Pinhoti Trail: Hiking North from Snake Creek Gap to Mill Creek Mountain

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This North Georgia hiking trail climbs 7 miles along the ridge line of the Pinhoti Trail at Mill Creek Mountain.

This 7 mile ridgeline hike on the Pinhoti Trail offers continuous views from both sides of the trail as it follows the ridge of Mill Creek Mountain. The Pinhoti Trail is a 325 mile trail that extends from Alabama into Georgia, and offers hikes through the prettiest parts of the Western section of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

This hike’s trailhead is Northbound, leaving from the same side of the highway as the parking area and hiking through section 24 of the Pinhoti Trail. We’ve reviewed another hike on the Pinhoti – South from Snake Creek Gap – which leaves from this same parking area. Combine the two for a 14 mile loop with the parking area as a central point.

The hike immediately begins to climb upwards from the trailhead, rising steadily to climb to the ridge of Mill Creek Mountain. The trail switches back sharply at a half mile from the trailhead, continuing to climb upwards.

Reach the ridge crest at 1 mile, marked by a large rock cairn. Continue hiking the Pinhoti Trail Northward along the ridge, passing through a forest of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees. Rock outcrops are common in the rocky terrain.

Views extend continuously off both sides of the ridge, especially in winter and spring, offering views of the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Reach the crest of Mill Creek Mountain at 2.25 miles.

Continue hiking the Pinhoti, descending from the crest of the mountain and enjoying especially pretty views to the East. At 3.5 miles, turn around on the trail to complete this out-and-back hike, retracing your steps to the parking area. View our GPS record of this hike here on Google Maps.

Getting there: follow Interstate 75 North out of Atlanta to exit 320. Turn left off the exit ramp onto GA 136, following GA 136 for 10.5 miles to the well-marked Pinhoti Trail parking area on your right. GPS Coordinates: 34.666111,-85.066495