Rediscover the HOOCHEE HEADWATERS (From Unicoi Gap)

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Rediscover the HOOCHEE HEADWATERS (From Unicoi Gap)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Unicoi Gap

Date(s) & Time:

Sun, Nov 9 2025 7:00 am >> Sun, Nov 9 2025 3:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Mon, Aug 25 2025 7:07 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Nov 7 2025 7:07 pm

Event Duration:

8 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

10.7 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Kiran

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

12 / 5 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

IMPORTANT: You must have recent D4+ (or equivalent) experience to attempt this strenuous hike over some rocky, uneven areas, with 2700+ foot elevation gain. Also, you must be able to maintain a brisk pace of 20 - 24 min/mile = 2.5 - 3 mph. So, if you have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, or prefer a slower pace, please sit this one out!

That said, come be a part of this quest to rediscover the Hoochee Headwaters, the primary source of our beloved Chattahoochee River, which begins way up in the mountains of the Mark Trail Wilderness. We begin our hike at the eastern edge of the wilderness, at Unicoi Gap, where we'll pick up the AT to the summit of Blue Mountain (4009 ft.), then on past Spaniard's Knob (3980 ft.) to the junction of the AT and Jacks Knob trail where we'll locate the Hooch Headwaters, a tiny spring that flows south and grows and grows into the Hooch as we know it. Lunchtime! After that we head north past Jack's Knob (3783 ft.) down to Eagle's Knob (3543 ft.) where we take a short breather, turn around to retrace our steps back past the Hoochee Headwaters to Unicoi Gap and our cars.

NOTE: Carpool meets at 07:00; The actual hike begins at 09:00-ish; The event ends by 15:00 and does not include the return trip time.

Required Items to Bring:

Weather appropriate clothing

Hiking boots/shoes w/ good traction

Water (2 to 3 litres), and

Your SOH (sense of humor)

For carpools:

Cash for gas (for your carpool driver)

Towel to sit on - for the ride back

Paper sack or bag - for mucky boots and wet clothes

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

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

On the day before the event, I will email participants the exact meeting location and detailed directions.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

70Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $28.00 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:

Please, no unregistered guests or +Ones!
Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event, make it difficult for those on the waitlist to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.
Please note: Members who sign up and fail to attend an event with an active waitlist, will automatically earn a “no show.”
If you need to get in touch with me, the best way is to TEXT me with your NAME at 4O4 7-Five-4 5OO5. FYI, thanks to those annoying robocalls, calling me will send you to my voicemail, but feel free to leave a message.
I usually hike RAIN-or-SHINE! However, in case of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies that warrant a cancellation, I will text/email you at least TWO HOURS before the start of the event.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

There is no cost for this event.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

If Life happens, and you need to cancel, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If the site will not cooperate, TEXT me with your NAME at 4O4 7-Five-4 5OO5.

In order to earn credit for this event, participants must begin and complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame.

Waiting List

Unfortunately, this event is full or registration is closed.

But you may still have a chance to go by joining the waiting list. Don't let a full event keep you from signing up!