The Appalachian Trail, which begins here in Georgia, crosses many of the main roads as it winds its way through the mountains on its way to Maine. Each of these places offers access to good hiking on an uncrowded but well maintained trail.

Hogpen Gap, on the Richard Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348), is a much nicer place than the name would imply. The AT crosses the road here and offers a variety of hiking opportunities on either side of the road. To the east, the trail follows a ridge top course, staying along the tops of mountains and dipping dipping into the gaps between the mountain tops. There is a good bit of uphill and downhill walking, but it isn’t difficult, and the views from the tops are worth the effort. About four miles from the road there is a camping shelter, and nearby, a spring providing safe drinking water. This is the first water on this part of the trail, so carry enough.

On the west side of the road, the trail goes in two directions. A short distance from the road, you come to a place where you have to ge left or right. To the left is a one mile trail that leads to a camping shelter. The first half mile follows a ridge with great views of the long, wide valley below and the line of mountains on the other side. The trail then descends into a gap to the shelter and a spring.

Each shelter has a note box where hikers leave messages for other hikers or their thoughts on various topics for whoever wants to read them. Many are “through hikers”, some just starting north, and others arriving from Maine.

Choosing the trail to the right will take you to Neels Gap, about six miles away on US 19 / GA 129. This is the main trail, and the only part of the trail that is short enough to day hike from road to road, so if you can work out the transportation, you don’t have to retrace your steps.

About ¼ mile after you turn right, the trail curves around the end of the valley, and offers a view that really gets your attention. The valley is about two miles long and half a mile wide, with a mountain range on each side framing it. When you see it, you just want to stop and look at it for awhile. It is one of the most relaxing views you will see in these mountains.

A little farther along, the trail begins a descent into a gap and then climbs back up to the ridges on the far side of the valley. This part of the trail can be pretty strenuous, and you have to go back the way you came.