.4 mile The trail turns sharply downhill from the summit to Clements Mountain (3,500 ft.). Turn sharply right at the bottom and descend along the southern slope to Akin Gap (3,020 ft.). 1.0 mile Continue to a clearing at Fish Gap (3,100 ft.) where FS 88 ends. 0.7 mile CAMP in clearing, there should be water at Dixon Creek 0.2 mile SSE following gap, but don’t plan on it. Day 3: Duncan Ridge Trail ~11.2 miles Blue Plastic Blazes A short climb to Parke Knob (3,320 ft.) follow the Northern flank down and up to Sarvis Gap (3,020 ft.), which has water past spring. 1.1 mile Up and down to Payne Knob (3,420 ft.). 0.5 mile Continue Roller Coaster to Gregory Knob (3,360 ft.). 0.7 mile Continue westward on Duncan Ridge to Gregory Gap (3,060 ft.). 0.3 mile Follow trail to Rhodes Mountain Gap (2,980 ft.). 0.8 mile Climb to Rhodes Mountain (3, 380 ft.). 0.5 mile Lose elevation to an unnamed gap and climb to the long flat summit of Licklog Mountain (3,472 ft.) Cross the summit diagonally. 1.1 mile Bear right at high point before descending a 27% grade to an unnamed gap (2,730 ft.). Ascend to an outcrop open to the south. 0.4 mile Hike to Wallalah Mountain (3,100 ft.) Ammo boxes along the trail are property of U.S. Army Rangers and should not be disturbed. 1.1 mile Descend along Duncan Ridge following an old road to find the trail to the Left. 0.7 mile Private property to the right (west) of the trail is marked by red paint. Turn Right off ridgeline and descend steeply. Cross old logging road, and a second old road, then Cross Little Skeenah Creek. 1.0 mile Start sharing the trial with the Benton MacKaye Trail White Diamond Blazes Reach GA 60 (2028'). GA 60 leads left 30.8 mi. to Dahlonega and right 16.6 mi. to Blue Ridge. 0.2 mile From GA 60 (2028'), at the intersection with FS 816 begin ascent of Toonowee Mountain. Climb steps; enter a grove of hemlock and rhododendron. Swing right along a streambed. Ascend along the streambed. 0.2 mile Turn Left on old woods road. Then, turn Right off the old road and ascend steeply. CAUTION: Do not continue along old road. 0.2 mile At the top, turn right along the ridgeline. More roller coasters up and down along the top. 0.3 mile

Reach summit of Toonowee Mountain (2720'). Cross the summit and descend. 0.5 mile Come to high point of the final peak. Descend steeply. 0.5 mile Reach flat stretch on ridgeline. 0.2 mile Resume descent, following east side of ridgeline. 0.3 mile Begin steep descent. 0.1 mile Cross old timber road and descend more gradually. 0.3 mile Cross gated road (FS 816) (Gate is 100 yards to right. Enter pine forest severely damaged by pine beetles and reach Toccoa River. 0.2 mile CAMP downhill to left along the banks of the river. Day 4: Benton MacKaye Trail ~10.1 miles White Diamond Blazes Cross Toccoa River Bridge. Continue following a stream 100 feet to the left. Bear right off old roadbed. Ascend gently. 0.3 mile Cross FS 333. Begin steep ascent upon crossing road. 0.1 mile Begin more gradual ascent. Cross woods road. Ascend more steeply. Descend, ascend, and descend again. 0.3 mile Reach old logging road. Ascend. 0.7 mile Attain high point. Descend. 0.4 mile Cross another old logging road. Here, ascend gently, and change more from a westerly course to a southwesterly and southerly course. 0.1 mile Reach Sapling Gap (2,770'). 0.2 mile Leave the ridgeline, skirting the west side of the north peak of John Dick Mountain. Follow an old roadbed. 0.1 mile Continue on a graded trail with little elevation change. 0.3 mile Begin gradual descent into Bryson Gap. Beware of numerous old logging roads that cross the trail at various angles. 0.2 mile Reach Bryson Gap (2,900'). A spring is 300 feet to the east, or left, of the trail. 0.3 mile Gradually ascend west of ridgeline. Follow trail along the north slope of the south peak of John Dick Mountain. 500 ft. Skirt clear-cut and descend gradually through dense laurel to reach a long saddle on the crest of the ridge. Climb briefly. 0.5 mile Reach high point on Wildcat Ridge (3,130'). From here to the gap, a timbered area borders the left side of the trail. 0.8 mile Cross an old logging road in the gap (2,980') and ascend along the ridgeline. Skirt the east side of the ridge. 0.2 mile Again skirt the east side of the ridge, descending. Regain the ridgeline near the low point on the ridge. Climb gradually. 0.7 mile Reach a high point (3,240'). Another timbered area along the left side begins here. Descend gradually at first, then steeply. 0.4 mile Reach a gap (2,900') at the head of Mill Creek. Climb along graded trail in a southeasterly direction out of gap avoiding track straight ahead along ridgeline. Pass intermittent spring on right side of trail. Reach a broad, flat mountaintop. 0.3 mile Enter an opening at "The Bald" (3,250') and cross directly to the other side at 120 degrees. Descend steeply beyond the summit. 0.6 mile WARNING: Do not camp or place obstructions in the clearing as it is used for helicopter landings by U.S. Army Rangers. Hike along a tributary of Long Creek. Follow this stream through frequent patches of rhododendron. 0.4 mile Cross Long Creek. In 150 feet, turn right on wide trail. View the top of Long Creek Falls to the right of the trail. 0.7 mile A right side trail leads 200 feet to Long Creek Falls. Please resist temptation and use earlier the side trail. 0.2 mile Reach the intersection with the AT. Follow the AT to the east, or left, not south. – White Rectangle Blazes 0.1 mile Pass Hawk Creek Summit Trail. 2.0 mile Hawk Creek Shelter 0.5 mile CAMP at or near the shelter

Day 5: Appalachian Trail ~11.7 miles White Rectangle Blazes Reach Hightower Gap where FS 42 & FS 69 intersect and continue straight across the junction. 0.4 mile Climb to an unnamed Knob (2,980 ft.). 0.3 mile Dip to a low gap beside FS 42. 0.4 mile Roller coaster 1.4 mile Drop sharply to Horse Gap (2,673 ft.). 0.3 mile Continue East and switchback pass overlooks to Summit Sassafras Mountain (3,336 ft.). 0.5 mile Cross FS 42 Cooper Gap (2,820 ft) marked by a stand of large tulip poplars. 0.6 mile Cross over Justus Mountain (3,336 ft) and the saddle of Brookshire Gap (2,940 ft). 0.3 mile Follow ridge over Phyllis Spur (3,081 ft) and descend cross an old roadbed, turns right onto another roadbed, and then cross Justus Creek. 1.0 mile Continue along roadbed in an area of rich botanical life and cross Blackwell Creek. 0.8 mile Continue through rosebay Rhododendron thickets. 0.5 mile Climb sharply to Horseshoe Ridge (3,004 ft.). 0.2 mile Pass through a gap. 0.4 mile Skirt the northern slope of Gooch Mountain. 0.5 mile Pass a blue blazed trail to left leads to Gooch Shelter. 0.2 mile Pass a blue blazed trail to left leads to Gooch Shelter just before crossing FS 42. 0.3 mile Hike to stand of tall tulip poplars at Liss Gap (3,020 ft). 1.5 mile Ascend to Page Knob (3,252 ft). 0.4 mile Continue down the ridge to Jacks Gap (3,020 ft). 0.2 mile Climbs to Ramrock Mountain (3200 ft) before dropping to Tritt Gap (3,060 ft). 0.5 mile Wind around the southern slope of Black Mountain to Woody Gap (3,160 ft.). 1.0 mile You should see your vehicles in the parking lot on GA 60.

Day 1 Section from Woody Gap – Turkey Stamp

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 73000

3200

3400

3600

3800

4000

Miles

Jacobs Knob

Big Cedar Mountain

Granny TopBaker Mountain

Burnett Field Mountain

Gaddis Mountain

Turkey Stamp

Blood Mountain

Total distance: 7 miles, 3174 feet

Ground distance: 7 miles, 3536 feet

Climbing: 2712 feetDescending: -1667 feetElevation change: 1044 feetMin/Max: 2984/4185

Latitude: 090° 00' 00.0'' NLongitude: 180° 00' 00.0'' WElevation:Grade:

Day 1-2 Section Blood Mountain Area

0 2 4 6 8 102800

3000

3200

3400

3600

3800

4000

Miles

Slaughter Mountain

Wildcat Knob

Coosa Bald

Buckeye KnobWest Wildcat Knob

Clements Mountain

Total distance: 10 miles, 2272 feet

Ground distance: 10 miles, 2996 feet

Climbing: 3037 feetDescending: -4007 feetElevation change: -970 feetMin/Max: 2762/4109

Latitude: 034° 44' 50.4'' NLongitude: 083° 56' 52.2'' WElevation: 4055 feetGrade: 12%

Day 2 Section from Slaughter – Fish Gap

Day 3 Section from Fish Gap – Tooni Mountain

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 92000

2200

2400

2600

2800

3000

3200

Miles

Payne Knob

Gregory Knob

Licklog Mountain

Wallalah Mountain

Tooni Mountain

Total distance: 9 miles, 4878 feet

Ground distance: 10 miles, 273 feet

Climbing: 2740 feetDescending: -3853 feetElevation change: -1113 feetMin/Max: 1932/3400

Latitude: 034° 48' 08.7'' NLongitude: 084° 05' 28.8'' WElevation: 3226 feetGrade: 32%

Day 3-4 Section from Tooni – Mill Creek

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 92000

2200

2400

2600

2800

3000

3200

Miles

Little John Dick Mountain

Big John Dick MountainHawk Mountain

Total distance: 9 miles, 2420 feet

Ground distance: 9 miles, 2893 feet

Climbing: 3172 feetDescending: -2157 feetElevation change: 1015 feetMin/Max: 1933/3299

Latitude: 034° 43' 21.4'' NLongitude: 084° 11' 09.7'' WElevation: 2711 feetGrade: 3%

Day 4-5 Section from Mill Creek – Justus Creek

0 2 4 6 8 102600

2700

2800

2900

3000

3100

3200

3300

3400

Miles

Justus Mountain

Gooch Mountain

Ramrock Mountain

Black Mountain

Total distance: 11 miles, 1944 feet

Ground distance: 11 miles, 2609 feet

Climbing: 3140 feetDescending: -3228 feetElevation change: -87 feetMin/Max: 2597/3425

Latitude: 034° 39' 47.6'' NLongitude: 084° 07' 27.8'' WElevation: 3079 feetGrade: 2%

Day 5 - 1 Section from Justus – Miller Gap