December 13, 2022
Arkaquah Trail from Brasstown Bald to Track Rock Gap
After a brief foggy start, the skies cleared and we had great weather with mostly clear skies, light breezes, and cool temperatures of 40-50 degrees. The trail was in overall good condition, but as noted by other hikers, there was one washed out section of the trail at 2.3 miles requiring the use of rope lines to descend . There were two sections of the trail with moderate inclines. The last 1.1 miles to Trac Rock Gap was a continuous moderate descent on switchbacks. As can be expected in this section of Georgia and since it's designated as a wilderness area, there are sections that are wet and slippery from drainage and leaves, Some rock hopping is required. Generally, this a moderately difficult hike. Even though the trail was mostly a descent, this 5.6-mile hike seemed like a 7-mile hike instead! Since much of the trail was along a ridgeline, once the fog lifted, there were very nice views to the north and south, even through the trees. Even in late fall, there were numerous natural curiosities along the trail in rock formations, odd tree growth, and persistent vegetation.
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The route
5.7 mi · 627 ft climbing · 4h 14m out, 3h 12m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (26)
A view to the south from the Arkaquah Trail. Photo by Heather Wall. Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Roger, Ray, Ken, Gerald & Heather; Front:Trushna, Vic, Mike, Michele & Jenny A foggy start today. This was it for trail signage. No blazes either, but then this is a wilderness, too. Trail conditions at the start. Mushrooms on and below a rock outcrop. One of the first of several rock outcrops with a bit of a view. A view of the foggy valley to the south from the previous rock outcrop. Trail conditions a bit further on. Not as bad as it may seem. Gerald checking out the unusual tree over the trail. Roger and Mike passing through a narrow rock gauntlet along the trail. Not the only one to be encountered. A nice view along the ridge as the morning progressed. Roger descending along an interesting rock wall with moss on the bottom and yellow lichen above. Waiting near the washout. Using rope lines to climb down the washed out section. It was wet and quite slippery! A good view of the washed out section. A really large oak along the trail. Nature's modern art. Break time! A couple of steep climbs today. More views from the trail. Hey, its Brasstown Bald seen toward the end of our hike. A forest nymph perhaps?? Hanging around just prior to our descent from Buzzard Roost Ridge toward our finish at Trac Rock Gap. A curious tree indeed! Looks like this tree ate a Forest Service sign . . . yummy!