Flat Creek Loop Aska Trail System, GA
miles
LENGTH 5.7 MILES
DIFFICULTY 6.8 Easy
Medium
DURATION 2-4 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
1030
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Loop
Flat Creek Loop

Cross over the numerous tributaries that flow into Flat Creek along this longer loop in the Aska Trail System near Blue Ridge in north Georgia. Bustling cascades and small waterfalls are a constant sight along the lower elevations of this loop. While not a difficult hike, make sure to wear waterproof boots after a good rain or you may get a little wet.

Begin the hike at the Deep Gap parking lot, taking the trail next to the info sign. Almost immediately you'll come to the split with the Stanley Gap Trail. Follow the sign to the left. After half a mile you'll come to the split for Flat Creek Loop and can take either direction. This page describes staying right to head around counter-clockwise.

The first half of the loop hugs the contours of the ridge, staying at higher elevations and just occasionally crossing a creek. You'll get a few minor winter views through the trees. As the trail turns back to the east it begins to drop in elevation to follow along Flat Creek. Along here you'll make numerous creek crossings, some will be difficult to cross without getting a little wet if it's rained anytime soon, so waterproof boots are suggested for this one.

At 2.7 miles, as you're descending along the creek, look for a side trail on the left heading back to a waterfall about 10 feet tall. You'll hear it below you as you pass it. After this, you'll begin to crisscross an old road bed. You'll be able to tell which direction the main trail is as these intersections are blocked off with fallen trees and brush. Stay on the more established trail.

As you near the end of the loop portion, you'll cross over Flat Creek by way of a bridge, then begin to ascend up the hill back to the loop split. This will be the steepest section of the hike going this direction, heading uphill for a mile but with a few flat sections to catch your breath on. Finish out the hike retracing your steps from the loop to the trailhead.

If you're looking for something shorter and less difficult, try Long Branch Loop just across the road.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
1.3 mi
125 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
1.2 mi
456 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.6 mi
348 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.1 mi
117 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
23 ft
7 ft
Elevation Loss
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Loss
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.8 mi
113 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.8 mi
326 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.7 mi
405 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.2 mi
159 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
262 ft
52 ft
Terrain Map Click to control map
Navigation
Reverse Hike loop in reverse direction.
0.0 mi
0.0 mi - Trailhead
0.08 mi
0.08 mi - Stay Left Split with the Stanley Gap Trail on the right. Stay left, following the sign.
0.5 mi
0.5 mi - Flat Creek Loop Split Stay right at the signed intersection to hike the loop counter-clockwise.
0.59 mi
0.59 mi - Stay Straight The Flat Creek Loop Connector trail connects back to the Stanley Gap Trail on the right at the sign, stay straight.
2.71 mi
2.71 mi - Side Trail to Waterfall on Left A short side trail leads to a better view of a waterfall on the left. You may have to navigate around some fallen branches.
2.85 - 3.15 mi
2.85 - 3.15 mi - Crisscross Old Road Crisscross over an old road, staying on the maintained trail. Most intersections have the road blocked off with logs and brush.
5.15 mi
5.15 mi - Finish Loop Finish the loop portion of the trail, staying straight to return to the trailhead.
5.58 mi
5.58 mi - Stay Right Pass the Stanley Gap Trail again.
5.66 mi
5.66 mi - Return to Trailhead
Details
length5.7 miles
difficulty6.8 Easy-Medium
duration2 - 4 hours
trail typeLoop
blazeGreen
elevation gain1030 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestAska Trail System
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
ranger districtBlue Ridge Ranger District
2042 Highway 515 West
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-6928
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.81654, -84.300016 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°48.99, W 84°18 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°48'60'', N 34°48'60'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.81654, -84.300016 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°48.99, W 84°18 most GPS units use this one
N 34°48'60'', N 34°48'60'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
Parking Capacity
10 parking spaces with overflow along the road for another 5-10.
Notes
Watch out for mountain bikers. They can come around corners fast.
There are many creek crossings. Most are easy enough to get over but a few will be more challenging if you're trying not to get wet, especially after a good rain. Waterproof boots are recommended.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
4 (1)
hikethesouth-4 years ago
Nice Longer Loop
This is a good loop if you're not looking for an overly challenging hike. There's really no views except through the trees in winter and even then I wouldn't say good winter views. One pretty nice waterfall is on a short side trail. There are a lot of creek crossings and you'll pass many cascades and rapids along the way, but nothing amazingly impressive. Just a good forest walk mostly. Keep your ears open for mountain bikes. They can come up on you fast on the downhill sections.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Winter 2020
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