Appalachian Trail: 10.8 Miles Woody Gap-Neels Gap/Mountains Crossings/Difficult

Enjoy Spring views and iconic Georgia Appalachian Trail points of interest along a scenic 10.4 mile point-to-point portion of the the historic AT (celebrating 100 years in 2025!) near Dahlonega. Special highlights include the view from Preachers Rock, ascent to (and stunning, panoramic views from) the Georgia AT's highest peak: Blood Mountain at 4,458 ft (Georgia's 6th highest mountain), one of the oldest shelters (at Blood Mtn.) on the AT (built by the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corp, in 1937), and both beginning, then ending at the first sign of civilization on the northbound GA AT: Walayasi/Mountains Crossings at Neels Gap, an outfitter and general store for hikers of which the building is the only one the AT passes through. Mountains Crossings is also famously home to the 'boot tree,' where many NOBO thru-hiker attempts end as the unprepared and overwhelmed hang-up their hiking boots. For anyone hoping to complete the GA AT in sections, this section is #4 of 10 for GA AT day hikes given in many groups including GAG.

This hike is considered challenging/difficult, due to length, rocky terrain, and elevation gain (2,604 ft.) Also, I do expect everyone to have some type of navigation abilities--their own map, or map app (I do have the AllTrails map link below). Bring plenty of water (maybe even a water filter especially if a warm day), and snacks/lunch, with sun, wear sunscreen, and with chance of rain, rain gear. I’ll hike in light to moderate, intermittent rain.

My hiking style is slow and steady with breaks for snacks, lunch, and to enjoy the many views. This hike will take about 7 hours to complete and requires extensive shuttle time (see below).

We’ll hike at an average of 1.7 - 2.3 mile per hour (including elevation gain). If your mph average is less or more than this, this hike may not be for you.

View/sight-seeing breaks: at Preachers Rock (mile 9.4), Blood Mtn (mile 1.4) and of course Mountains Crossings. I have added an optional stay at Kennedy Creek Resort in Suches Saturday. See below for more info.

Shuttling: We'll have anyone staying at hostel to leave cars at end. Everyone will start at Bryce Reece Parking lot before walking .6 miles to Neel's Gap where we’ll begin hiking south on the AT. Hike will end at Woody Gap --and with a car full—
will head back to Neel's Gap to check out Walyasi-yi/Mountains Crossings Outfitter (hours 8-6), for 26 minute, 15.7 mile commute. Dinner option in Dahlonega for anyone interested.

AllTrails link: AT 10.8 Miles Woody Gap - Neels Gap.

Optional hostel/bunk/cabin options nearby for Saturday afternoon-Sunday morning: Kennedy Creek Resort, 3001 High Valley Rd, Suches. I have rented the 4 bunk cabin. They have a 2 bunk cabin, cabins for bigger groups, yurts, hostel beds for $50, and tenting. This is a camping experience (we’ll cook dinner and breakfast w/ personal camp stove or fire outdoors or on porch—cabins have fridge), linens provided (though you may need a sleeping bag or blanket), picnic tables, fire pit, ac/heat in cabins, and use a group shower house (unless you get a cabin w/private bathroom). Let me know if you’ll join!

Please feel free to organize your own carpool as I do not organize these—start a private thread below. I will be carpooling myself from the Kennesaw Mtn area on Saturday early afternoon to Kennedy Creek Resort.

Photo credit: blueridgemountaintravelguide.com