Tesnatee Gap to Low Gap Shelter

This is my second co-lead hike as I work towards Trip Leader status. As noted below, this is a challenging hike and we will be moving along at a moderate pace. You will need a recent D5 or multiple recent D4’s in order to join.

Distance: Approximately 11.5 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Trail: Appalachian Trail, out and back

We will hike northbound on the Appalachian Trail from Tesnatee Gap to Low Gap Shelter, where we will take a lunch/snack break before retracing our route back to Tesnatee Gap.

Don’t be fooled by the overall elevation numbers—the hike starts by getting down to business immediately. From Tesnatee Gap, at approximately 3,140 feet, the AT climbs steeply up Wildcat Mountain, gaining about 500 feet in the first 0.6–0.7 mile. This will be one of the steepest sustained sections of the hike.

After reaching the Wildcat Mountain ridge, we will descend toward Hogpen Gap, crossing GA 348 approximately 0.9 mile from our starting point. From Hogpen Gap, the character of the hike changes considerably. The trail continues north through the Mark Trail Wilderness over generally rolling terrain,with a series of moderate climbs and descents rather than any single major ascent.

From Hogpen Gap it is approximately 4.8 miles to Low Gap Shelter. Although this portion of the AT has plenty of elevation changes, the grades are generally moderate and the trail is straightforward. There are no significant technical sections, scrambling, or difficult creek crossings expected.

At approximately 5.7 miles, we will reach Low Gap Shelter, elevation approximately 2,966 feet. The shelter is located in a wooded cove and has a picnic table, privy and water source. We will stop here for a lunch/snack break before heading back.

Our return follows the same route southbound. The rolling terrain between Low Gap and Hogpen will give us additional climbing on the way back. From Hogpen Gap, we will climb back toward Wildcat Mountain before making the steep final descent of approximately 500 feet to Tesnatee Gap.

What to Expect

This is a solid 11+ mile North Georgia mountain hike. Participants should be comfortable maintaining a steady hiking pace over repeated climbs and descents for approximately 5–6 hours.

The most strenuous portions will be the steep climb immediately after leaving Tesnatee Gap, the cumulative rolling elevation between Hogpen Gap and Low Gap, and the climb back over Wildcat Mountain late in the hike.

We will hike as a group and regroup as needed at major trail junctions and road crossings. We will be monitoring the weather in the days leading up to the hike