GA Appalachian Trail - Section 13 - Unicoi Gap to Hogpen Gap

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
4/28/2017	14.3 miles	6.5 hours

Map and Guide: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, North Carolina-Georgia

Directions: Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap

Today, the forecast was supposed to be better. We were supposed to hike Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap, but this would make for a short day. We decided to skip ahead and do a longer day to take advantage of the good weather. There was another section hiker staying at the hostel that was doing this same hike who started earlier in the day than us. Not so efficient for the hostel shuttle driver, but they were accommodating to us switching our schedule. We figured we could at least share the same pickup time.

My hip has been feeling pretty good. Today was a longer hike, but with only gradual inclines. It was supposed to be the longest day of our trip. I have hiked very little in the past year, so I didn't know how I'd do. The few hikes I did before this trip were more like 7-8 miles. We hiked from 10:30 to 5:00 pm. No rain! It was overcast with some fog. We had no views, though if it was sunny, there might be some obstructed views through the trees.

We finished our hike an hour before the shuttle pick up time. We talked to the other hiker who was also staying at our hostel. While we were waiting, we had one person stop and offer us a ride, and another driver stop and offer us cookies. If someone did that where we lived, it would seem creepy, but on the trail it is normal. Despite the long hike, my hip still felt good at the end of the day! Maybe the cortisone shot helped?

The green tunnel

This rocky section reminded me so much of the Catskills. And then I saw what I assume were stinging nettles. Ha! This really is like the Catskills :)