Gregory Bald Azalea Hike

This has a ton of driving (approx. 3 hours each way).  We will probably get back to Atlanta between 9pm - 10pm.

You must demonstrate that you can do a D5 hike.  The pace is moderate, but my moderate pace is just about 3 miles per hour.  We all need to keep it moving and stick together.  The Trip Leaders have the right to promote someone else behind you on the Wait List if we feel your hiking ability is in question.  There has been a lot of bear activity in the area and we don't want to leave anyone behind.

Azalea lovers from all over the world come to Gregory Bald to experience the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet.  Gregory Bald is a 10 acre grassy meadow with azaleas in a rainbow of colors, including fire red, wine red, orange, salmon, yellow, white, pink, and even multi-colored azaleas.
 


This is a long drive for a day hike (approx. 3 hours each way from the carpool location), but it's totally worth it!! 

This will be a strenous 15.7 mile hike with over 3,600 feet of elevation gain in the first 7.5 miles. On the way down from Gregory Bald, we will descend about 2,000 feet in the first 3 miles.  

Our loop hike will start at the Twentymile trail head. We will begin with an easy .5 mile on the Twentymile Trail and then begin the steep ascent up the Wolf Ridge Trail.  We will hike 6.3 miles on the Wolf Ridge Trail to the Gregory Bald Trail. From there, it is another 1.2 miles to the Bald.

After enjoying a long break among the Azaleas on the Bald, we will continue on the Gregory Bald Trail to Long Hungry Ridge Trail. After a steep descent over 4.6 miles on the Hungry Ridge Trail, we will rejoin the Twentymile Trail. From there, it is another 2.6 miles along Twentymile Creek to the side trail for the Twentymile Cascade, where we will stop to enjoy the falls.

After that, it is less than a mile to the end of our hike, where we wrap up the day with a nice cool relaxing dip in the water!!

The trailhead is at the Twentymile Ranger Station.  
GPS Coordinates: 35° 28' 9.9" N, 83° 52' 18.8" W.
Detailed directions will be emailed to all drivers.