March 8, 2016
Appalachian Trail - Gooch Gap to Cooper Gap - GA
Today's hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Gooch Gap to Cooper Gap, GA and back
Trail information
This section of the A.T. is beautiful with lots of great mountain views, creeks and beautiful woodlands. The terrain is very hilly as typical of the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail.We met 50 thru-hikers today 12-16 miles into their 2,200 plus mile journey to Mt. Katahdin Maine. We also were surprised to meet a southbound thru-hiker who left Maine in July! Total hiking distance 9+ mi
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 past the top of the mountain and the A.T. crossing continuiing to the bottom where you will see the lake. Turn left onto Cooper Gap Road which becomes a gravel Forest Service Rd. 42 and continue 2.7 miles to Gooch Gap. Another great day for a hike! Cloudy to partly cloudy with early dense fog and beautiful rime ice in all the trees and shrubs. Another great day for a hike! Mostly Fair with temperatures mostly in the 50's to mid 60's F
Conditions
Temperatures ranging from 29 F to 38 degrees F.
Hikers (17)
- Mike Bell
- Karen Brown
- Angela Evans
- Stephen Gales
- Tim Hale
- David Hinson
- Bill Hunt
- Bob Magee
- Beth Norton
- Dave Norton
- Mary Lu Norton
- Jeanne O'Connor
- Tony Presley
- Vic Robson
- Roger Roy
- Carole Wintle
- Jack Wintle
Birds identified
Towhee, Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pine Warbler and a flock of Dark-eyed Juncos
Photos (14)
Parking at Gooch Gap. Our hike was out and back. An amazing gall on this oak tree! Crossing a narrow foot-bridge. Creek crossing #1. Another marvel of nature! Another creek crossing. How much further?! We met this thru-hiker who left Maine in July! He hiked through the hottest part of the summer and most of the winter. Only 14 miles to go! The sign at the Gooch Mt. Shelter This thru-hiker is from Latvia! Lunchtime at the boulders overlooking Cooper Gap! Our amazing list for the day! The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Jack Wintle, Carole Wintle, Jeanne O'Connor, Beth Norton, Dave Norton, Angela Evans, Tony Presley, Mary Lu Norton, Mike Bell, Vic Robson, David Hinson, Bob Magee, Bill Hunt and Karen Brown. NOT PICTURED : Stephen Gales, Tim Hale and Roger Roy.