March 11, 2014
Appalachian Trail - Cooper Gap - Hightower Gap - GA
Today's hike was on the Appalachian Trail starting at Cooper Gap hiking to Hightower Gap and back. This strenuous portion of the A.T. took us to within 8 miles of the southern terminus of the 2,175 mile trail
Directions
Take Hwy. 129 N from Cleveland, GA for about 15 mi. then turn left at Turner's Corner and travel several miles to Hwy 60 (rock pile) turn right and drive to the top of the mountain and continue past the A.T. crossing at Woody Gap. Going down the mountain to Suches (you will see the lake on your right) turn left onto Cooper Gap Road which becomes a gravel Forest Service Rd. 42 and continue approx. 8.5 miles to Cooper Gap (it is at the intersection of 3 forest service roads 42, 80 and 15). Another great day for a hike! Hiking distance - 7.6 miles
Conditions
Mostly clear with temperatures ranging from the upper 40's to low 70's degrees F.
Hikers (4)
- John Bellamy
- June Bellamy
- Dave Norton
- Mary Lu Norton
Birds identified
Junco, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, Crow, Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Pine Warbler, Blue Jay
Photos (12)
Headed up the long climb over Sassafras Mountain. Dave showing his serious side! British thru-hikers with a 6 mo. visa. Father-Daughter Thru-hikers. Father-Son Thru-hikers. Mom Thru-hiker - Son was supposed to hike! New England Thru-Hiker with Crumb Catcher the AT- Mascot Sheltie Thru-Hiker. A smoking Thru-Hiker!! Thru-Hiker "Slow Poke" Proof that our group made it to Hightower Gap! The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Dave Norton, Mary Lu Norton, June Bellamy and John Bellamy.