Hiking The Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap

Sports & Recreations

  • Author Shannon Rae Treasure
  • Published June 3, 2011
  • Word count 400

A short distance from Horsetrough Falls there is a mountainside where a spring flows just near the end of Wolfpen Ridge. Also just where the Appalachian Trail starts, there is a white trail sign on which a blue "W" is marked. This highlights the path between Hogpen Gap which has an elevation of 3450 ft and Unicoi Cap with an elevation of 2949 ft. Advance to Chattahoochee Gap around 200 ft from this point and you will end at a leaf covered spring which is Chattahoochee River’s start point.

An easy and smooth trek can be expected as you move forward to Wolfpen Stamp then towards the boundary line between two former Cherokee lands which are the Union and White counties. From this border take a leisurely walk down the ridge before starting off another climb to Strawberry top. You will then approach a down-hill path as it abruptly ends towards another climb to Poor Mountain which is 3,625 ft above sea level.

Then off next to a moderate descent to Wide Gap until reaching to an easy climb further to the mountain summit of Sheep Rock Top. You may stop here and take good view of the scenery where a reddish natural stone formation can be seen which definitely resembles a sheep. Moving down to Low Gap, you may take shelter and find a water source. This is a good camping ground to take a break for the night when the afternoon sky is just about to switch to a dimmer sky.

By the break of dawn you may wish to proceed 8 miles further to a climb to the top of Blue Mountain. In between this uphill journey to Blue Mountain, you will only have Cold Springs Gap and Chattahoochee Gap for your rest or break stops. The trail to Blue Mountain, the elevation barely reaches 1,000 feet.

If you make a stop at Chattahoochee Gap you will pass by Jack’s Knob Trail which connects to the First Trail. This side trip route will lead you to a Brasstown Bald, also known as Georgia’s high point. However, starting from the original stop at Blue Mountain, get ready yourself for a steep descent to Unicoi Gap. Just take extra precaution in climbing down this trail as it can become very challenging and dangerous especially when you are carrying a heavy backpack. This area can become very treacherous especially in strong weather conditions.

No matter what outdoor activity an emergency can strike at any time. A reliable radio is simply a safety must. We carry a variety of uhf, vhf, marine and CB radios for sale. You can choose from the versatile Handheld CB Radio models all the way to the more powerful 10 Meter Radios

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