View Full Version : Unicoi Gap to Deep Gap
I'm planning a 2.5 day section from Unicoi Gap to Deep Gap (32 miles) this weekend (2/12-2/14). I know the weather has been cold and wet down in the mountains, so trying to get some local intel on trail conditions, etc. Thanks in advance!
Hey msujay, was looking at the same section hike and perhaps ending at Mooney Gap. My concern was how to get to Unicoi Gap , the closest place to fly in is gainesville airport and then its another 50 miles to Unicoi Gap, from Mooney Gap is another story..
Was wondering what your itinerary looks like, might be helpful for me.
Thanks
Gambit McCrae
02-08-2021, 09:24
IF it is of help, Ron Brown is a very dependable shuttle driver for GA
did you check if the road to deep gap is open. i heard earlier that it was not.
gambit is right check with ron brown he knows what is passable down there.
IF it is of help, Ron Brown is a very dependable shuttle driver for GA
Thanks Gambit! will make note of it.
Welp, decided to go to Florida with the family instead! Not sure how that happened.
Tennessee Viking
02-10-2021, 09:30
Deep Gap Road usually doesn't open until April.
Gambit McCrae
02-10-2021, 09:47
Welp, decided to go to Florida with the family instead! Not sure how that happened.
With the forecast in the future that's a smart idea. Just canceled my Sheltowee trace hike moments ago
smkymtns
02-11-2021, 12:47
I realize that the OP has changed their plans, but hope this will help others when planning trips. FS Road 71 to Deep Gap is a seasonally accessible road (04/01 - 12/31). Every National Forest has to provide a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) which lists all FS roads that are open, either year-round, seasonally or with vehicles restrictions (like offroad vehicles only). They are astoundingly bad maps but do list the legal roads and open dates. CalTopo has a MVUM overlay and I believe that Gaia does as well. In CalTopo seasonal roads are highlighted in yellow and year-round in green.
47316
The MVUMs are typically listed under the Maps & Publications page for each NF. Here is Nantahala's - https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nfsnc/maps-pubs
I also like to check the National Forest Service alerts for any unexpected closures (the right side-bar on their website). This has saved my bacon more than once and I have been burned by closures enough that I usually remember to check. :D They can be slow to update the alerts, so it always best to call the ranger station to find out if a road is still closed. The Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive status is also good to check before a trip.
An alternative to parking at Deep Gap in the winter would be to park at the back country information center (35.0747, -83.5272) near the Standing Indian campground and hike down the Kimsey Creek trail (4 miles). Really good hike and would be a nice end the trip IMO.