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Northeast Georgia HikingNew & Old Friends Who Like to Hike

February 14, 2017

The Appalachian Trail - Cooper Gap to Hightower Gap GA

Today's hike was on the Appalachian Trail in GA, hiking from Cooper Gap southward to Hightower Gap and back

Trail information

This portion of the A.T. is one of the most strenuous in the state of GA. A beautiful portion of the Appalachian Trail in Lumpkin County, GA. From Cooper Gap headed south on the trail you immediately climb over Sassafras Mountain and the trail rolls up and down until you get to the intersection of forest service roads 42 and 69 at Hightower Gap

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+ miles

Conditions

Mostly sunny with temperatures ranging from the mid 40’s to upper 50's F.

Hikers (15)

  • John Anderson
  • John Bellamy
  • June Bellamy
  • Joe Collins
  • Stephen Gales
  • Tim Hale
  • Gary King
  • Bob Magee
  • Beth McDonald
  • Dave Norton
  • Mary Lu Norton
  • Don Pratt
  • Terre Pratt
  • Tony Presley
  • Vic Robson

Birds identified

Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, Pileated Woodpecker and White-breasted Nuthatch

Photos (14)

  • Our starting point today.
  • Immediately we start the long climb up Sassafras Mountain.
  • There are great mountain views along the way!
  • We met 11 thru-hikers headed for Maine!
  • Today's thru-hikers were from six or seven different states.
  • The thru-hikers were doing well so far and were getting a small taste of what is to come.
  • Still climbing!
  • We finally came down the mountain to Horse Gap.
  • We passed quite a few large trees down but they had all been cleared from the path.
  • Mushroom of the week!
  • Coming into Hightower Gap which is an intersection of F.S. road 42 and 69.
  • Marker at Hightower Gap.
  • Shagbark Hickory Trees at Hightower Gap!
  • The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Vic Robson, Carole Wintle, Dave Norton, Joe Collins, Beth McDonald, John Anderson, Terre Pratt, Don Pratt, Mary Lu Norton, Tim Hale, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Bob Magee and Tony Presley. (Not pictured) Stephen Gales and Gary King.

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