Summary
Distance: 10.7 miles
Elevation gain: 2,966 feet
Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Paved lot, very steep road. (map)
AllTrails map (here)

We finished the Georgia 4000 Challenge with this hike, and it was an epic finish.

I think this was the most physically demanding peak bagging hike. It also traveled a very interesting route and had some great views. We chose to start our hike from Bell Knob, a public park near Hiawassee. The advantage of starting here is that the property is public, but the disadvantage is that it is on the top of a mountain. And, as it turned out, we underestimated the difficulty of the descent to get to the “normal” route. That route is not available to us because we do not have a high clearance four wheel drive.

Summary
Distance: 5.5 miles — Egypt Gap to Rattlesnake Knob and back
Elevation gain: 1,700 feet
Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Private property
AllTrails map (here)

This was another day working on the Georgia 4000 Challenge, and these three peaks have eluded us for a while. The problem that we had was that my car could not make it up Bell Gap Rd to access the Forest Service land because the road has become deeply rutted. I was fortunate to find a way to access the area from private property with consent of the land owner. So, I’m describing the hike along the ridge between the peaks and not the entire hike.

These three peaks are numbers 29, 30, and 31 of the Challenge. Only one more to go now.

Summary
Distance: 3.9 miles
Elevation gain: 1,490 feet
Type: Exploratory
Trailhead: Paved lot, very steep and winding road. (map)

This hike was another attempt to find access to Eagle Mountain, one of the GA 4000 peaks. We attempted to drive up Bell Gap Road a few weeks ago, but it was way too rough for my car. Most of the area surrounding the Southern Nantahala Wilderness is private property. Bell Knob, near Hiawassee, is a public park that is famous for spectacular views and graffiti, and, I was hoping, would give access to Forest Service land.

Summary
Distance: 13.1 miles
Elevation gain: 2,830 feet
Type: Out and Back
Trailhead: Pull off on dirt road (FS 338), passenger car accessible. (map)

Knocked out three more peaks on the GA 4000 Challenge today. One aspect of the Challenge that I really enjoy is exploring new areas, especially when you come across intriguing things, and this hike was did just that. Two things stand out as needing possible future investigation. First, there is Native American history in the area. There are signs on Big Bald Mountain warning people to leave artifacts alone. Also, we came across what is likely a “trail tree” along the route from Rich Mountain to Tickanentley Bald. Read more about trail trees at Mountain Stewards The other cool thing was a trail leading off the dirt road. I can’t find any information, so may need to re-visit the area and just see where it goes.

AllTrails map here.