Wolf Laurel Top Raven Cliffs Wilderness, GA
miles
LENGTH 4.4 MILES
DIFFICULTY 9.3 Easy
Medium
DURATION 2-3 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
1300
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Wolf Laurel Top

Take in multiple expansive views from Cowrock Mountain and Wolf Laurel Top in this popular hike along the Appalachian Trail. This is another hike I find great in winter as you get better views on the way up. Since you'll be travelling southbound, depending on the time of year you may pass quite a few thru-hikers.

The parking area at Tesnatee Gap is small so get there early in the warmer months. This hike starts on the west side of parking area about halfway back. Look for the trail that goes straight up. Steep and rocky are the two words that describe this hike best and it begins right away. Parts of the trail can be wet and slippery and many of the rocks are loose so pay attention to your footing.

After a quarter mile, the trail evens out for a bit, giving you a nice reprieve, but ultimately just delaying the continued onslaught. At just before .4 miles in, the trail begins a series of switchbacks that continue until the summit. At one of these turns, the trail looks like it splits, but it rejoins immediately.

At .84 miles, hike out onto a large exposed rock viewing area at the summit of Cowrock Mountain. Here take in the views of the surrounding mountains, including Yonah Mountain. I have since learned of and explored a secret trail from the main summit view to two more expansive views better than this. See the Cowrock Mountain via Tesnatee Gap hike for more info and photos. Ending your hike here is still a worthy adventure, but further views await along the longer route to Wolf Laurel Top.

Behind the view, venture further southbound along the white-blazed AT. Another incredible view awaits you just on the other side of the summit. Continue on, passing another view at 1.2 miles. The trail evens out as it follows the ridgeline between Cowrock and Wolf Laurel Top, passing a large campsite on the left.

Just when you're getting comfortable, begin the shorter but just as steep and just as rocky climb to the summit of Wolf Laurel Top. Near the top a short side trail branches off to the left for another excellent view. From here you can see the other side of Cowrock and peeking out in the distance you can still see Yonah Mountain. Continue up the side trail through another large campsite to reconnect with the AT. Nothing to do now but head home. Be mindful of loose rocks and take it easy on the way back down.

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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 %
0.5 mi
40 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.5 mi
190 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.6 mi
369 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.4 mi
347 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.3 mi
366 ft
For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length4.4 miles
difficulty9.3 Easy-Medium
duration2 - 3 hours
features Dog Friendly  Summit  Views 
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeWhite
elevation gain1300 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestRaven Cliffs Wilderness
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
ranger districtChattooga River District
9975 Highway 441 S
Lakemont, GA 30552
706-754-6221
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.725998, -83.847686 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°43.56, W 83°50.86 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°43'34'', N 34°43'34'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.725998, -83.847686 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°43.56, W 83°50.86 most GPS units use this one
N 34°43'34'', N 34°43'34'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
The trail begins on the west side of the parking lot (on the right as you enter).
Notes
In the spring you will pass numerous AT thru-hikers. Say hello.
The trail is very rocky and can be wet and muddy. Be careful along slick wet rocks.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (1)
hikethesouth-5 years ago
Excellent AT Section With Multiple Views
This is such a great section of the AT. Multiple views with enough challenge to make you feel like you accomplished something. Due to the steep rocky nature of this hike, this will be tough for beginners and still ask for some effort from more experienced hikers.
Medium | Hiked Spring 2018
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