Eagle Mountain to Sassafras Knob - Fri, Mar 27 2026

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Eagle Mountain to Sassafras Knob


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Hiawassee, Georgia   Hike: Eagle Mountain to Sassafras Knob  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Mar 27 2026  9:00 am >> Fri, Mar 27 2026 4:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Mar 15 2026 6:55 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Mar 26 2026 8:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced
Distance:15 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tim W
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Join me on the High Cove Ridge for a hike covering two 4000 ft Georgia peaks. This is a remote and seldom visited mountain area near Hiawasee just south of the North Carolina state line. The hike includes some easy bushwhacking along the mostly clear ridgeline between Eagle Mountain and Sassafras Knob. We'll make liberal use of the AllTrails track to stay on route.

Starting from Bell Gap Road where parking is very limited we'll head up an old roadbed and trail to Eagle Mountain. From there we'll find our way to Sassafras Knob along a poorly defined ridgeline trail. Trees are sparse here without much undergrowth so there should be no hard bushwhacking over rocks nor through briers and brambles. We'll have lunch and take in the views from Sassafras Knob before turning around to head back.

We'll plan to meet at the Ingles in Hiawasee and consolidate ourselves into a couple of the more offroad capable cars.

Due to the difficulty of the hike you need prior D6 experience or the equivalent.  The pace should be around 2.7 mph or faster over easier stretches. A distance of 15 miles with just under 4000 ft elevation gain and light bushwhacking make it a D6 level hike. Hikers without recent D6 experience will get an email to assess your compatibility.


Required Items to Bring:

Lots of water and electrolytes

Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots

Gear for all weather possibilities

Lunch and snacks

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

Hiking Poles

Rosey outlook

Towel


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Due to limited parking at the trailhead, Meet at Event will be the Ingles in Hiawassee.

Click here for directions

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):165Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $66.00 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.