February 17, 2026
Blue Ridge Gap to Bly Gap on the Appalachian Trail
near Hiawassee, GA
Another "great day for a hike" with perfect weather, sunny, 40-62 °F, and a trail in very good condition. The trail is an mostly gentle, 3.4-mile climb up to Bly Gap with a few short steep sections making the hike moderately difficult. However, the path was easy on the feet with very few exposed rocks and roots. As a ridgeline trail, we had nice views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The "Level Tree" is still at Bly Gap. As best I can find, it got its name for its distinctive, horizontal, 'level' limb that stretches out dramatically, marking the state line." The biggest challenge of this hike is the 1-mile dirt Forest Service road to Hightower Gap that has a few deep washouts requiring a higher clearance vehicle. We met two AT "through hikers" on our return from Bly Gap, a pleasant surprise, with one later catching a ride with us to Hiawassee.
Today's Hikers: Matt Henderson & Toby, Lynn Steele, Heather Wall & Toby, Angela Evans, Allyson Aldrich, Jenny Bell, John Cape, Linda Shultz, Jack Treadman & Mike Bell.
The route
6.9 mi · 1,316 ft climbing · 4h 18m out, 3h 38m walking · 1.9 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
15 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (15)
What? You missed the vortex and this view of "the Level Tree" at Bly Gap? Today Hikers (L-R): Matt & Toby, Lynn, Heather & Toby, Angela, Allyson, Jenny, John, Linda, Mike & Jack. After a slow 1-mile bumpy drive on the last section of Charlies Creek Road, we finally made it to the Blue Ridge Gap trailhead. Mostly uphill, but not all that steep, for the first 3.4 miles. Walking along a ridgeline, there were views of the mountains through the open tree canopy. Enough with the photos Mike. Let's get moving. Still going up. A very nice day and trail. Matt spotted a short side trail to a rock overlook. That's Hightower Bald in the background. This sign is further up the trail than the border shown on our maps. We're there. This is what the Level Tree really looked like. I don't see any level limbs though. Headed back We met a couple of AT thru-hikers. She was from Waynesville, NC and Jason was from Maryland. Almost there. Good job everyone! A "tail" of two "Tobys." Great company and energetic trail-dogs.