This trip in the fall of 2022 will lead me on a 14-day tour of northern Georgia, southern Tennessee and a slice of South Carolina.
Seemingly unable to do much more than 10 miles of hiking a day, I only managed to do two shorter hikes today. One made up for it with a fairly steep ascent, the other with some ‘pretty as a picture’ waterfalls.
Unicoi Gap Boondocking
I had a comfortable overnight stay at the Unicoi Gap trailhead. While passing traffic can be loud and frequent, as the night falls, everything slows down and I had my beauty sleep as usual.
Unicoi Gap Trail
From the parking area, the trail immediately starts with a heart-pounding 1000-foot climb during for the first mile of this hike. After that you have the option to continue on the 5 mile loop.
The expected views were unfulfilled and I had to settle for a few scattered views through the trees. I found a small flat area, perfect to camp, rested a bit after the climb and had a few snacks that I gladly shared with my buddy Joey.
With 5 days of hiking in the northern Georgia mountains behind me and the absence of sustained fitness, I opted to return to the van.
High Shoals Fall Trail
Only a short distance from Unicoi Gap, the High Shoals Fall trail is a more relaxing trail for the whole family. Several small bridges and a typical Georgia mountain flora, makes this a fun nature walk.
At a little over a mile in, two waterfalls elevate his to a worthwhile hike.
After half an hour of basting in the sun and enjoying the view, I return for an uphill track, back to my home on wheels.
Locations
- Unicoi Gap Boondocking ➜ 34.8017, -83.7428
- Unicoi Gap TH ➜ 34.8017, -83.7428
- High Shoals Fall TH ➜ 34.8160, -83.7269
Trail Download – GPX
