Appalachian Trail to the state border and beyond

This hike begins a series of D4 hikes through the fall and winter on the Georgia portion of the world famous Appalachian Trail, the world's longest continuously maintained footpath only trail.  Every year, 5000 thru hikers embark on a journey to complete this 14-state trail within a 12 month period but only a fraction complete it.  Others pursue the coveted 2000 miler designation by completing this 2198.4 mile trail over several years or decades.  Here's a chance to dip your toes in that water.  America's first National Scenic Trail, this trail receives over one million visitors annually.

Each of the hikes we do will be at least 8 miles long and gain at least 1500 feet of elevation.  These are out and back hikes which means we will be doing 4 miles each way with most of the elevation gain on the front half of the hike.  This hike plan is much more gentle than most of the club's AT hikes which are usually D5 or D6 and occasionally a D7.  The southern AT has log bridges and/or stepping stones so no wet fords are expected.  For a trail in national forests and wilderness management areas, the trail is considerably well-maintained.

We will start in the northermost high country of the state for an early start to leaf watching and head south in future weeks to follow the foliage and then move into winter further south for clear open ridgeline views when the leaves have gone.

Qualifications for these hikes include recent AOC experience hiking D3s or above.  You will need to have had a few hikes at this level with the AOC to be on this hike and have shown that you are able to keep pace with the group.  These hikes assume a pace of 2.5mph and 30 minutes of break time including lunch.  If you do not appear to meet the qualifcations, you will be moved from the Roster to the Wait List and have an opportunity reach out to me to discuss.

Hike 1:  "Blue Ridge Gap to the state border and beyond" to a view of Hiawassee and Standing Indian Mt.  Elevation gain of 1800 feet out and 300 feet back.  Summit elevation of 4500 feet.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7x2W3kWubjzdoMsL7  link for Google Maps or type "AT crosses Charlies Creek Road"

The last step is a 7.5 mile road (with a rough last 1 mile of dirt road) without parking for a lot of cars at the trailhead so please join the carpool if at all feasible.

You will want to be sure to take the road from US74 and approach from the west rather than US23 and the much rougher approach from the east.

There is no privy nor gift shop at this trailhead.