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Unicoi Gap to Rocky Mountain on the Appalachian Trail
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Distance: 5.1 Difficulty: difficult Directions
Unicoi Gap to Rocky Mountain on the Appalachian Trail - Appalachian Trail
With abundant parking and easy access just off Georgia State Highways 17 and 75, 5 miles north of Helen, GA, this Appalachian Trail entry will test your mettle, but the rewards are worth the sweat. The spectacular summit views from Rocky Mountain never disappoint, especially in the fall and spring months.
This stretch of the Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular in Georgia with over a 1,000-foot climb to the summit of Rocky Mountain. It is also one of the most difficult stretches. The summit offers some fantastic campsites just off the trail. The scenery isn’t too shabby either, with ferns, moss, wildflowers, and an array of mountain creeks.
After gathering yourself at the summit, the hike takes a downhill approach into laurel-covered Indian Grave Gap and proceeds through lush forest on the mountain’s side, looping back to Unicoi Gap on the Rocky Mountain Trail.
This hike departs from the Unicoi Gap trailhead north of Helen marked with a large boulder and bronze plaque like the one atop Springer Mountain at the southern terminus of the AT. The hike follows the AT east, climbing tree-lined stairs to enter a rock-strewn forest. The trail begins a steady climb of Rocky Mountain’s western slope, the switchbacks climbing to the 0.85-mile point. Near that point, you will be standing at the headwaters point of the 147-mile-long Hiawassee River, which flows northward into North Carolina and west from there to Tennessee.
Near the summit, the white-blazed Appalachian Trail intersects with the blue-blazed Rocky Mountain Trail, the return route for this loop hike. Stay on the AT, which will take a turn south.
By 1.3 miles, campsite opportunities will be found just off the trail. From these areas near the summit you can catch distant views of Yonah Mountain.
The hike follows the AT across the mountain’s summit, making for incredible views and photo opportunities. Leaving the thinner forest near Rocky Mountain’s peak, you will start the 850 -foot descent toward Indian Grave Gap. Once again, ferns and forest dominate the scenery. At 2.6-miles the trail meets the gravel-laden Indian Gap (Forest Service Road 283).
Following Forest Service Road 283 to the left or north for 0.5 miles, you will find the trail sign for the blue-blazed Rocky Mountain Trail that will reconnect you to the west with the AT trail on the northwestern side of Rocky Mountain. Enjoy the small stream crossings and the wildflowers dotting the trail during the spring and summer months
The trail peaks again at 4.25 miles, when you reach a small campsite and a junction with the AT. From the intersection, the hike follows the AT west, descending through the forest to Unicoi Gap, making this hike a little over 5 miles.
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The Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Park Guide is a handy resource for planning a spring break, summer vacation or family reunion. The free booklet is filled with tips on the best hiking trails, fishing spots, cabins, wedding venues and campsites.
Historic Banning Mills is an adventure resort with two Guinness World Records located just 45 minutes West of Atlanta. At this secluded nature escape you’ll find the world’s largest zip line course and climbing wall, as well as kayaking, horseback riding, summer camps, overnight lodging, team building, wildlife shows, and so much more! Visit website
St. Simons Island, GA 31522 USA