March 11, 2025
Logan Turnpike & Whitley Gap Shelter Trails
near Blairsville, GA
We hiked two dissimilar trails in one day connected by the Appalachian Trail. The first hike up, along, and down Wildcat Mountain from Hogpen Gap was fairly easy. The trail was in very good condition, and we had good views at a couple of points along the ridge of Wildcat Mountain. Then we took a chance in hiking the Logan Turnpike Trail. "The Logan Turnpike was a toll road in Georgia that connected Cleveland to Blairsville from 1821 until the 1920s. It was a vital trade route for the region, allowing isolated communities to trade with towns." We chose to hike down the old turnpike road bed instead of the established Forest Service trail. This portion of the trail was an "adventure" with no maintenance and covered mostly with very large rocks, but also having numerous large blowdowns along the way. The rest of the trail following along the scenic Town Creek is also quite rocky, but with fewer blowdowns. We turned around at "Six Foot Falls. While small, it was still a nice reward for our efforts. However, the constant travel over these rocks and steep descents and inclines, especially when returning the last 1.5 miles up to Tesnatee Gap, made this a difficult and tiring hike. Late fall through early spring is the best time to hike Logan Turnpike. We did see some Trillium poking through the leaf cover. I cannot say "good job" enough to today's hikers on completing this hike.
Today's Hikers: Gregg Nuessly, Gerald Richardson, Jenny Bell, Heather Wall & Toby, Jane Brown, Matt Henderson & Toby, Mike Bell
The route
5.3 mi · 1,388 ft climbing · 5h 32m out, 3h 44m walking · 1.4 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
27 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (27)
The old road bed of the 1820 -1920 Logan Turnpike Today's Adventure Hikers (L-R): Gregg, Gerald, Jenny, Heather & Toby, Jane, Mike, Matt & Toby. The Whitley Gap Shelter Trail from Hogpen Gap in the Raven Woods Wilderness Area is our first hike today. An easy climb up Wildcat Mountain compared to what we will hike later in the day. A view of Cowrock taken by Gregg Nuessly from Wildcat Mtn. Hanging around a viewpoint from Wildcat Mtn. Looks like both Tobys are anxious to get going.. From another viewpoint further down the trail, I believe Heather is trying to get a better view above the treeline. This treeline again looking to the west and Cowrock. Heading down the trail we pass by this interesting tree and then through a Mountain Laurel tunnel. How did this Crocus get up on the AT as we start down Wildcat Mtn? Photo by Gregg Nuessly From a rock outcrop on the AT, checking out the draw along which the Logan Turnpike travels. Photo by Gregg Nuessly. And here's that view of the "draw" we're getting ready to hike down and back. Doesn't look so bad . . . not so fast. Gregg Nuessly checking out the AT campsite as we proceed down Wildcat Mtn. Trailhead for the Logan Turnpike Trail at Tesnatee Gap And here we go down the orginal Logan Turnpike, not the trail. Several pictures by Heather Wall of the original 1820 Logan Turnpike with rock embankments, blowdowns and large rock trail surface. More blowdowns anyone? Photos by Jane Brown of the rock embankment on the original Logan Turnpike and a spring near where the turnpike joins the established trail. That's one way to get these pooches attention. Finally, break time where the Logan Turnpike joins the established trail. The missus is still smiling . . . for now. Heather found this very small and neatly made bird's nest lying in the trail. Bird type anyone??? Heading down to see Six-Foot Falls we are paralleling Town Creek, small, but pleasant sounding and with numerous cascades as we hike south. We are on the official Logan Turnpike Trail which is a bit easier on the feet, but still with plenty of rocks, blowdowns and active drainage down the middle of the trail. We spot these almost blooming Trillium along a sunny section of the lower trail. Bottom photo by Gregg Nuessly. Finally, Six-Foot Falls. Not spectacular, but still nice. Now for the 1.5 mile uphill, rocky return hike. Hey, a real blooming wildflower, Buttercup.