AT - Hightower Gap to Gooch Shelter - Wed, Sep 23 2026

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AT - Hightower Gap to Gooch Shelter


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Appalachian Blue Ridge Rd, Blue Ridge, GA - see link below   Hike: AT - Hightower Gap to Gooch Shelter   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Sep 23 2026  9:00 am >> Wed, Sep 23 2026 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Sep 14 2026 7:05 am
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Sep 22 2026 8:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:14 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:12
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Come join me for a section of the AT I don't ofter get to. We'll hike northbound on the AT from Hightower Gap over Sassafras and Justus mountain to the Gooch Gap shelpter. Total distance will be 14 miles with 3500 ft elevation gain.

We will park at Hightower Gap (limited parking, about 4 cars). At the 1.9 mile mark we reach Horse Gap. We will continue north and ascend 700 ft over the next mile and reach the summit of Sassafras Mountain at 3357ft at the 2.9 mile mark. 

We will then descend to Cooper Gap at the 3.5 mile mark. Here we begin to climb again to summit Justus Mountain at 3224ft and the 4.1 mile mark. A nice steady descent follows which takes us to beautiful Justus Creek and the Devils Kitchen camping area at 5.5 mph. From Justus Creek we will ascend the wooden stairs and head to Gooch Shelter for lunch. After lunch we retrace our path back to the cars. 

This is a strenuous hike and recent D5 experience is required. You should be comfortable hiking 6+ hours with few breaks at a pace of 2.7 - 3.0+ mph. Expect an email from me to assess your compatibility if you are new or haven't done prior AOC D5 hike events.


Kudos to Leigh for the original event write-up.


Required Items to Bring:

Water and/or sports drink

Lunch and snacks

Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots

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

Hiking poles

Rain gear

Peachy outlook

Towel


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

We will be meeting at the trailhead at 9:00.

Directions to the trailhead

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):120Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:15 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $48.00 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.
*Note:

AOC Policy