April 3 AT Series: Dicks Creek to Tray Mountain
This 12-miler includes some terrific views and challenging climbs up Tray Mountain and Kelly Knob. A favorite section of many!!
April 3 Trail Maintenance
April 10 In-town Series: Arabia Mountain
Nature Preserve Dayhike
We will explore trails that go around a lake, through woods, and across granite. We will climb Bradley and Arabia peaks (elevations 954' and 940') and see the granite "in bloom" with diamorpha.
April 10-11 Savage Gulf Backpack
Join us for our annual spring outing to Tennessee. Once again we'll split into 2 groups, an easy trip along the rim and a hard trip through the gorge, both ending at Hobbs Cabin.
April 11 Goldmine and Coosa Bald Dayhike
This moderate hike will begin at Wolfpen Gap and ascend gently along the Duncan Ridge Trail to the top of Coosa Bald, down the Coosa Backcountry Trail to the headwaters of Roaring Fork, then along this cascading stream to the Bowers Cove Wildlife Management Area. Our hike will end with a short (but rugged) bushwhack to several old gold mining sites along Coosa Creek, ending at the old Coosa Gold Mine.
April 17 District 3 Trail Maintenance
April 18 Bear Hair Trail Dayhike
This is a moderate, steady climb in Vogel State Park, with a breathtaking 3,280 ft. overlook of Lake Trahlyta and the surrounding mountains.
April 18 Easy Lake Kayak
Come learn how to paddle a flat-bottomed kayak on a quiet lake. My kayaks do NOT roll over! Enjoy a group lesson and tour the beautiful lake. Prepare for river trips!
April 24 Map & Compass Dayhike
This activity will combine a GPS learning seminar and a practical field experience to increase your skills using GPS technology in the backcountry.
April 24 Panther Creek Falls (Cohuttas)
This is an easy to moderate 11-mile dayhike starting at Three Forks Mountain. We shall tumble down the Panther Creek Trail, coming to rest in the Conasauga River. We shall progress smartly upstream and after approximately 18 river fords will end with great fanfare at Betty Gap.
April 24-25 Shining Rock Wilderness Backpack
This backpack will be a moderate to strenuous hike that features high elevation vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Parkway from the famous Cold Mountain and the Shining Rocks.
April 25 Pine Mountain Dayhike
This 14-mile hike begins at the Country Store near Callaway Gardens and ends at Dowdell's Knob, FDR's favorite picnic spot and an overlook of the surrounding countryside. There should be some good wildflower viewing at this time of year.
May 1 AT Series: Tray Mountain to Unicoi Gap
Tray Mountain is the second highest mountain along the AT in Georgia. It provides a spectacular 360 degree view of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
May 1-2 Appletree Car Camp and London Bald Trails
During the wildflower peak, join us for a weekend of car camping at the USFS Appletree Group Camp in Topton, NC. Each day (including Friday optionally) will offer dayhike options of varying distances and difficulties on the adjacent London Bald and Bartram Trail complex. This will be a joint activity with the Mountain High Hikers.
May 2 Arkaquah Wildflower Hike
This trail is one of the best areas for finding wildflowers. We will help you identify all that you find.
May 5 Sope Creek/Cochran Shoals Dayhike
This moderate hike will visit several sections of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Sope Creek, named for the picturesque stream that flows into the river, is the more secluded entrance to the Cochran Shoals area. If time permits, we'll also visit Powers Island.
May 8 Highlands Fling
Since 2010 is the GATC's 80th Anniversary, let's celebrate at Hillrie Quin's farm in Highlands, NC. It will be an all day affair with friends, good food, entertainment, and hiking if you like.
May 9 Lake Winfield Scott Dayhike
Come along on this 5.4-mile loop which starts at Lake Winfield Scott on the Slaughter Creek Trail and merges with the AT and the Jarrard Gap Trail to bring us back to the Lake. This is a relaxing and scenic stretch of trails with just the right amount of climbing to get your heart going.
May 12 Little Mulberry Dayhike
This Gwinnett County Park is a favorite in-town hiking spot. An extensive array of trails offers a scenic ravine overlook, a forest full of wildlife, and a walk around Mulberry Lake.
May 15 District 4 Trail Maintenance
May 16 Panther Creek Falls Dayhike
This moderate 7-mile hike features a waterfall at the turning point that cascades over ragged rocks into one of the largest pools in the Georgia mountains. The trail descends through narrow places with rock faces and overhangs worn smooth over time.
May 19 In-town Series: Sawnee Mountain
Preserve Dayhike
Easy hike at Sawnee Mountain Preserve near Cumming, GA has a well-built nature trail to the Indian Seats Overlook on top of Sawnee Mountain.
May 19 Prospective Member Orientation
This seminar is designed to acquaint the prospective member with the workings of the GATC, its organization and mission. This meeting is required for membership.
May 22 Black Rock Mountain Dayhike
This moderate 9.4-mile dayhike combines two popular trails in the Black Rock Mountain State Park. It includes a panoramic view of the valley just north of Clayton, a Tennessee Rock overlook, and a small cascade.
May 22 Beginner River Kayak
Enjoy this 7-mile float! We'll eat our lunch on a secluded sandy beach; and if warm enough, possibly take a swim. We'll also paddle past some fun class 1's. Patrick has the boats and will help to guide the group.
May 23 Slow Series: Three Forks to Hightower Gap
This hike is 8-miles on the AT in District 3. We will take it slow from Three Forks to Hightower Gap and back.
May 26 Laurel Ridge Trail Dayhike
The Laurel Ridge Trail explores the bank of the Chattahoochee River just below Buford Dam, climbs low foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and ventures into coves claimed by Lake Lanier. We will also take a closer look at Buford Dam and the Lower Pool Park.
May 29 Lower Whitewater Falls Dayhike
Join us on this moderate 9-mile hike in South Carolina. We'll hike down to the Thompson River, have lunch on the rocks, and then hike out on a side trail that takes us to an observation deck that provides a long-range view of Upper Whitewater Falls.
May 29-31 Sam's Gap/Nolichucky River Backpack
We will spend Memorial Day weekend hiking from Sam's Gap to the Nolichucky River on the AT. Much of this route follows the TN/NC state line. We'll cross such beautiful places as Big Bald, Little Bald, and High Rocks, then finish with a possible plunge into the Nolichucky River.
May 30 Len Foote Hike Inn Dayhike
We will hike from Amicalola Falls to the Len Foote Hike Inn and back for a total of about 10 miles of moderate terrain. Our lunch break will be at the Hike Inn.
June 2 Botanical Gardens of Athens
Encompassing over 300 acres bordering the Middle Oconee River, the Botanical Gardens of Georgia contains specialty gardens and a tropical conservatory. We'll explore the more than five miles of nature trails that traverse the natural area of the Garden.
June 5 National Trails Day
Come join us for this annual event which will include hiking, educational programs, and trail maintenance.
June 6 Dockery Lake to Woody Gap Dayhike
This 6.5-mile hike covers a portion of one of the most popular stretches of the AT for 3.5 miles, including one of the best views on the AT (Preaching Rock). The walk from Dockery Lake to Miller Gap affords various trees and a beautiful creek which parallels the trail.
June 12 AT Series: Unicoi Gap to Jack's Gap
We'll begin this 6.5-mile hike with a 1,000 foot climb from Unicoi Gap to Blue Mountain shelter. After checking out the source of the "Hooch" at Chattahoochee Gap, we'll take Jack's Knob Trail to Jack's Gap.
June 12 Intermediate River Kayak
Enjoy this nine mile float! My kayaks do NOT roll over! Some Class 2s and easy Class 1s are on this section. This is not too hard and we'll make it fun!
June 12-13 Cheaha State Park (AL) Backpack
A 14-mile loop backpack on moderate trail with nice mountain overlooks and rock gardens. We will visit the highest point in Alabama, Cheaha Mountain.
June 13 Unicoi Gap to Tray Mtn to Andrews Cove
We should have great views as we hike from Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain and back to Andrews Cove. This will be an excellent 10.1 mile hike with a short shuttle.
June 19 District 5 Trail Maintenance
June 20 Flat Creek Loop Dayhike
This 6-mile loop is easy to moderate in the Rich Mountain area near Blue Ridge. It parallels Flat Creek in various places.
June 26 In-town Series: East Palisades Dayhike
This is a cool walk of about 4 miles along the Chattahoochee River, with a good view of the "Devils Rapids". This is a moderate hike with switchbacks from the river to the ridgeline and back.
June 26-27 Gregory Bald Backpack
Gregory Bald in the Smokies is renowned for its wonderful views and its native azaleas. We will hike up from Cades Cove on this moderate backpack.
June 27 BMT Series: Wilscot Gap to
Shallowford Bridge
This is a moderate 7-mile hike over Tipton, Brawley, and Garland Mountains. We'll eat lunch at the fire tower on top of Brawley, then descend to and walk next to the Toccoa River to the Shallowford Bridge.
July 3 AT Series: Jack's Gap to Hogpen Gap
Come join us on this 12-mile hike starting at the entrance to Brasstown Bald Visitor's Center on Jack's Knob Trail off Hwy 180. We will ascend Eagle's Knob and skirt Jack's Knob descending into the Chattahoochee Gap where we pick up the AT going south. We climb up and down several ridges and valleys passing by Low Gap shelter to Hogpen Gap on Hwy 348.
July 4 Stone Mountain Dayhike
Come join us for a pleasant hike at Stone Mountain. Late in the afternoon we'll climb the mountain and watch the fireworks from the summit.
July 10 Slow Series: Woody Gap to Cooper Gap
Join us on a slow-paced hike along the AT from Woody Gap south to Cooper Gap. We will ascend Ramrock Mtn. then descend into Gooch Gap. The trail follows the crest of Horseshoe Ridge into a deep valley then follows a ridgeline to cross Justus Creek. After climbing to Brookshire Gap and Justus Mountain, the trail descends to Cooper Gap and USFS 42. Brush up on your major tree groups and bark and leaf identification for an identify-as-we-walk dendrology lesson!
July 10-11 Cohutta Wilderness Backpack
Our 15-mile loop backpack in the Cohutta Wilderness will begin and end on Cowpen Mountain. We will hike the East Cowpen Trail to the Rough Ridge Trail, then to the Sugar Cove Trail and camp somewhere along the Jack's River. Return trip will include the full length of the Rough Ridge Trail back to East Cowpen.
July 11 In-Town Series: Red Top Mtn. State Park
Join us for a moderate hike along the banks of Lake Allatoona on historical land where an iron mining community once stood.
July 17 R-Ranch Trail Maintenance
July 18 Jack's River Trail Cohutta Wilderness
This 9.5-mile hike makes a gradual climb to the Horseshoe Bend overlook in the Cohuttas and then down to Jack's River where we will enjoy 12 cool river crossings.
July 24 Moccasin Creek Dayhike
Come join us for this easy to moderate hike of 6 miles. It will be nice and cool following Moccasin Creek upstream with several stream crossings and 2 great waterfalls to play in.
July 24-25 Snowbirds Backpack
Ford the cool waters of Sassafras and Big Snowbird Creeks. Enjoy big trees and waterfalls in this 11.5-mile adventure in the rugged Snowbird Mountains of Western North Carolina.
July 25 Chickamauga Battlefield Dayhike
This moderate 5-mile hike through the historic battlefield will use Thomas Wolfe's highly acclaimed short story, "Chickamauga", to retrace the steps of 2 rebel soldiers. Several mysteries will unfold during the hike and history will come alive during this dramatic experience of one of our nation's most significant events.
July 31 Conasauga River Dayhike
This 8-mile hike in the Cohuttas starts from the Tearbritches Trail and goes down to the River and back up via the Chestnut Lead Trail. Plan on getting your feet wet!
August 1 Tallulah Gorge Dayhike
This hike is sure to please. A walk on the rim with spectacular overlooks of the Gorge. Then, to cool things off we may seek out the sliding rock for splashing and soaking.
August 7 AT Series: Hogpen Gap to Neels Gap
This section is a terrific hike. It includes Wildcat Mountain, Tesnatee Gap, Cowrock and Levelland Mountain.
August 8 Panther Creek Falls
A really nice hike with a great destination -- a splashing falls with a small sandy beach. ÊWhat could better for a summer afternoon?
August 10 Prospective Member Orientation
This seminar is designed to acquaint the prospective member with the workings of the GATC, its organization and mission. This meeting is required for membership.
August 14 Bartram Trail Dayhike
We will hike the section between Sandy Plains Road to Russell Bridge on GA 28. This 9.3 section is within the boundaries of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River with views of the river.
August 15 Ellicott Rock Dayhike
Come stand where 3 states join! View an 1813 boundary marker between North Carolina and South Carolina. This hike has gentle grades and goes along the Chattooga River, a cool treat for August.
August 21 Districts 11 & 12 Trail Maintenance
August 22 Miller Trek
This moderate 6.5-mile loop climbs through an open oak forest, reaches nearly 3,000 feet, and pays off with expansive views of distant ridgelines. This is an outing well suited to August; not too strenuous but great views.
August 28 Raven Cliffs
The Raven Cliffs Wilderness is a perfect destination for a hot August day. The deep shade along Dodd Creek combined with the breezes from the waterfalls makes for a surprisingly cool walk.
August 29 In-Town Series: Little Mulberry Park
We have just discovered this exquisite in-town park located in Gwinnett County near the Mall of Georgia. So plan a dayhike of 4.5 miles in a nature preserve and then eat lunch with us or go shopping at the Mall.
September 4 Slow Hike Series: AT/BMT Upper Loop(s)
This is a fairly easy 4.5 or 6.2-mile hike covering the (two) Southernmost loop(s) formed by the AT and Benton MacKaye Trail. With clear weather we'll have great views from Springer Mountain and Owen Overlook.
September 4-6 Bald River-WarriorÕs Passage Backpack (TN)
This 19-mile backpack will start on the Tellico River at Bald River Falls. It will climb along the river through the Bald River Wilderness Area. On the second day we will climb the Kirkland Creek Trail through the Upper Bald River Wilderness Study Area to the Benton MacKaye Trail and over Waucheesi Mountain. On the third day we will descend on the WarriorÕs Passage National Recreation Trail.
September 5 Smith Creek Trail/Anna Ruby Falls
The Smith Creek Trail begins at Unicoi State Park near Helen, GA. From the campground, the 5-mile woodland trail leads to beautiful Anna Ruby Falls. The falls (actually two) consists of a 153 ft. drop of Curtis Creek and a 50 ft. drop of York Creek. Both creeks originate on Tray Mountain.
September 11 Lake Winfield Scott/AT Loop
This is one of the nicest day hikes in the state with a mountain lake, moderately challenging terrain, and some vistas from the highest point on the AT in Georgia. We will make a loop through the Blood Mountain Wilderness Area, starting from Lake Winfield Scott.
September 11 Silver Comet Trail Bike Ride
The Silver Comet Trail is a paved pathway, following an old railroad line that runs from Atlanta to Alabama. This bike ride avoids cars and steep hills, while offering a great way to increase your cycling skills. You decide how many miles you want to ride and whether you want to participate in an overnight camping option.
September 12 AT Series: Neels Gap to Woody Gap
This 11.5-mile section of the AT starts with a climb up Blood Mountain, the highest point on the AT in Georgia, with some of the most scenic views on the trail. The rest of the hike is rolling hills on the ridgeline through the wilderness.
September 18 District 6 Trail Maintenance
September 19 James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail
This 7.2-mile moderate-strenuous loop descends through Black Rock Mountain State Park to Black Rock Lake and returns. A short side trail offers spectacular views from Lookoff Mountain.
September 22 In-town Series: Palisades West
This is a leisurely 5-mile hike covering the trail complex in the Palisades West Unit of the Chattahoochee River NRA. It offers beautiful views of the river in a secluded, wooded area. It is hard to believe this is inside I-285!
September 25 Bartram Trail Ð Hwy 28 to Sandy Ford
Experience the wildness of northeast Georgia on the Bartram Trail starting near Sandy Plains Road to Russell Bridge on GA 28. This 9.8-mile section is within the boundaries of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River.
September 25 BMT Series: Dyer Gap to Dally Gap
This is an 8-mile hike through rolling hills and coves along the headwaters of the South Fork of the Jacks River in the Cohutta Wilderness.
September 25-26 Powerhouse to Big Frog Backpack
A 20-mile loop hike beginning at the Ocoee Power House #3, spending the night on top of Big Frog Mountain. Sunday returning to the Ocoee.
September 26 Mullins Cove Loop Trail
Enjoy a 10-mile loop located in Prentice Cooper State Forest with great overlooks of the TN River.
September 26 Fall Lake Kayak and Picnic
Come learn how to paddle a flat-bottomed kayak on a quiet lake. My kayaks do NOT roll over! Enjoy a group lesson and tour the beautiful lake. After kayaking we will have a picnic.
October 2 AT Series: Woody Gap to Hightower Gap
On this moderate 12-mile stroll we will climb two short mountains, cross 2 creeks, and get to walk on the newest section of the AT in Georgia.
October 2-3 BMT Series: Beech Gap to Tapoco Backpack
This is a 20-mile backpack on the BMT from Beach Gap to Cherahala Skyway through the Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness near US 129. We'll hike a ridge trail over Big and Little Fodderstack, down aptly named Stiffknee Trail and along Slickrock Creek to Little Tennessee River.
October 3 Panther Creek Falls (Cohuttas)
A trip to the top of Panther Creek Falls requires several creek crossings but that is part of the fun and the scenic overlook above the falls is well worth the effort.
October 9 GATC Annual Business Meeting
WeÕll enjoy a good meal, see old friends, and make new ones during the annual business meeting. A prospective member orientation will be included among the activities of the day.
October 10 Bushy Head to Dyer Gap
This moderately strenuous 13-mile hike begins at Bushy Head Gap and ends at Dyer Gap. In between we will hike up and around Bear Den, Fowler and Flat Top Mountains.
October 16 District 10 Trail Maintenance
October 17 Cloudland Canyon
We will explore one of Georgia's largest and most scenic state parks and enjoy such highlights as great waterfall views and walk around the canyon.
October 23 Blood Mountain Loop
The Blood Mountain summit will give panoramic autumn views. The climb up and then down to Bird Gap and around the Freeman Trail will give a good workout.
October 23-24 Halloween Backpack, Joyce Kilmer
We won't run into many trick or treaters on our traditional Halloween backpack, but we will see what kind of costumes lightweight backpackers can come up with.
October 24 Approach Trail and Hike Inn Trail
On this 11-mile loop using the Hike Inn Trail and Approach Trail we will hike up the 604 steps at the falls and go by the Hike Inn, Frosty Mountain, and Amicalola Creek.
October 30 Brawley Mountain Loop
We begin at Wilscot Gap on Ga Hwy 60 near Morganton. We will ascend Tipton Mountain, skirt Bald Top and descend to Ledford Gap. From there we will climb Brawley Mountain to the abandoned fire tower.
October 31 In-town Series: Elachee Nature Preserve
This is an easy 5-mile hike near Gainesville in a beautiful area of small streams, small ridges, a suspension bridge and many interesting kinds of plants.
November 6 AT Series: Hightower to Springer
This section of the AT is an easy-to-moderate 8.1-mile hike with great views and a stop at Long Creek Falls.
November 6 Trail Maintenance
November 7 Beech Creek Trail
Two waterfalls and numerous cascades, Chimney Rock and the ruins of an old corundum mine plus fall views into the Tallulah River basin and back toward Standing Indian. YouÕll have them all on this seven mile hike.
November 13 In-Town Series: Stone Mountain Hike
We'll be hiking the Cherokee and Connecting Trail. This is an easy and scenic 6-mile hike. The terrain is pretty level throughout the trail. We will be hiking along the lake for a while, passing a covered bridge built in the 1800's, and taking a lunch break at the watermill.
November 13-14 LeConte Backpack
We'll hike the Boulevard Trail to Mt. LeConte and down by way of the Trillium Gap Trail past Grotto Falls. Best views in the Smokies!
November 14 Woody Gap to Dockery Lake
This eight mile hike starts at Woody Gap on the AT and then follows the Dockery Lake Trail down the Waters Creek drainage. In addition to the lake and streams, we have great views from Preaching Rock and perhaps some of the late fall color.
November 20 District 8 Trail Maintenance
November 21 Bartram Trail: Warwoman Dell
to Pinnacle Knob
This hike follows the Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Courthouse Gap and then makes a steep climb to Pinnacle Knob with a great view of the valley with Clayton and Mountain City.
November 27 Waterfalls of Three Forks
On this backcountry adventure we will visit three beautiful waterfalls on the Chattooga River near the Georgia-South Carolina border. The hike is a seven mile loop.
November 27-28 Smokies Backpack
The Smokies have it all wildlife, views, waterfalls, and great hiking. Work off that Thanksgiving dinner and join your GATC friends for a great backpack.
November 28 Slow Series: Raven Cliffs
Join us for an easy to moderate, slow-paced 5-mile in and out hike on the Raven Cliffs Trail beside Dodd Creek to the grotto area, a 40 foot waterspout with cave-like walls. Afterwards, we will drive to Dukes Creek Falls for a view from the observation deck.
December 4 Holiday Party
You won't want to miss the annual GATC Holiday party. Food, awards and merriment will be the agenda.
December 5 Three Forks/Springer Mountain Loop
Join us on this loop hike on the AT and BMT between Three Forks and Springer Mountain.
December 10- 13 Cumberland Island Backpack
A good time of the year to explore one of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. We will be hiking on beautiful beaches and through maritime forests.
December 11 AT Series: Amicalola to Springer
This will be an 8.8-mile hike along the Approach Trail. We should have good views.
December 12 Tumbling Rock Cave
If you have never caved before, here is your chance. You will get muddy and maybe wet, but this is an easy cave and mostly walking. The cave is located just across the Alabama border in Scottsboro.
December 18 District 2 Trail Maintenance
December 19 In-town Series: Reynolds Nature Preserve
This is a hidden gem of a preserve just 15 miles south of Atlanta in
Morrow. It features easy trails and a nice lake.
December 26 Woody Gap to Gooch Gap Dayhike
We will start at chilly Woody Gap and hike about 3.6 miles to Gooch Gap, where we will stop for lunch, then head back to Woody along the scenic, moderate, and sometimes rocky trail.
Georgia AT