Appalachian Trail - Dick’s Creek Gap to Bly Gap
Dec 19th, 2009 by Admin 1
The weather was a little rough this past weekend. Near freezing temperatures and of course more rain, even freezing rain at higher elevations. A friend and I had planned to go backpacking on the Appalachian Trail with the intention of completing the last section in Georgia before moving on to North Carolina.
Despite the weather we decided to go ahead with our plans to take drive up early Saturday with his son and nephew who planned to come with us for their first backpacking trip.
Earlier in the week I was trying to plan out the trip. I couldn’t find anything definitive online so I drove up to see if we could drop a car off near Bly Gap/North Carolina, drive back to the trailhead at Dick’s Creek Gap and hike from point A to point B. NO LUCK! There were gates on the two dirt roads at the end of Right Fork Rd. that get close but after hiking a ways up the roads, in the rain, I never linked up with the Appalachian Trail. It didn’t matter anyway because it wasn’t the kind of place to leave your car for the weekend. We all had to work on Monday so we decided rather than hike to the next accessible intersection along to A.T. we would hike in and back to the truck on Sunday. 
Our last trip we left off at Dick’s Creek Gap so that would be our starting point.
We arrived at the Dick’s Creek trailhead later than we wanted and didn’t get on the trail until around 11:30 but after some minor adjustments to the packs we were on our way. I had read somewhere that the first ascent was difficult but it didn’t take long to realize that was less than accurate. The ascent was actually easy compared to most of the previous hills encountered while hiking from the Southern Terminus. 
Btw, like most of the 75 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia this section is a series of up a hill then down the other side but there were a few decent flats which made this one of the easier sections I’ve done since I’d say maybe the approach trail but I have a pretty bad memory.
The temperature was cool and the rain held off for most of the day Saturday which was nice. Near the end of the day it did start drizzling so we quickly found a spot, pulled off the trail, set up our tents and made a fire. The rain wasn’t heavy so we were able to keep the fire going a few hours or so while we wound down. 
Once we decided to get some sleep and all headed to our tents we noticed sheets of ice had formed over them. I always sleep better when its cold. 
The next morning it was raining so after some breakfast and coffee we decided to head back and schedule another trip where we will start in North Carolina and backtrack to where we left off which is fine, it just gives me another excuse to have to come back to the mountains.
Appalachian Trail - Georgia - Dick’s Creek Gap to North Carolina Border
Nearest Town: Hiawassee, Georgia
Trailhead Location: 76
Trail Length: 8.7 miles to Bly Gap one-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Marker: White Blaze
Directions: From Hiawassee, head east on (76) and watch for signs for Appalachian Trail Crossing. Parking lot on left.
This was a fun weekend. I wish the weather was better. We did see others out there hiking in the rain with us too. The Ice over the rocks on the sides of the trail was the hit of this trip. There was a lot of scenery on this section. I liked the mini rapids on the creek where we stopped for a snack. It looked like a park setting.
Bill,
Yeah, this was a fun trip. Looking forward to the next one!
I think I’m right behind you and I’m going to start a section hike of the A.T….probably on the 10 year plan.
Question…is it possible to access the beginning of the trail at Spring Mtn. without hiking the 6 mile entry trail? I’ve heard there is a forestry road that will get you there. If so, do you need a 4 wheel drive car or SUV to handle the road?
Jym,
Ha, the 10 year plan. I like it! Yeah, I’d say 10 years is about right for me too unfortunately.
There is a way to get to Springer Mountain without hiking the Approach Trail. I’ve included the directions to the parking lot. When you get there just hike backwards (Southbound) for a short hike up to Springer Mountain.
- From 515/5 at East Ellijay Go East on 52 towards Dahlonega for 4.8 miles
- Take a left on Big Creek Road and go 12.2 miles to Springer Mountain FS 42 (Blue Ridge Wildlife Management) Hint: Mt Pleasant will be on your left (2 small buildings) facing the opposite direction that your traveling, as well you will see a small cemetery.
- Take a Right onto FS 42 (unpaved road) and travel for about 6.5 miles
Hope this helps!
Oh yeah,
I haven’t been up this road in a while but normally as long as you go slow you should be able to drive this dirt road w/ any car.