Rocky Mountain via Unicoi Gap Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
miles
LENGTH 3 MILES
DIFFICULTY 8 Easy
Medium
DURATION 1-2 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
1070
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Rocky Mountain via Unicoi Gap

Hike to incredible views atop Rocky Mountain from Unicoi Gap along this short section of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. A steep climb awaits those who take this challenge with the trail gaining over 1000 feet in just 1.3 miles. At 2 hours from Atlanta or Asheville and 2.5 hours from Chattanooga, this makes a perfect half day adventure.

The large gravel parking lot just off of GA-17/GA-75 can still fill up on weekends so don't get there too late. Begin this hike at the southern end of the parking lot. Looks for a post with a white blaze.

The hike up to Rocky Mountain begins it's ascent immediately and doesn't let up until you reach the top. The trail varies from slightly rocky to very rocky with several sections of stone steps making the journey just a bit more challenging. Several minor creek crossing should be easy to traverse, just mind slick wet rocks.

Stay to the right at the intersection with the blue-blazed Rocky Mountain Trail at .8 miles in. If you want a longer hike, connect this trail to form the Rocky Mountain Loop Trail. The trail gets a bit steeper here until leveling off at 1.2 miles. After another tenth of a mile you will come to the first view at the summit.

Framed by trees on both sides, you get a long range view of the mountains to the south, including Yonah Mountain. Don't stop here, begin to descend the mountain northbound along the AT for another view at the 1.5 mile mark. This view is less crowded by trees making it worth the additional walk. To finish out this hike, head back the way you came.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length3 miles
difficulty8 Easy-Medium
duration1 - 2 hours
features Dog Friendly  Summit  Views 
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeWhite
elevation gain1070 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestChattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
ranger districtBlue Ridge Ranger District
2042 Highway 515 West
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-6928
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.801558, -83.742879 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°48.09, W 83°44.57 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°48'06'', N 34°48'06'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.801558, -83.742879 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°48.09, W 83°44.57 most GPS units use this one
N 34°48'06'', N 34°48'06'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
The large gravel parking lot is directly off GA-17/GA-75.
Notes
Consider this for a winter hike for even better views.
The trail varies from slightly rocky to very rocky. Some bare rock sections can be slick when wet.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (1)
hikethesouth-5 years ago
Short But Steep
This is one of the steepest sections of the AT, but worth the effort for great views at the top. Less crowded than Blood Mountain or Cowrock Mountain.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Summer 2018
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