Deep Gap to Dicks Creek Gap Day 2 4K

Eleventh backpacking trip of 2024.
October 26-27, 2024
Included ... Sally & I
Day 2 ... 4.67 miles / 1,299' elevation gain
After a rough night's sleep... due to small limbs falling throughout the night and being ready to pack up camp at lam!! But I burrowed down under my quilt and read for a couple of hours before falling back asleep until just before dawn! I took down my hammock and lounged on the ground while enjoying morning coffee and a quick yoga routine. Caitlin got up shortly after and made herself some coffee and after a little chatting - we got the rest of camp packed up and hit the trail. From here - it's basically uphill to around Buzzard Knob. The climb honestly was pretty gentle in terms of slope - but just hard to start a day with climbing! From there, we descended down to Cowart Gap where Caitlin used some extra water to douse a campfire that wasn't drowned. From here... it was one of the steeper climbs in this section as it climbs up to just below Little Bald Knob. From here it's a gentle winding downhill towards Dicks Creek Gap! We finally reach the carved rock at Dicks Creek Gap - where my emotions left me speechless. I'd finally finished the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail!
Things to note... there was a nice ridgetop campsite near Buzzard Knob - there was a group stopped there so I didn't get a chance to take a picture but it looked nice! The rest of the trail was pretty, especially with the fall colors. There was a creek flowing down as you're climbing up from Cowart Gap (going sobo) - Sally enjoyed a nice drink from there. As for the entirety of the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, I can see why the attrition rate is high. It's not easy especially if you have no experience hiking or backpacking. The section from Deep Gap to Dick's Creek was probably the easiest section of the experience. | love Mountain Crossings... the store there is awesome! The last picture shows the mileage breakdown per day... it ended up taking me 10 days to complete it in total over 4 weekends (2 overnights and 2 - 2 night/3 day|trips). Happy trails!

[@screamswithbears]

I'm about to do that section... those sounds of the branches are certainly going to be a concern all night! Thanks for the heads up. Post Helene I'm guessing lots of weakened branches and trees will be a problem over the fall and winter 😢

[@roselee_explores]

Hopefully you have a fantastic trip! I'd assume that's a risk as well - especially if we get any snow or lots of wet weather. But it's a beautiful section and you should have some nice views now through the barren trees. I just did Winding Stair up to Albert Mountain as an out and back ... it's another great section as well with lots of views off the ridgelines! Happy trails!