hike itinerary

Following the Drinking Gourd: Blacksploration of the Appalachian Trail officially begins on Thursday May 25th with Orientation. Participants begin hiking on august 10th from Hightower Gap and will hike out (hike back into civilization) on august 14th, 2017 ending at Neels Gap. The total distance hiked will be 22.4 miles.

Below you can find the daily mileage and start and stop locations. If necessary it will be updated and finalized one week prior to our departure.

DAY 1: August 10th: ORIENTATION IN Helen, GA (LOCATION TBA). PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AT LOCATION BY 11AM

The orientation meet and greet will allow you to:

• Meet your hike leaders and fellow hikers

• Participate in a safety training and skill building

• Gear shuffle

• Field trip to Springer Mountain, the beginning of the Appalachian Trail

• Context of Following the Drinking Gourd: Blacksploration of the Appalachian Trail

• Engage in an overview of the hike logistics and daily expectations

• Selecting Trail Names

A Map is available for review

DAY 2: August 11 |

Hike Day 1 Sassafrass Mountain

Hightower Gap  to where |   6.8 MILES

Camping| Gooch Mountain Shelter

DAY 4| August 13|

Hike Day 3 Forest Day

0 MILES - Optional Hike Dockery Lake Trail 3.5 miles

Camping | Miller Gap (Views of Blood Mountain, Stream Crossing)