The Hiking League

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE DETAILS BELOW TO ENSURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING BELOW, PLEASE POST IN THE COMMENTS OR DM ME BEFORE THE DAY OF THE HIKE. I WILL NOT BE CHECKING POSTS OR MESSAGES THE DAY OF THE HIKE.

Starting last year, I'm knocking out the remaining sections of the Georgia Appalachian Trail that I haven't yet hiked. I've divided up the GA portion of the trail based on potential starting points/parking areas. If you're interested in how I've defined the sections, please ask. I had mentioned my plan in the group and there seemed to be some interest. So, I'll be posting some of the sections here as group hikes.

Those of you that have hiked with me before know my polices and practices. We'll depart the trailhead at the scheduled time. If you are late and not there, you are on your own. This is not a hike for beginners and this is not a guided hike. You are responsible for your own fitness and ability to maintain the listed pace. If you don't think you can keep up over this distance and terrain, you should reconsider attending. If you still want to attend and can't keep up, don't be surprised if the group leaves you behind. As an out and back, we'll see you again on our way back to the parking lot. I'm not saying this to be harsh, but I want to ensure those that decide to join me are responsible and able to take care of themselves.

Today, we'll be starting at Coopers Gap and heading west (southbound). We'll hike approximately 3.7 miles to Hightower Gap. We'll stop for a short lunch break and turn around to head back. The total distance will be approximately 7.4 miles with roughly 1,800 feet of elevation gain. We'll maintain a pace of roughly 2.5 mph. The overall trip should take us around 3 hours. Please plan accordingly. Please make sure you are capable and prepared.

As always, inclement weather may force me to cancel the hike. I will be monitoring the forecast closely and will post a cancellation (if appropriate) the night before hike. Please ensure you check this event in Meetup, prior to heading to the trailhead.
Directions:

There is not a lot of space at the parking area and so carpooling is encouraged, though I will be driving solo as I have other plans after the hike.

34.653019, -84.084613

• From I-85N, take the I-985N split (on the left) towards Gainesville and follow for approximately 24.5 miles
• At Gainsville, take exit 22 and continue left onto GA60N/US129 for 22.1 miles (US19N will merge with your route)
• When you reach Dahlonega, turn right onto US19N (just past the Dahlonega Mountain Inn) and continue for 8.0miles
• At the roundabout, take the second exit to continue on GA60N. Follow for 16.8 miles
• Just past the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, turn left onto Gaddistown Road/FS15 to the junction with FS42-2 at Coopers Gap
• There should be a couple of small parking areas near the junction

About The Trail: Rather than going straight up the mountain from the Visitor Center, we are going to take the trail through the woods around the park and come up the back side where we can see some fake cannons and read about how Kennesaw Mountain was important in the Union Army's march to Atlanta. From there, we will take the Pigeon Hill trails through the woods and along some streams.

Note: We will not be hiking up - or down - Kennesaw Mountain, nor the somewhat boring side trail around the mountain to the Visitor Center, but instead will be hiking along the mostly level and wooded trails mentioned above.

About The Hike:
Distance = Our normal 8 to 10 miles
Time = Budget ~3 1/2 hours
Skill Rating = There are a couple of small hills, so easy for most
Pace = 2 ½ to 3 miles per hour
Special Equipment = Hiking shoes, hiking poles, etc.
Food: As usual, we'll have a couple of water breaks and a five-minute stop for 'lunch', so please bring water and lunch/snacks
Kids/Pets = No pets please, but children that can keep the posted pace are encouraged to attend

Meeting Point/Directions:
Please meet at the alternate parking lot for Kennesaw Mountain (if looking at Kennesaw Mountain Visitor Center, it is up the street about 100 yards to the right). We'll start our hike at the trailhead there.

And Don't Forget:
We'll go to a local restaurant or brewery after the hike.

See you on the trail!

Charlie

About The Trail:
Little Mulberry isn’t so little; it has over 12 miles of trails, including paved trails around the lake and a whole bunch of dirt hiking trails. As usual, we’ll mix up the routes to get our eight or so miles in, then head to a local restaurant for food, drinks, and conversation. Read below for the meeting place and the name of the restaurant.

Notes:
Distance = 8-10 miles
Time: Budget 3+ hours
Skill Rating = Easy
Pace = 3 miles per hour, so intermediate hikers only please
Special Equipment = None needed, though walking poles might help
Other Stuff = Children that can keep a hiker’s pace are encouraged to come. No dogs please.

And Don't Forget:
We'll go to Antonetta’s Italian restaurant after the hike. We have eaten there before - and it has good food!

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE DETAILS BELOW TO ENSURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING BELOW, PLEASE POST IN THE COMMENTS OR DM ME BEFORE THE DAY OF THE HIKE. I WILL NOT BE CHECKING POSTS OR MESSAGES THE DAY OF THE HIKE.

Starting last year, I'm knocking out the remaining sections of the Georgia Appalachian Trail that I haven't yet hiked. I've divided up the GA portion of the trail based on potential starting points/parking areas. If you're interested in how I've defined the sections, please ask. I had mentioned my plan in the group and there seemed to be some interest. So, I'll be posting some of the sections here as group hikes.

Those of you that have hiked with me before know my polices and practices. We'll depart the trailhead at the scheduled time. If you are late and not there, you are on your own. This is not a hike for beginners and this is not a guided hike. You are responsible for your own fitness and ability to maintain the listed pace. If you don't think you can keep up over this distance and terrain, you should reconsider attending. If you still want to attend and can't keep up, don't be surprised if the group leaves you behind. As an out and back, we'll see you again on our way back to the parking lot. I'm not saying this to be harsh, but I want to ensure those that decide to join me are responsible and able to take care of themselves.

Today, we'll be starting at Dicks Creek Gap and heading north. We'll hike approximately 8.7 miles to the border between Georgia and North Carolina. We'll turn around, find a spot for lunch, and head back. The total distance will be approximately 17.4 miles with roughly 5,800 feet of elevation gain. We'll maintain a pace of roughly 2.2 mph. The overall trip should take us around 8 hours. Please plan accordingly. This is a BIG hike, please, please, please make sure you are capable and prepared for this one.

As always, inclement weather may force me to cancel the hike. I will be monitoring the forecast closely and will post a cancellation (if appropriate) the night before hike. Please ensure you check this event in Meetup, prior to heading to the trailhead.

Directions:
There is not a lot of space at the parking area and so carpooling is encouraged, though I will likely be driving solo.

34.912468, -83.618964

From I-85N, take the I-985N split (on the left) continue for about 24.4 miles
I-985N will become US23N. Follow for an additional 47.4 miles and turn left just after Rabun County High School onto the Hollifield Connector, then take an immeidate right
Hollifield Connector will merge with Old441S. Follow this to the Tiger Post Office (on your left) and turn left onto Bridge Creek Rd. Follow for 2.2 miles
Turn right onto Davis Gap Road and follow 0.9 miles to US76W
Turn left and continue for 11.2 miles to the trailhead at the intersction of the AT