March 24, 2015
Appalachian Trail Dick's Creek Gap - GA
Today, we hiked the Appalachian Trail southward from Dicks Creek Gap to the Deep Gap shelter and back. We met 21 thru-hikers on their way to Maine. The following states were represented - Texas, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Arkansas Vermont,Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona, New Hampshire, Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, and South Carolina
Trail information
This portion of the Appalachian Trail is in excellent shape and offers very nice mountain views along the way. The terrain is very mountainous and the most difficult hills are on the way out to Deep Gap. The return is more downhill than up. Over-all difficulty rating is strenuous. Total round trip hiking distance today - 8 miles - Strenuous due to lots of elevation change
Directions
Dicks Creek Gap is on Highway 76 between Hiawassee and Clayton, GA. 10 mi east of Hiawassee or 18 miles west of Clayton. Another great day for a hike! WILD
Conditions
Fair with temperatures ranging from 52 to 64 degrees F.
Hikers (14)
- Geri Barrios
- Wayne Barrios
- Suzanne Belflower
- Karen Brown
- Joe Collins
- Pam Euliss
- Tim Hale
- Bob Magee
- Dick Metzgar
- Jeanne O'Connor
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
- Jack Wintle
- Carole Wintle
Flowers in bloom
Purple violet and Chickweed
Birds identified
Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch and Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Junco, Towhee, Tufted Titmouse
Photos (14)
Rock marker for our trailhead today. Headed up the first mountain of the day! Fungus of the week! If you do this hike, do not pass up this short side trail to the mountain vista! View from the vista Lunchtime at the Deep Gap Shelter! A beautiful sight for thru-hikers after a strenuous day of hiking! 21 thru-hikers today! All were doing well and most were smiling! . Another view from the vista - ! The lake in the valley is Lake Burton. The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Vic Robson, Tony Presley, Karen Brown, Dick Metzgar, Tim Hale, Wayne Barrios, Geri Barrios, Bob Magee, Joe Collins, Jack Wintle, Carole Wintle, Pam Euliss, Suzanne Belflower and Jeanne O'Connor.