Continuing my quest to complete all sections of Georgia's portion of the Appalachian Trail this year, I posted a section from Gooch Gap to Cooper's Gap on the Meetup as an event. My event descriptions always tend to be very descriptive and detailed of the hike in an effort to ensure those that join me are up to the challenge. I don't mean to be harsh, but I am trying to scare people off. I've had far too many "I walk around my neighborhood twice a week" folks try to jump into 10+ mile mountainous hikes over the years. That said, my event had a few signups and after driving the 1.5 hours to the Gooch Gap parking area just south of Suches, GA, I met up with the five other hikers that would be joining me today. I knew a couple of them from past events, but it's always good to meet new folks with common interests.
At the appointed time, we did a quick round of introductions and I explained our plan for the day. With that, we were southbound on the Appalachian Trail. I had listed the hike with a 2.5ish mph pace, but I've been feeling pretty good and pushed the up to 3-3.25 mph. I asked the group if anyone objected and if anyone had voiced a concern, I would have slowed it down. However, everyone here seemed to be in good hiking shape and welcomed the faster pace.
The trail is so well maintained this time of year, as a large 2024 class of thru-hikers would have passed through this section in the past couple of weeks. We also encountered a few late-starters who had only begun their 2200 mile odyssey a couple of days ago. All of us gave them words of encouragement as they take those steps towards Mount Katahdin in Maine. Along our route, I point out the white blazes to my companions. These single white vertical lines on some of the trees mark the AT and ensure hikers are going the right way.
With a couple of minor water crossings, we finally reach Cooper's Gap and stop for quick snack break. We've been keeping a great pace and arrived here almost thirty minutes sooner than I had planned. The group seems to be in good spirits and welcomes the short break. I remind everyone to drink plenty of water. It's a gorgeous day with temperatures hovering in the low sixties right now. The sun is shining and a light breeze passes over us as we sit around someone's abandoned campsite here at the parking area.
As we make our way along the undulating trail, I note that one of the hikers has fallen behind a little bit. When I ask, it seems she's getting some cramps and has taken some salt pills to try help. We continue on, but I keep an eye on her and one of the other hikers agrees to hang back a bit to help her.
With only a mile or so to the cars, I tell those that are hanging with me that we'll go ahead and make for the trailhead and that I'll wait around to ensure everyone makes it safely. They seem to like that plan, though everyone is a little concerned about our comrade. As the cars at the parking area come into site, I announced that we've made it and congratulate everyone on a job well done. All but one of the hikers decides to stick around until the last two joins us at the trail head, which happens just a few minutes later. The troubled hiker is tired, but in good spirits. I remind her to keep drinking water and to get some electrolytes into her, which we offer her from our collective stash. She's seems fine and we all head home.
Today's hike was just at 9.6 miles with nearly 1,700' feet of elevation gain. In the way I've divided the Georgia sections of the AT up, this is number 4. I'm not necessarily doing them in order, but more by convenience. It will probably be late into the fall before I finish out all of the sections, but I'm looking forward to checking them off of my 'to do' list. This section was actually quite pretty, though I think a lot of that perception was based on what a fabulous day it was to be outside.
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