I've been having a hard time finding good information online about this area. I know it's not right on the AT, but hopefully someone can help me answer this question:
Off of the AT to the north and west, on either the Jacks Knob or Assaquah trails, is there camp-able area? Do you recommend one trail over another? I’m limited to an afternoon and the next morning, so doing AT stuff is pretty much out.
_markv_ Not sure exactly what your looking to do but a good hike would be start at Unicoi Gap(Good Parking) hike sobo on the AT to Chattahoochee Gap(Camping with water). The Jacks Knob trail begins there and goes 5 miles W. to Brasstown Bald. I've climbed it, its a haul. Not sure about camping up there but if you continue past the parking area I'm sure you can find a spot. Get water from bathroom area. Hike back
Subman Ga-Me 03 BMT 11
_Subman_ There is indeed a great camping side a little over half way between Chattohoochee Gap and the parking lot going up to Brasstown Bald. There is water on the trail about 50 yards north of the campsite and it is flowing this time of year. It is a very pretty hike but lots of change in elevation. If you get to the sign for the Mark Trail wilderness you've gone well beyond the campsite.
Have a great hike.
Pastor John
_Pastor John_ Thanks for the information so far. With just an afternoon and a morning, probably hiking up and back from Unicoi Gap is a little too far. I had figured if i do that trail i just park at Jack's Gap where 180 crosses. Is there no parking there?
The Arkaquah sounds nice, but if there is parking and a campsite on the Jack’s Knob trail, then that’s probably better. Pastor John, is the campsite you’re talking about on the Brasstown Bald side of 180, or on the AT side of 180?
:cheers
_markv_ Yes, there is a parking lot at the entrance to the road going up Brasstown Bald. The parking lot is on 180 and the Jack's Knob trail is on the other side of 180. I park there often and have never had a problem. But you will cross the road and the trail marked on the other side of the road. So the trail I'm talking about is entirely on the AT side of 180 (the AT is about 4.5 miles from 180). It is great trail, well maintained but not worn down like the AT.
The campsite is about a mile and 1/2 in from 180. You will have a steep uphill then it levels out and is fairly level to the campsite. Going south, you will cross the only water on this trail. It is dry in summer but I think you’ll found enough water this time a year. The campsite will be on your left just before you get to another big climb. I would urge you to do the rest of the hike to Chattoahoochee Gap maybe after setting it camp. It is a worth seeing the whole Jack’s Knob trail.
There is also camping at Chattahoochee Gap (not good in the gap but better do a few feet down the old forest service road or you can go left on the AT and there is another good campsite about a mile N of AT (but it does not have water).
Have a good hike.
Pastor John
_Pastor John_ Pastor John. I spent some time puzzling over your post with the small, crude map i have. Finally, i think i figured it out: i'm talking about taking a trail towards the TOP of Brasstown Bald. So i meant i would be taking the Jack's Knob Trail north from 180, not towards the AT at all.
So, i’ve got my answer on the parking but i’m still trying to decide, based on camping possibilities, if i’ll find anything going north from 180. Sorry i wasn’t clear about that in the first place!
_markv_ Understand the confusion. I've done that trail before but really don't remember too much about it. I'd be surprised if there are great campsites because there is lot of climbing. It does wind around the other side of the mountain, so your not that close to the road. I would carry water. Have a good hike.
Pastor John
_Pastor John_ It's been a year since we've done the trail from 180 to the top of Brasstown Bald. The only camping we can think of is near the top, but before the parking lot. Perhaps a 1/2 mile shy of the parking lot in a grassy area. There is no water from the road to the parking lot and I don't believe the faucets will be turned on this time of year at the parking lot area, so you'd need to haul all of your water.
If you were to hike Arkaquah, there is no water that way either from the parking lot on Trackrock Gap road to the top of Brasstown Bald. There are just a few flat spots along the way to camp - not many though and you’d have to ‘make’ them - ie they are not beaten dirt areas for camping like you see on the AT.
Not sure if that helps you at all.
_Brakeman_