NOTE:   Preregistration is required.  Please email Clayton Webster at: webs4740@bellsouth.net

Field Trip Leader:  Clayton Webster

Description:    Our hike will begin at Dick’s Creek Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses US Hwy 76.  We will be hiking south on the famed Appalachian Trail on what should be close to the peak of the fall colors at these high elevations.  We will be walking through  primarily  a hardwood forest making the scenery spectacular.  Our hike will be 5.2 miles with over 1,000′ in elevation gain, although it is pretty much a gradual, but continuous climb.  But the view at the Powell Mountain Overlook is worth the trip.  From this rocky and open overlook, we will be able to look out and down to see Lakes Burton, Seed, and Rabun, as well as over to Black Rock Mountain State Park and Rabun Bald, the second tallest mountain in Georgia.  We will eat lunch here while enjoying the view before retracing our route, all downhill back to Dick’s Creek Gap.

Location & Directions:   We will meet at 10:00 a.m. at Dick’s Creek Gap on US Hwy 76 where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road.   Dick’s Creek Gap Parking on Google Maps will take you right there. It is 16.4 miles from Ingles in Clayton, and 10.6 miles from Ingles in Hiawassee.  

Bathroom Facilities:   Last chance coming from the east is Ingles in Clayton.  Coming from the west it is Ingles in Hiawassee.

Walking Distance:    Hike is 5.2 miles, all on the well maintained Appalachian Trail except the easy .2 mile out and back to our lunch spot. 

Bring:    Dress in layers for the weather.  Bring rain gear just in case.  Our back up date will be 10/26/24.  You will be notified before 6 p.m. the night before if the hike has to be changed due to weather. 

Contact:   Clayton Webster at webs4740@bellsouth.net  678-925-1091