Hike to Hogpen Gap

Hogpen Gap is one of six "Gaps" of North Georgia. If you are planning to go on this trip from town, you will be starting from a parking lot at the bottom of the trailhead. If you happen to be thru-hiking on the AT, you just take an extra half-mile of your hike and begin following the blue blazes. This is an easy hike ranging about a mile from the trailhead starting off with a steady incline that levels off quite nicely. Once you begin from the road, follow the Hogpen Gap sign (pictured above) and trek through the rocky trail. You will eventually get to the top of the steady incline and be faced with another wooden sign that reads, "Whitley Gap Shelter". Go left at that sign and follow the blue blazes. You will begin to worm your way through a beautiful trail filled with forest scenery and glimpses of the breath-taking view through the small windows in between trees.

The trail will open up immensely and you will immediately know you are at the gap. There is a nice campsite at the top with plenty of places to hammock or lay down a tent for an overnight stay. Across from the fire pit is the open rock ground with the amazing view of the mountains.

For an extra amazing view, you need to back down the way you came and you will see a side trail on the left side that will open up to a wider view of the valley below the main overlook. Be careful because it is very steep here. 

This adventure can be done at anytime. The main overlook has lots of foliage during the later spring/summer. The pictures above show the Summer and late Fall, both of which look amazing in their own way. 

If you plan to stay overnight, bring firewood and a firestarter!