HIKE: Jack's Knob Trail Part 2 to the Chattahoochee R to Unicoi Gap...7 miles

About this event

On this hike you will see the HEADWATER/START of the massive Chattahoochee River.

This is the second half of Jack's Knob Trail so will do that and add a piece of the AT from Chattahoochee Gap to Unicoi Gap. This will involve a very short car shuttle.

We will meet at the trailhead or I-985 park and ride at Exit 4 and carpool to Unicoi Gap (1.5+ hrs 78 miles). We will pile into as few cars as possible and go back to Jack's Gap which is 12 minutes or 8 miles. If you are driving solo please meet me at Unicoi Gap at 10:15 am. We leave at 10:30...boots on and ready to roll. We will start hiking from here at Jack's Gap on GA-180. We will start at the base of Brasstown Bald (where Highway 180 meets Spur 180). The first 2 miles is up and down and up and down moderate-strenuous…about 2 MPH. The trail gets narrow in spots. We will take a few minutes to explore Chattahoochee GAP where the headwaters of the Hooch begin. Its a trickle and its hard to believe this will be our mighty Hooch but it will. We can lunch or snack here.

Then we will continue on the AT about 5 miles to Unicoi Gap. The trail dips a little then a gradual climb for 3 miles up to Blue Mountain and then a big descent over 1.5 miles into Unicoi Gap. From here we will drive back to Jack's Gap to get the cars (12 minutes 8 miles)

This is NOT a beginner hike. Again, it is rated moderate/strenuous. Total mileage will be about 7 miles. We will go about 2-2.25 miles per hour...a slower pace than usual due to the terrain. Total hiking 4 hours.

Parking I-985 and GA 20 and Ride for Carpool...leaving at 8:15am.

Unicoi Gap where we will leave cars after Mansell. 34.801735, -83.742844 This crosses 75 at Unicoi Gap. It is a large road for about a dozen cars.

Jacks's Gap for start of hike : Coordinates: 34.84793, -83.79871 This is where GA Highway 180..meets spur 180. DO NOT DRIVE UP TO VISITOR CENTER WHICH IS WHAT COORDINATES GIVE YOU.

Bring snacks, lunch and water and be prepared to book your entire day. When you RSVP please put where I am meeting you..985 or unicoi gap.

Meeting time: 8:15am 985-GA20 Leave by 8:30 for unicoi gap. 10:15 arrive unicoi gap 10:30 to Jack's Gap 10:45 start hike 3pm finish hike

Hike time: 4 hours (maybe touch more)

What to bring: lots of water, lunch, snacks, hiking boots, bug spray???, sun screen, and a good attitude. No whining permitted. Cost: free parking

Ability level: moderate/strenuous. Please email or call me to discuss your personal ability level if you are not sure.

Return Time: Approximately 6pm

Vehicle expense will be $20-30 to be shared by the riders (not the driver). Please bring small bills.

From SOCIAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES (SOA)