AT Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap - GeorgiaTrails.com

AT Hogpen Gap to Unicoi GapGeorgia Trails

Trail Length: 13.4 miles	Type of trail: Point to Point
County: White County, GA, Towns County, GA, Rabun County, GA, Habersham County, GA	Our rating: Moderate
Features: camping, AT	Your rating:
Usage: Medium	Added on: January 01, 1995
Last hiked: September 06, 2015	Updated on: October 19, 2015
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Additional Trails Hiking trails in White County, GA Hiking trails in Towns County, GA Hiking trails in Rabun County, GA Hiking trails in Habersham County, GA Directions Directions to AT Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap

At 9.2 miles, near the end of Wolfpen Ridge, Chattahoochee Gap marks the end of Jacks Knob Trail, coming in from the left. a small spring flows from the mountainside not far from Horse Trough Falls Trail. On the right, a blue "W" on a white background marks the highlight of the AT between Hogpen Gap (3450 ft) and Unicoi Gap (2949 ft). Down a 200-foot scramble on Coon's Den Ridge is the start of Georgia's Chattahoochee River, barely more than a leaf-covered spring.

Walking the trail from Hogpen Gap (we have never hiked it the other way), first is an easy climb to Wolfpen Stamp, closely following the county line between Union and White counties. At one time this was part of the Cherokee Nation, but the land was ceded to Georgia in the 1820's. After Wolfpen Stamp the path ambles down along the ridge until you begin a moderate climb up the wonderfully named Strawberry Top. A brief dip and its back up, this time climbing Poor Mountain. The descent to Wide Gap is noticeable but not difficult. An easy climb to Sheep Rock Top then its down to the shelter at Low Gap. There is water available here.

Low Gap is a good place to break for the night, especially if there is less than 2 to 3 hours of light remaining. The next eight miles is, in our minds, the climb to the top of Blue Mountain. Cold Springs Gap and the aforementioned Chattahoochee Gap remain the only breaks in this uphill climb and although the total gain in elevation is less than 1,000 feet, by the time you've hit Blue Mountain, you know it.

At Chattahoochee Gap the rugged Jacks Knob Trail joins the Appalachian Trail. This sidetrail will take you to Georgia's high point, Brasstown Bald.

From the top of Blue Mountain is a steep, occasionally treacherous, descent into Unicoi Gap. Be careful here, especially with a full pack.

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Brasstown Bald
Chattahoochee River
Cherokee Nation
Horse Trough Falls Trail
Jacks Knob Trail
Union
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