Atlanta TrailsbyTrailful Outdoor Co
Hiking Trails in Georgia

Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap, NC

Backpack the Appalachian Trail from Dicks Creek Gap to Georgia’s northern border at Bly Gap, visiting a gnarled old oak near the state line and passing a number of fantastic backpacking campsites.

georgia hiking trails: 6 or more miles 17.4 miles
(round trip)
? Your mileage may vary! Accuracy of your GPS device, weather conditions, and stops along your route will affect your own recorded distance.
georgia hiking trails: moderate to difficultmore
difficult
?Our difficulty estimate, based on distance, terrain, elevation change, & ease of wayfinding. May vary daily due to weather, trail reroutes, downed trees, etc.
georgia hiking trails: dog-friendly Dog-
friendly
?Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Check out more of our favorite dog-friendly trails in Georgia for a great hike with your pup.

LOCATION:near Hiawassee, Georgia

PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list

OFFICIAL MAP: Appalachian Trail, Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.)

Winding through Georgia’s rolling southern Appalachian Mountains, the Appalachian Trail catches stunning summit views from legendary mountains like Blood and Cowrock, and dives into beautiful creek valleys like Three Forks on its northbound journey toward Bly Gap. This hike on Georgia’s northernmost stretch of the AT lacks an impressive summit view like some of its more southern segments. But this stretch of the famed trail explores mile after mile of beautiful, fern-and-moss-filled forests. Numerous campsites flank the trail, making it a great overnight backpacking trip. And highlights on this adventure include the Plum Orchard AT shelter, and crossing the North Carolina state line to visit to a gnarled, old oak tree at Bly Gap.

Appalachian Trail: hike from Dicks Creek Gap this gnarled old oak at Bly Gap on the NC state line

It’s a scenic adventure, for sure. Just not in the ‘stunning summit views’ way. It spans over 17 miles, round trip, with plenty of rolling climbs. This hike is a fantastic workout and makes for a great trail run, too.

Backpack the Appalachian Trail from Dicks Creek Gap to Georgia's northern border at Bly Gap, visiting a gnarled old oak near the state line and passing a number of fantastic backpacking campsites. #hiking #trailrunning #camping #backpacking #northgeorgia #atlanta #georgia #travel #outdoors #adventure

The Appalachian Trail at Dicks Creek Gap

The adventure begins at Dicks Creek Gap on Highway 76 just east of Hiawassee (view maps and driving directions). From the gap, the hike follows the Appalachian Trail’s signature white trail blazes northeast.

The hike follows the meanders of a small stream, a tributary of Dick’s Creek. Downstream, the creek cascades in the stunning waterfall at Dicks Creek Falls. The trail climbs elevation steadily, passing the first of many campsites at under a half-mile. It descends briefly before beginning a second climb toward Little Bald Knob and passing a second campsite at 1 mile. The hike crests again at 1.35 miles before plunging yet again, following a creek on the left and another campsite at just under 1.5 miles.

Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap, NC

The trail crosses through Cowart Gap at 1.75 miles, passing campsites before beginning a considerable, unwavering climb. The trail reaches Buzzard Knob at 3 miles after passing a small rock outcrop on the trail’s right side. Rolling elevation through dense groves of rhododendron, the hike reaches Plum Orchard Gap at 4.35 miles.

A blue-blazed side trail departs on the trail’s right side, hiking a short quarter-mile eastbound to the Plum Orchard Gap shelter and Plum Orchard Creek.

Numerous campsites speckle the grounds at Plum Orchard Gap, offering a great midpoint camping spot before reaching the state line.

Plum Orchard Gap Shelter: hike the Appalachian Trail from Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap on the NC GA state line

Departing the gap, the AT climbs to crest the curiously named As Knob, passing through a forest filled with fern and gnarled mountain laurel and descending to Blue Ridge Gap. Hiking through Blue Ridge Gap, the AT crosses a gravel road and ascends elevation. The AT passes two off-trail campsites and a trickling spring near Rich Cove Gap at 6.5 miles.

The trail rolls elevation over the next two miles, steadily climbing toward the Georgia border. A large, mossy, gray rock outcrop towers over the trail just before the hike the AT crosses the Georgia – North Carolina state line at 8.5 miles.

Now in North Carolina, the AT continues to climb towards Bly Gap. The trail passes a campsite on the right before arcing northeast, reaching Bly Gap and a gnarled, old oak tree at 8.7 miles. Just past the tree, a small clearing provides limited views of the distant rolling peaks of the Nantahala National Forest. From here, the Appalachian Trail continues its northbound journey through North Carolina, climbing through dense rhododendron thickets to the summit of Standing Indian Mountain, rolling through Carter Gap near the tumbling waterfall at Big Laurel Falls, and climbing to exceptional, 360-degree panoramic views at Albert Mountain, catching views from the mountain’s historic steel fire lookout tower.

From here, this hike turns to retrace its outbound steps on the AT, reaching Dicks Creek Gap at 17.4 miles and completing the adventure.



Campsites

Campsites frequently dot this stretch of the AT, and the trail’s out-and-back length makes a great weekend backpacking trip. Our favorite site? The campsites near Rich Cove Gap, at 6.5 miles outbound from Dicks Creek Gap, They’re large, shady, and accommodate several tents. There’s a spring nearby, and ample room to hang a few ENO hammocks for some incredible mid-hike relaxation.

ADVENTURE INTO HIAWASSEE

Before hitting the trail, swing into town to get your last-minute essentials for a night under the stars at our hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee, Trailful Outdoor Co. We carry a selection of quality hiking and backpacking gear, from fuel canisters, stoves, and backpacking food to sleeping pads, sleeping bags, tents, and Osprey day packs and backpacks.

Already set for the trip? Head into town after the adventure to refuel at one of the great restaurants in Hiawassee. And then stop by Trailful to say hello to the Atlanta Trails crew! We’ve got a wall full of free trail info that features our favorite nearby waterfalls, mountain summits, and Appalachian Trail sections to help you find your next adventure. And we carry a wide selection of locally-made mountain and hiking-themed goods and gifts. We’d love to see you!


 
Leave No Trace: Atlanta Trails, Asheville Trails and Trailful are official Leave No Trace partners

Please Remember

Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.

Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap Map, Directions & Details

This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route.

Love the trail?

This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use!

Driving Directions



Parking

Free parking is available at the Dicks Creek Gap trailhead.


GPS Coordinates

34.912300, -83.618717     //     N34 54.738 W83 37.123

Elevation Profile

Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap Elevation Profile
 

Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. His mission? To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty.