March 31, 2026
Unicoi Gap via AT to Indian Grave Gap then to Andrews Cove
near Hiawassee, GA
It was a mild and cloudy day for our hike with temperatures in the 60's. The AT was in great shape with no blowdowns due to the continuous efforts of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Nevertheless, the first half of the hike to Indian Grave Gap was quite rocky, as expected, in addition to the steep climb for the first 1.2 miles. Our decent to Andrews Cove was also rocky for the first third of its length. We encountered only five AT thru-hikers, two from Ohio, one from Texas and the other two unknown. There were several types of wildflowers including many Toadshade Trillium in the early stages of blooming. Views of the surrounding terrain were limited by significant haze. However, it was still a pleasant, but moderate to difficult hike.
Today's hikers: Sue Vaughn, Angela Evans, Jack Treadman, Jenny Bell, Edwin Pruitt, Pam Hembree, Gregg Nuessly, Beth Hawkins, Terre Pratt & Mike Bell.
The route
4.9 mi · 1,089 ft climbing · 3h 25m out, 2h 54m walking · 1.7 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%
20 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (20)
Monument to the Appalachian Trail and sign post for our hike. Today's Hikers (L-R): Sue, Angela, Jack, Mike, Jenny, Edwin, Pam, Gregg, Beth & Terre. Getting ready at Unicoi Gap. Up we go. Still no significant leafing-out of the deciduous trees and shrubs at this time. One our first of many Toadshade Trillium sightings. Some Blood Root too. Plenty of Star Chickweed. Rocky Mountain is definitely rocky. No clear distant views on this hike. Hiking around the south side of Rocky Mountain on the way to Indian Grave Gap. One of my favorite wildflowers, Bluet . . . but then, I like blue flowers of any type. No blooms but this Clustered mountain-mint attacked Angela. Nice scent, too. Reaching Indian Grave Gap, there were some folks providing "trail magic" for the AT-thru hikers. Just a short break at Indian Grave Gap. Other wildflowers seen today, clockwise from 10 o'clock: Robin's-Plantain, Halberd-leaf yellow violet, Broadleaf Toothwort & Bitter-Cress. Headed down the Andrews Cove Trail after our break. We paralleled Andrews Creek hearing and seeing occasional small waterfalls I took a short side path down to Andrews Creek hoping to see a larger waterfall, but did find a small cascade. This large clump of Golden Ragwort on Andrews Creek at trail's end was a pleasant surprise. The end!