August 25, 2026
Woody Gap to Dockery Lake
We made the most of today’s sunny, cooler temperatures—67° to 78°—with a hike near Suches, Georgia. The first stretch was up the Appalachian Trail where it was in good condition thanks to the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. The remaining two-thirds down the Dockery Lake Trail was more varied with no obvious maintenance and mixed trail conditions. The roughest part was a very rocky one-mile section soon after leaving Miller Gap, where the trail intersects the AT. Several small blowdowns crossed the trail, but all were easy to pass. This section also included several small wet drainage crossings and one creek crossing, none of which were difficult. The hike had two main moderate climbs: an initial 1.3-mile climb on the AT and a final 1.6-mile climb approaching Dockery Lake. The waterfall just downstream from Dockery Lake Dam was barely visible and still heavily blocked by blowdowns, debris, and overgrowth. A few late-season wildflowers appeared along the way. Despite the mixed trail conditions, this moderately difficult hike was a pleasant walk in the woods.
Today's Hiker's: Edwin Pruitt; Heather Wall & Toby, Sue Vaughn, Gerald Richardson, Jane Voss, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jenny Bell, Gregg Nuessly, Allyson Aldrich, Jack Treadman, Angela Evans and Mike Bell.
The route
7.6 mi · 1,019 ft climbing · 5h 10m out, 3h 43m walking · 2.1 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%
24 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (25)
View to the east from Preacher's Rock. Photo by Jane Voss. Today's Hiker's (L-R): Edwin; Heather & Toby, Sue, Gerald, Jane, Matt & Toby, Jenny, Gregg, Allyson, Jack, Angela & Mike Getting ready at Woody Gap The AT was the best kept section of this hike and not that steep either. First seen wildflowers. Left: Phlox; Right: American bellflower From 10 o'clock, clockwise: White Snakeroot; White Wood Aster; Southern harebell; Flowering spurge An early view to the east as we climb to Preacher's Rock. Almost there! Time to enjoy the view from Preacher's Rock. A more northeasterly view from Preacher's Rock. As we proceed past Preacher's Rock, this Hairy alumroot growing atop this rock outcrop caught my attension. Couple of the day . . . OK, the only couple today, but a great spot for a picture. The downslope along this section of the AT was covered with beautiful ferns. We always enjoy the company of the two Tobys. We start the second leg of our hike at Miller Gap down to Dockery Lake. Thanks to Heather and others for clearing our path of Joro spiders today. After hiking a mile downhill on a very rocky path, we walked along a boulder-strewn drainage areas with small cascades Occasionally we have to rock-hop over a few wet crossings, this at Pigeon Roost Creek being the largest of them. The path improves. But there were still some blowdowns to challenge us. One of my favorite wildflowers this time of the year, the Downy lobelia. As we approach a waterfall just above Dockery Lake, now almost totally hidden by blowdowns and overgrowth. As we finish our hike, we pass by Dockery Lake. Photo by Jane Voss. Jane spots this Sunflowers along the bank of Dockery Lake. Matt's Toby cooling it . . . smart dog.