AT: Deep Gap, NC to Muskrat Creek Shelter and Bly Gap, GA

Join me as I continue my series of backpacking/hiking trips on the Appalachian Trail!

We’ll meet at the Windward Parkway Park and Ride for a carpool departure at 11am. We’ll drive to Clayton, GA for a final pit stop and pick up anything else needed for the trip. Once we’re ready, we’ll head toward Deep Gap Trailhead in NC for a 2pm departure time. We’ll  head SOBO on the Appalachian Trail towards the Georgia/North Carolina state line. We’ll hike approximately 4 miles (960’ ascent; 720’ descent) to Muskrat Creek Shelter. Muskrat Creek Shelter is an 8-person shelter with a privy and a nearby creek a short distance off the trail. There is no bear box or cables so please be prepared to hang a bear bag or bring a bear canister. Bears have been known to be active around this area (I know from experience). We’ll set up camp, take a break and have a snack. We’ll lighten our load and begin our hike to Bly Gap near the GA/NC Border. We’ll hike approximately 2.9 miles (680’ ascent; 1,440 descent). Once we reach Bly Gap, we’ll take a break, have a snack and hangout around the gnarly tree. We’ll turn around and head NOBO hike back the 2.9 miles (1,440’ ascent; 680’ descent) to Muskrat Creek Shelter. Once back to the shelter we’ll cook some dinner and hangout for the night. Today we’ll hike approximately 10 miles (ascent 1,784’; descent 2,840’). 

When we wake up the next day, we’ll have some breakfast, pack up and hike NOBO 4 miles (720’ ascent; 960’ descent) back to Deep Gap

This Backpacking trip will be approximately 14 miles total with a total elevation gain/loss of 3,880 feet. 

Since this is a fast pace D5, you must have prior D4/5 experience or a history of backpacking. The Trip Leader reserves the right to move a participant to the Wait List if they do not have adequate experience.

AT Parking Area: Deep Gap (USFS 71), Franklin, NC