Appalachian Forest Trek Expedition
CATEGORY
Traverse
SEASON
Summer
LOCATION
Fontana Dam, NC to Unicoi Gap, GA
DATE
Aug 16, 2025
EXPEDITION ITINERARY: APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION: GA TO NC
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: end-to-end traverse
TRIP DURATION: 7 days
TOTAL ESTIMATED MILEAGE: ~96 miles
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: advanced
TERRAIN TYPE: forest locked
- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): +18,500 ft
- Start and end trailhead: Unicoi Gap, GA to Fontana Dam, NC
- GPS coordinates: 34.7285, -83.7371 to 35.4493, -83.8099
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PERMITS & ENTRY
- Requirement: No permits required for this route
- Issuing agency/jurisdiction: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- Alternate options if permit unavailable: N/A
Verify with Appalachian Trail Conservancy backcountry/permits page or office.
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SHUTTLE / TRANSPORTATION
- Nearest major access point: ATL - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Pre-hike basecamp: Helen, GA for acclimation, resupply, stove fuel
- Trail access type: point-to-point
- Parking: Fontana Dam, overnight allowed, secure
- Shuttle/local transport: Private shuttle recommended - book 2 weeks in advance
- Recommended direction: Unicoi Gap to Fontana Dam
- Post-hike basecamp: Fontana Village Resort, NC
- Backup transport: Taxi/rideshare from nearest town
- Fuel & restricted items: Available in Helen, GA; airlines restrict fuel transport
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DAYS 1–3: UNICOI GAP, GA TO NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER, NC
- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 47 miles, +9,300 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Appalachian Trail
- Terrain description: Predominantly forested with rolling climbs and ridges
- Notable features or side quests: Tray Mountain, Standing Indian Mountain
- Campsites:
- Night 1: Tray Mountain Shelter – 4,430 ft – Spring nearby
- Night 2: Standing Indian Shelter – 4,780 ft – Stream nearby
- Night 3: Wesser Bald Shelter – 4,627 ft – Spring nearby
- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear activity common; use bear canisters
- Trail tip: Monitor altitude effects on group member with allergy
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DAYS 4–5: NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER TO BROWN FORK GAP
- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 22 miles, +5,100 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Appalachian Trail
- Terrain description: Challenging ascents with shaded sections
- Notable features or side quests: Nantahala Gorge vistas
- Campsites:
- Night 4: Locust Cove Gap – 3,800 ft – Nearby stream
- Night 5: Brown Fork Gap – 4,170 ft – Stream nearby
- Wildlife or safety notes: Check for ticks, especially on dogs
- Trail tip: Plan for longer water carries if dry season
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DAYS 6–7: BROWN FORK GAP TO FONTANA DAM
- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 27 miles, +4,100 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Appalachian Trail
- Terrain description: Series of descending paths and forested corridors
- Notable features or side quests: Fontana Lake views
- Campsites:
- Night 6: Cable Gap Shelter – 3,562 ft – Stream nearby
- Night 7: Fontana Dam Shelter – 1,709 ft – Proximity to Fontana Lake
- Wildlife or safety notes: Monitor for adverse weather; possible extraction points along main road crossings
- Trail tip: Take a rest and enjoy Fontana Lake before final descent
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CAMPSITE INTEL
- Camp names and elevation: Tray Mountain Shelter (4,430 ft), Standing Indian Shelter (4,780 ft), Wesser Bald Shelter (4,627 ft), Locust Cove Gap (3,800 ft), Brown Fork Gap (4,170 ft), Cable Gap Shelter (3,562 ft), Fontana Dam Shelter (1,709 ft)
- Fire restrictions: Adhere to shelter area guidelines
- Bear safety and food storage: Use bear cables where available
- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Tray Mountain, Wesser Bald
- Noise level or solitude factor: Generally quiet; shelters may have thru-hiker traffic
- Nearest water source: Springs or streams at each campsite
Dog policy: Dogs allowed on leash; watch for wildlife interactions
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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES
- Typical temps: 60°F - 80°F (August)
- Sun exposure: Moderate, forest canopy provides cover
- Acclimatization tips: Ideal window for monitoring bee sting allergies due to lower altitude
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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)
List tailored to terrain and season
- Navigation tools (map, compass)
- Water filtration system
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Fire starter and matches
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Shelter system (tent, tarp)
- Insulating layers
- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)
Pro tips: Consider dog paw protection; bring extra water for dogs; monitor any reaction to bee stings closely
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OPTIONAL UPGRADES
- Scenic side trips: Wesser Bald lookout tower
- Photo-worthy moments: Sunrise from Tray Mountain
- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Enjoy a meal at Fontana Village's dining options
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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY
- Trail hours per day: 6-9 hours
- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise, evening rest
- Estimated calories burned per day: 3,000 calories
- Water needed per person: 3-4 liters
- Recommended pack weight range: 30-35 lbs
Medical & accessibility considerations: Monitor bee allergy; extraction plans aligned with road crossings.
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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.
Your expedition awaits, 15-20.
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Missions: Field Debriefs
Every mission here has been completed, but the terrain still speaks. Proceed with respect.
