hawk mountain shelter to woody gap - Member Hike

Hike Name:	hawk mountain shelter to woody gap
Country:	United States
State:	Georgia
Nearby Town:	helen
Rating:
Directions:	from Dohlonega take hwy 52 west towards Amicalola falls state park till you see the sign for Nimblewill church road to the right aslo known as FS 28-1. Drive down it for a couple of miles till you find USFS 58 at coopers gap where you will turn left and drive for a couple of more miles passing the horse gap parking area then you will arrive at the hightower gap parking area.
Total Hike Distance:	12.90 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Very Difficult
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	One-Way, Shuttle Hike
Hike Starts:	hawk mountain shelter on AT trail
Hike Ends:	Woody Gap, GA hwy 60
Trails Used:	Appalachian Trail
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams, Springs
Management:	U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information:	Georgia Appalachian Trail Club P.O. Box 654 Atlanta, Georgia 30301 Voice Mail (404) 494-0968
Best Season:	Fall
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Four Wheel Drive Recommended, High Clearance Vehicle Recommended
Hike Summary:	This hike starts at the Hawk Mountain shelter along the Georgia section of the Appalachian trail. It has several steep climbs over hightower gap, horse gap, sasafrass mountain, coopers gap, justus mountain, gooch gap and ramrock mountain. However the worst part is that there is a four mile stretch of this hike that is dry meaning there is no water available making it even more of a challenge, especially in hot weather. The trail crosses USFS 42 at least three times along this section of trail which makes it easier because a local trail angel typically sets out several gallons of water at the coopers gap crossing for hikers who need it to fill up their water bottles before the next hard climb. The Gooch Mountain shelter is the only shelter along this section of the trail and is located at mile marker 15.8.