Woody Gap

Woody Gap is one of the first major road crossings along the AT in Georgia when heading north from Springer Mtn. I stopped there to check the views on my trip last week. On my first GA AT section hike, I began at Amicalola and hiked north through Woody Gap finishing at Deep Gap.


When I crossed Woody Gap on that trip it was raining, foggy and views of the surrounding countryside were nowhere to be seen (typical Appalachian weather from my experience). This time however, the weather was clear and the views impressive.


Much of the AT follows along ridges and mountainsides with trail side water sources often limited. This sign indicated a blue blazed side trail that hiked down from the ridge towards a water source (often a seepage spring). It is not uncommon to have to walk nearly 1/4 mile from the trail along these side trails in search of a water source. However, when you need water, you need water and 1/4 mile doesn't seem so bad. The return trip from the water supply is often the worst - as you usually hike 1/4 downhill to the water source, which means that once your water bottles are full (adding weight to your pack), you're now faced with walking 1/4 mile uphill with a full, heavy pack.

Years ago I hiked one side trail on the AT in Maine that was, as I recall, ~1/2 mile downhill to a pond. Once at the pond, right where you were to fill your water bottles, a dead moose was laying IN THE POND and at a particularly gruesome stage of decomposition. At first glance the dilemma seemed hopeless and the planned water stop was a loss. Luckily after some searching, an unlocked canoe was discovered nearby that allowed a short paddle out into the middle of the pond for some cleaner water (to filter).