The trip began at FS553 heading South. The hardwood trees are bare of foliage waiting for Spring to bring new life again. What a great day; the weather was cool, but sunny.
There was a short break at Laurel Shelter for snacks, after 1.4 miles.
Some one rang the lunch bell as we reached Sweetwater Lake, after 3.4 mile. From here the hike continued to FS500 crossing Shoal Creek at Pine Glenn Campground to compete the day with 6.0 miles total.
Appalachian Trail - Georgia - Woody Gap to Neels Gap
The trip begain in a thunder storm as we left Birmingham for Gooch Gap; where we overnight tent camped on the AT. Next morning we went to Suches for breakfast and then on to Neels Gap with a shuttle back to Woody Gap.
The morning started out bright and sunny, but humid and warm as the day progressed. There were views along several ledges, but the haze blocked the real long distance view. As everyone began to run out of energy; we located a camping spot at a gap near a very slow water source. Diner was cooked on our new alcohol stoves. No blended stuff next time; we'll use the real deal. Everyone was set up and in bed when the flashing lights started and big thunder along with the rain and wind.
Everyone survived the night storms and we started in the clouds; which blew away only to return as we approached Blood Mountain. We took a long break, trading snacks, and building up courage to continue. The bottom dropped out (rain) as we begain our decent out of the Hut, which filled the trail to overflowing. Wet feet and soaked through and through. The store at Neels Gap was a great sight where we changed into dry clothes. The hotdogs are great.
Woody Gap Trailhead Beginning of Hike
Supper Time - Look at all the Food
Everyone made it Home
Appalachian Trail - Georgia - Springer Mtn to Gouch Gap
Eight hikers arrived and set up camp at Gouch Gap on Friday night. Saturday morning there was the long shuttle to the trailhead at the USFS 42 crossing. From here everyone slackpacked to the summit of Springer Mtn. (southern terminus of the AT). There is a plaque noting the starting point and north west views of fall colors of the ridges and valley below.
Everyone returned to the trailhead and picked up backpacks and headed to Hawk Mountain Shelter. Most of this section is easy to moderated until reaching Three Creeks. From here the trail starts an ascent before reaching a short level section just before the shelter. The upper spring was dry, but water was available at the piped spring located down hill a short distance behind the shelter.
A camp site was selected at the Hawk Mtn shelter trail junction. Several cooks were using homemade alcohol stoved with good results. There was a strong wind and the shields came in handy. Several special treats were shared that spiced up the meals and evening. Tired, sore and cold; everyone streched out in there sleeping bags for another long night of darkness. Sunday was a long day with several steep climbs. Both streams on this section have a good flow.
Springer Mountain - Starting Point of AT
View of fall colors from Springer Mountain
Anyone seen the salt?
Appalachian Trail & Southern Peaks Above 6000 Ft. (Roan Mountain TN/NC)
Frances, Doug, Jeremy and Tom made the trip to Hampton, Tn and met O. Kenny; who had just returned from two weeks in VT and NH on the AT. The group went to Dennis Cove on the AT; hiked on the AT to Laurel Falls and returned to Dennis Cove to camp for the night.
A great country breakfast was had at Kopper Kettle in Hampton. Shuttle was to AT trailhead at 19E then to Carvers Gap. The group visited Roan Mountain Highland Gardens and top of Roan Bluff; joining the Rododendon Festival for a tailgate picnic before starting the hike up and over Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge.
The Rododendon blooms were past peak, but there were still some beautiful Flame Azelas and Gray's Lilies. Lot of mountain views in all directions, even with the haze. Our attempt to stop at the new shelter was short lived when no water was to be found, so on to the Barn. There was a good water source and camping near the Barn with a great view of thunderstorms in the distance across the valley.
Mommy turkey and her chicks ran down the trail before our climb started up Little Hump and Hump. WOW!! what a view. Flowers and tall grass waving in the cool breeze. Did anyone see Julia Andrews? There were horses grazing on top of Hump and a huge cow in the trail; that looked like a bear at first sighting, but turned to show her white face.
On to Doll Flats and the search for water. Look for the sign on the left and down the road. Just as we had loaded up with water a hugh thunderstorm and heavy rain fell; everyone was soaked to the bone. Before it was all over; lightening struck close by and we all felt a tingle. Tom demo how not to set up a tent in a windy rain storm. Rain stopped, sun came out and we had a great meal.
Last day was a down hill hike to the trail head, shuttle to Carvers Gap and trip home. Look at the photo gallery for additional pictures.
Brdge crossing Laurel Creek on AT
Laurel Falls on AT
Morning roll call at the Barn
Copyright 2001 - 2009 by Appalachian Trail Club of Alabama (ATCA)
