Hightower Gap to Gooch Mountain on AT - Sat, Mar 14 2026

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Hightower Gap to Gooch Mountain on AT


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Hightower Gap, GA   Backpacking: Hightower Gap to Gooch Mountain on AT  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 14 2026  9:00 am >> Sun, Mar 15 2026 1:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Feb 15 2026 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Mar 12 2026 8:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 4 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:14.2 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Wayne
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:9
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Let's get out and enjoy early Spring in the mountains.  We'll hike the AT from Hightower Gap (Milepost 8.6) to Gooch Mountain Shelter (MP 15.7), passing through Horse Gap and Cooper Gap along the way.  

As All Trails says, "The Hightower Gap to Gooch Shelter trail is a scenic section of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Hikers will experience a variety of terrain, including forests and rocky outcrops. The trail offers beautiful wilderness views and the opportunity to spot wildlife. It is well-marked with white blazes, making navigation straightforward. The Gooch Mountain Shelter, provides a great resting spot. Some sections may have limited water access, so planning ahead is recommended. This trail is popular with both day hikers and through-hikers."

The shelter is described as "a large double-decker with space for about 14 people.  Food hanging cables are available." 

A composting privy and piped water are nearby.  Bring your own tent even thought there's probably room in the shelter, if you don't mind mice companions.  An "urban" legend is that mothballs repel mice so I'll bring some to sprinkle around our sleeping area (optional).  

I live in Decatur so I'll be carpooling from the Indian Trail Park Ride on I-85.  If you live N or NW Atlanta, feel free to organize your own carpool from, say, Windward Parkway Park Ride.

Additional info here - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/hightower-gap-to-gooch-shelter


Required Items to Bring:

Refer to the Events Checklist for gear list.  

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

 

Binoculars. 

If you happen to be a ham, bring your radio gear.


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

From Indian Trail Park and Ride: take I-85N to I-985, then take GA Hwy 60 toward Dahlonega 42 miles through Suches, turning left on Gaddistown Road.  Follow that to Forest Service Rd 42, turn right and go about 4 miles.  Drive a vehicle with ground clearance.

No cell service after you leave Suches. 

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):170Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $68.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.