AT, Woody Gap to Jarrard Gap and back

This is a good winter hike, as for most of its length it is protected from the north wind. We start at Woody Gap, on Hwy 60, 15 miles north of Dahlonega. We’ll warm up quickly with a 550+ foot-climb to the top of Big Cedar Mountain and stop for a moment to look at the view towards the south. We then descend to Miller Gap, then ascend Baker Mountain, and descend again to Jarrard Gap. Here we will turn around and have lunch somewhere out of the wind. On the way back we’ll take a short side trail to Preaching Rock for a second, wider view to the south. Total elevation gain is about 2000 ft. The hike falls between a D4 and D5 in level of difficulty; D4 because of the 2000 ft elevation gain and D5 because of the distance. 

Although the weather will be milder than it was last weekend, it is winter, so please bring a warm jacket in your pack, something to pull out for lunch and stops for regrouping or emergencies. When you are hot and sweaty and stop you will quickly cool down if you do not put on a warm layer. 

I am looking for a volunteer to coordinate the carpool at the Mansell Park-and-Ride and to lead the drive to the trailhead at Woody Gap (see directions below). I will meet the group there.

North on GA 400 from the park and ride. When GA 400 ends at the Chevron station make a left onto US-19/GA60 until you reach Dahlonega. From Dahlonega, take GA 60 north for 15 miles until you reach the parking lot on the top of the mountain at Woody Gap. 

I will be contacting anyone who has not recently done a D4 hike with the AOC to see whether this is an appropriate hike for you.