The Georgia Loop Backpacking Plan
MapQuest Departure Destination:
Can start anywhere on the loop – Woody Gap
Look for the marked parking area on the northeastern side of GA 60. The
AT crosses the road here.
Park: Woody Gap Parking off northeastern side of GA 60
MapQuest Car Drop Destination: Loop Trail – one spot
Strenuous
Rating:
Distance:
54.6 miles
USGS Quadrangles: Noontoola, Suches, Mulky Gap, Cowrock
Emergency Numbers: 911
U.S. Forest Service, Blue Ridge District
Alan Polk - District Ranger (706) 745-6928
Water Availability:
AT Multiple Stream crossings
Spring on Springer Mtn
Stover Creek
Chester Creek
Long Creek Falls
Spring at Hawk Mtn Shelter
Justus Creek, Blackwell Creek
Spring 0.3 miles on Jarrard Gap Trail (blue blaze)
Slaughter Creek Headwaters
DRT Water is sparse and usually in gaps marked by Blue W’s
BMT Mill Creek spring 500 feet to the east, but very difficult to find
Day 1:
AT Trail ~9.2 milesWhite Rectangle Blazes – Junctions & turns Double vertical blazes – side trails Blue blazes
Begin from the Woody Gap parking area on GA 60 (3160 ft). The trail crosses GA 60 and continues northward from the rear of the parking area near
the picnic area.
Continue northward and slowly gain elevation along the western hardwood ridge of Steel Trap and Jacobs Knob.
0.5 mile
Decline for 100 yards to a stand of tulip poplars at Lunsford Gap (3,330 feet). Then, climb to Preaching Rock overlook.
0.5 mile
Climb along the eastern ridge, almost cresting Big Cedar Mountain (3,721 ft.) Then, lose elevation to Dan Gap.
1.0 mile
Continue down off of the ridgeline to the western slope of Granny Top. Meet Miller Gap (3,005 ft.).
0.6 mile
Hike north along the eastern side of Baker Mountain and drop to Henry Gap (3,100 ft).
1.1 mile
Top two knobs on Burnett Field Mountain. Enter Jarrard Gap (3,300 ft), which ends at a sign to the left of the gap.
1.6 mile
Almost summit Gaddis Mountain (3,520 ft). Then descend to Horsebone Gap at 3,460 ft.
0.2 mile
Top Turkey Stamp (3,780 ft) and meet the western end of the Freeman Trail.
1.4 mile
Cross Slaughter Creek. It will often run dry in summer and early fall, depending on conditions. (No campfire zone)
0.5 mile
The spring at Slaughter Gap (3,860ft.) is the last source of water for miles. The trail enters Slaughter Gap, a major trail junction. The old roadbed to
the left is the Slaughter Creek Trail.
Turn right 90 degrees at Slaughter Gap and begin a series of moderate switchbacks up Blood Mountain (4,461 ft.).
0.9 mile
Reach the top of the mountain, marked by the large Picnic Rock and the famous Blood Mountain shelter and turn around.
0.9 mile
Return to Slaughter Gap and continue through the straight junction following the Duncan Ridge Trail west.
CAMP on the north side of the trail, after the junction.
Duncan Ridge Trail ~12.4 miles
Blue Plastic Blazes
Day 2:
Go West along the DRT
The Yellow Blazed Coosa Backcountry Trail Joins the DRT for 3.0 miles.
0.1 mile
Hike a level section from Slaughter Gap.
Climb steeply to Slaughter Mt. (4,140 ft.).
Turn Right onto a dirt road and cross GA 180 at Wolfpen Gap (3260 ft.) to Buckeye Knob (this is the Coosa Bald Scenic Area).
Ascend sharp switchbacks to Wildcat Gap (3,780 ft.) and descend to Wildcat Knob.
When you come out of the forest skirt the edge for 30 yards before turning right onto Duncan Ridge Rd.
Follow the steep grade up to Coosa Bald (4,271 ft.).
Follow trail down and long decline passing through a grove of Yellow Birchto White Oak Stomp (3,460 ft.).
Proceed over a low knob then steadily uphill to Buckeye Knob (3,820 ft.).
Hike downhill to Buckeye Gap (3,280 ft.).
Continue and skirt FS 39 Duncan Ridge Road to Bryant Gap (3,200 ft.).
Gain elevation quickly to Buck Knob (3,540 ft.) and descend to the second Wildcat Gap (3,380 ft.).
Climb to Wildcat Knob (3,500 ft.).
Descend switchbacks quickly to Mulky Gap (2,780 ft.).
Cross FS 4 follow the foot bed off to the left.
at a Double Blaze
Follow a long upgrade to the benchmark atop Akin Mountain (3,531 ft.).
The trail turns sharply downhill from the summit to Clements Mountain (3,500 ft.).
Turn sharply right at the bottom and descend along the southern slope to Akin Gap (3,020 ft.).
Continue to a clearing at Fish Gap (3,100 ft.) where FS 88 ends.
CAMP in clearing, there should be water at Dixon Creek 0.2 mile SSE following gap, but don’t plan on it.
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Day 3:
Duncan Ridge Trail ~11.2 miles
Blue Plastic Blazes
A short climb to Parke Knob (3,320 ft.) follow the Northern flank down and up to Sarvis Gap (3,020 ft.), which has water past spring.
1.1 mile
Up and down to Payne Knob (3,420 ft.).
0.5 mile
Continue Roller Coaster to Gregory Knob (3,360 ft.).
0.7 mile
Continue westward on Duncan Ridge to Gregory Gap (3,060 ft.).
0.3 mile
Follow trail to Rhodes Mountain Gap (2,980 ft.).
0.8 mile
Climb to Rhodes Mountain (3, 380 ft.).
0.5 mile
Lose elevation to an unnamed gap and climb to the long flat summit of Licklog Mountain (3,472 ft.) Cross the summit diagonally.
1.1 mile
Bear right at high point before descending a 27% grade to an unnamed gap (2,730 ft.). Ascend to an outcrop open to the south.
0.4 mile
Hike to Wallalah Mountain (3,100 ft.) Ammo boxes along the trail are property of U.S. Army Rangers and should not be disturbed.
1.1 mile
Descend along Duncan Ridge following an old road to find the trail to the Left.
0.7 mile
Private property to the right (west) of the trail is marked by red paint.
Turn Right off ridgeline and descend steeply. Cross old logging road, and a second old road, then Cross Little Skeenah Creek.
1.0 mile
Start sharing the trial with the Benton MacKaye Trail
White Diamond Blazes
Reach GA 60 (2028'). GA 60 leads left 30.8 mi. to Dahlonega and right 16.6 mi. to Blue Ridge.
0.2 mile
From GA 60 (2028'), at the intersection with FS 816 begin ascent of Toonowee Mountain. Climb steps; enter a grove of hemlock and rhododendron.
Swing right along a streambed. Ascend along the streambed.
0.2 mile
Turn Left on old woods road. Then, turn Right off the old road and ascend steeply. CAUTION: Do not continue along old road.
0.2 mile
At the top, turn right along the ridgeline. More roller coasters up and down along the top.
0.3 mile
Reach summit of Toonowee Mountain (2720'). Cross the summit and descend.
Come to high point of the final peak. Descend steeply.
Reach flat stretch on ridgeline.
Resume descent, following east side of ridgeline.
Begin steep descent.
Cross old timber road and descend more gradually.
Cross gated road (FS 816) (Gate is 100 yards to right. Enter pine forest severely damaged by pine beetles and reach Toccoa River.
CAMP downhill to left along the banks of the river.
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0.2 mile
Benton MacKaye Trail ~10.1 miles
White Diamond Blazes
Day 4:
Cross Toccoa River Bridge. Continue following a stream 100 feet to the left. Bear right off old roadbed. Ascend gently.
0.3 mile
Cross FS 333. Begin steep ascent upon crossing road.
0.1 mile
Begin more gradual ascent. Cross woods road. Ascend more steeply. Descend, ascend, and descend again.
0.3 mile
Reach old logging road. Ascend.
0.7 mile
Attain high point. Descend.
0.4 mile
Cross another old logging road. Here, ascend gently, and change more from a westerly course to a southwesterly and southerly course.
0.1 mile
Reach Sapling Gap (2,770').
0.2 mile
Leave the ridgeline, skirting the west side of the north peak of John Dick Mountain. Follow an old roadbed.
0.1 mile
Continue on a graded trail with little elevation change.
0.3 mile
Begin gradual descent into Bryson Gap. Beware of numerous old logging roads that cross the trail at various angles.
0.2 mile
Reach Bryson Gap (2,900'). A spring is 300 feet to the east, or left, of the trail.
0.3 mile
Gradually ascend west of ridgeline. Follow trail along the north slope of the south peak of John Dick Mountain.
500 ft.
Skirt clear-cut and descend gradually through dense laurel to reach a long saddle on the crest of the ridge. Climb briefly.
0.5 mile
Reach high point on Wildcat Ridge (3,130'). From here to the gap, a timbered area borders the left side of the trail.
0.8 mile
Cross an old logging road in the gap (2,980') and ascend along the ridgeline. Skirt the east side of the ridge.
0.2 mile
Again skirt the east side of the ridge, descending. Regain the ridgeline near the low point on the ridge. Climb gradually.
0.7 mile
Reach a high point (3,240'). Another timbered area along the left side begins here. Descend gradually at first, then steeply.
0.4 mile
Reach a gap (2,900') at the head of Mill Creek. Climb along graded trail in a southeasterly direction out of gap avoiding track straight ahead along
ridgeline. Pass intermittent spring on right side of trail. Reach a broad, flat mountaintop.
0.3 mile
Enter an opening at "The Bald" (3,250') and cross directly to the other side at 120 degrees. Descend steeply beyond the summit.
0.6 mile
WARNING: Do not camp or place obstructions in the clearing as it is used for helicopter landings by U.S. Army Rangers.
Hike along a tributary of Long Creek. Follow this stream through frequent patches of rhododendron.
0.4 mile
Cross Long Creek. In 150 feet, turn right on wide trail. View the top of Long Creek Falls to the right of the trail.
0.7 mile
A right side trail leads 200 feet to Long Creek Falls. Please resist temptation and use earlier the side trail.
0.2 mile
Reach the intersection with the AT. Follow the AT to the east, or left, not south. – White Rectangle Blazes
0.1 mile
Pass Hawk Creek Summit Trail.
2.0 mile
Hawk Creek Shelter
0.5 mile
CAMP at or near the shelter
Day 5:
Appalachian Trail ~11.7 miles
White Rectangle Blazes
Reach Hightower Gap where FS 42 & FS 69 intersect and continue straight across the junction.
Climb to an unnamed Knob (2,980 ft.).
Dip to a low gap beside FS 42.
Roller coaster
Drop sharply to Horse Gap (2,673 ft.).
Continue East and switchback pass overlooks to Summit Sassafras Mountain (3,336 ft.).
Cross FS 42 Cooper Gap (2,820 ft) marked by a stand of large tulip poplars.
Cross over Justus Mountain (3,336 ft) and the saddle of Brookshire Gap (2,940 ft).
Follow ridge over Phyllis Spur (3,081 ft) and descend cross an old roadbed, turns right onto another roadbed, and then cross Justus Creek.
Continue along roadbed in an area of rich botanical life and cross Blackwell Creek.
Continue through rosebay Rhododendron thickets.
Climb sharply to Horseshoe Ridge (3,004 ft.).
Pass through a gap.
Skirt the northern slope of Gooch Mountain.
Pass a blue blazed trail to left leads to Gooch Shelter.
Pass a blue blazed trail to left leads to Gooch Shelter just before crossing FS 42.
Hike to stand of tall tulip poplars at Liss Gap (3,020 ft).
Ascend to Page Knob (3,252 ft).
Continue down the ridge to Jacks Gap (3,020 ft).
Climbs to Ramrock Mountain (3200 ft) before dropping to Tritt Gap (3,060 ft).
Wind around the southern slope of Black Mountain to Woody Gap (3,160 ft.).
You should see your vehicles in the parking lot on GA 60.
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Day 1 Section from Woody Gap – Turkey Stamp
Blood Mountain
4000
3800
Turkey Stamp
3600
Big Cedar Mountain
3400
Jacobs Knob
3200
3000
0
Gaddis Mountain
Burnett Field Mountain
Granny Top
Baker Mountain
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Miles
Total distance:
7 miles, 3174 feet
Ground distance:
7 miles, 3536 feet
Climbing:
Descending:
Elevation change:
Min/Max:
2712 feet
-1667 feet
1044 feet
2984/4185
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Grade:
090° 00' 00.0'' N
180° 00' 00.0'' W
Day 1-2 Section Blood Mountain Area
4000
Slaughter Mountain
3800
Coosa Bald
Wildcat Knob
3600
Buckeye Knob
West Wildcat Knob
3400
Clements Mountain
3200
3000
2800
0
2
4
6
8
10
Miles
Total distance:
10 miles, 2272 feet
Ground distance:
10 miles, 2996 feet
Climbing:
Descending:
Elevation change:
Min/Max:
3037 feet
-4007 feet
-970 feet
2762/4109
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Grade:
034° 44' 50.4'' N
083° 56' 52.2'' W
4055 feet
12%
Day 2 Section from Slaughter – Fish Gap
Day 3 Section from Fish Gap – Tooni Mountain
Licklog Mountain
Payne Knob
3200
Gregory Knob
3000
Wallalah Mountain
2800
2600
Tooni Mountain
2400
2200
2000
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Miles
Total distance:
9 miles, 4878 feet
Ground distance:
10 miles, 273 feet
Climbing:
Descending:
Elevation change:
Min/Max:
2740 feet
-3853 feet
-1113 feet
1932/3400
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Grade:
034° 48' 08.7'' N
084° 05' 28.8'' W
3226 feet
32%
Day 3-4 Section from Tooni – Mill Creek
Hawk Mountain
3200
Big John Dick Mountain
3000
2800
Little John Dick Mountain
2600
2400
2200
2000
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Miles
Total distance:
9 miles, 2420 feet
Ground distance:
9 miles, 2893 feet
Climbing:
Descending:
Elevation change:
Min/Max:
3172 feet
-2157 feet
1015 feet
1933/3299
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Grade:
034° 43' 21.4'' N
084° 11' 09.7'' W
2711 feet
3%
Day 4-5 Section from Mill Creek – Justus Creek
3400
Black Mountain
3300
3200
3100
Ramrock Mountain
Justus Mountain
3000
2900
Gooch Mountain
2800
2700
2600
0
2
4
6
8
10
Miles
Total distance:
11 miles, 1944 feet
Ground distance:
11 miles, 2609 feet
Climbing:
Descending:
Elevation change:
Min/Max:
3140 feet
-3228 feet
-87 feet
2597/3425
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Grade:
034° 39' 47.6'' N
084° 07' 27.8'' W
3079 feet
2%
Day 5 - 1 Section from Justus – Miller Gap