^^ Summit GA’s Highest Peaks: #8 - Double Spring Knob (4280’) ^^

The North Georgia mountains may not be the Himalayas or the Rockies, but they do offer many opportunities for challenging and exciting hikes to outstanding scenic views.  For this series, we are summiting the 20 highest peaks in Georgia.  (For more info on the criteria used, click here.)

Also commonly known as "Kelly Knob", Double Spring Knob is 4280' above sea level with 920' of clean prominence. It is actually tied with #7 Coosa Bald as far as elevation goes, but it has less prominence, so that's why it falls below it on the list. The photo, showing Kelly Knob, was taken by TonyC from Bell Knob, in Hiawassee, looking southeast.

Almost all of our hike will be along the AT (Appalachian Trail). We begin at Dicks Creek Gap, and it's a good climb of about 2000 feet over about 5 miles to the top. Along the way we will make a quick stop at the first lookout, which is reached by a short side trail.

The actual summit of Double Spring is just off of the AT, so if you want to get to the very top, a little light "bushwhacking" will be required...just about 1/10 of a mile and up about 120ft.  It isn't that difficult on this terrain. There is no view from the summit, but once we regain the AT, we go a few paces offtrail and take in a panoramic view to the east/north east. Rabun Bald stands in front of us; moving to the left we can see Whiteside, Yellow Mtn, Albert, and Standing Indian, to name just my favorites.

To really appreciate the mountain's distinctive sweeping contour on the south side, we will descend to Addis Gap, turn around, and retrace our steps back to the top, a climb of 800 ft. But before we reach the very top, we will stop at a point where we have a nice view to the west and have lunch. Tray Mtn looms to the right, from where we can trace the AT over Rocky Mtn, through Unicoi Gap, over Blue Mtn, and via Jack's Knob Trail to Brasstown Bald. After lunch we will return to Dicks Creek the way we came.

Total distance is about 12 miles and total ascent is about 3200 ft. Total time on the trail is about 7 hours, which includes 30 minutes for lunch. We will stop in Clayton for supper.

Ofelia will be meeting the group at the Indian Trail park-and-ride, and Dorothea will be joining the group at the Clayton Burger King (pitstop).

From Clayton GA, proceed east on GA-76 16.1 miles to Dicks Creek Gap.

Because this a D5 event, if you have not recently completed some tough AOC hikes, we may be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and experience to make sure this is the right hike for you.