Water from Cooper to Woody Gap

[Man Scout]

I'll be doing an overnight backpacking trip hiking from Cooper to Woody Gap soon. Is there a resource where I can check on the water sources (i.e. to ensure there's actually water) for that route? Have any of you been there recently and can say first hand?

Thanks!

[Chatter98]

Not sure about a site, but I will be going through this area of the A.T. this weekend and can give you an update.

[Dances with Mice]

I'll be doing an overnight backpacking trip hiking from Cooper to Woody Gap soon. Is there a resource where I can check on the water sources (i.e. to ensure there's actually water) for that route? Have any of you been there recently and can say first hand?

Thanks!Check here. (http://www.georgia-atclub.org/trail/water.htm)

[solobip]

Ok, I'll bite, Man Scout. There should be a very reliable water source for you at Justis Creek, (Devil's Kitchen) about 2 miles into your hike, the next source would be Gooch Mtn Shelter, with a usually reliable water source about a .10 of a mile from the shelter and about 3 miles into your hike. I guess you could carry your water in, and camp 1/2 way and have to carry it only 4 miles. Here is a link that may help http://ga.water.usgs.gov/ Hope this helps, but I do not know how long cheese will last on the trail.

[Man Scout]

Not sure about a site, but I will be going through this area of the A.T. this weekend and can give you an update.

I appreciate the offer Chatter98. However, we are going this weekend too so perhaps we'll see you on the trail.


Check here. (http://www.georgia-atclub.org/trail/water.htm)

Perfect! This was exactly the kind of thing I was looking for! Thank you Dances with Mice!


Ok, I'll bite, Man Scout. There should be a very reliable water source for you at Justis Creek, (Devil's Kitchen) about 2 miles into your hike, the next source would be Gooch Mtn Shelter, with a usually reliable water source about a .10 of a mile from the shelter and about 3 miles into your hike. I guess you could carry your water in, and camp 1/2 way and have to carry it only 4 miles. Here is a link that may help http://ga.water.usgs.gov/ Hope this helps, but I do not know how long cheese will last on the trail.

I had forgotten about the Justice Creek source. That's another good link you provided too. By the way solobip, do you happen to know how long cheese...:p

Another thing occurred to me about this trip. Last year they had closed a nearby section (perhaps including this section) to overnight camping due to bear activity. Where can I check to see if this is still the case?

Thanks again!

[Chatter98]

This is one link, I think there is another from the National Park Service http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking/trail-updates. Also, I think the home page of this site also posts updates. I am leaving on Friday to do a Meandering hike from Springer to Unicoi. Little worried about water and such myself. Not sure if I trust the report on Hawks water, this has always been a very stable source.

[daddytwosticks]

Agree w/Chatter98's observation about Hawk Mtn. water. You all may want to PM Fatman...he lives in that area and can give a reliable report about water on this stretch. I'll be paying attention since I'm probably going to hike from Springer to Woody the first weekend in October. :)

[Chatter98]

I think the information for Hawk is the running stream that you hit before you hit the shelter. I have never seen that one wet and always dry. But the harder to find confusing one behind the shelter is almost always at a good run. Also, noticed chease factory is listed as a trickle or slow, the actual blue blaze is dead dry. What they are referring to is the trickle of water coming from a spring about half a mile before you come to the camping site.

[Chatter98]

The only area I am really worried about is woody Gap to Blood Mountain. That is a good slog if having to carry extra water.

[FatMan]

Plenty of water between Cooper Gap and Woody Gap.

As of Sunday

Justus Creek
Blackwell Creek
Gooch Mtn Shelter
Gooch Gap
Grassy Gap

are all low but running.

Firearms Season begins October 15 so if hiking after that be sure to wear blaze orange.

Enjoy you hike!

[daddytwosticks]

Thanks FatMan, great information as always. You wouldn't by chance know the water status at Hawk Mtn. shelter? :)

[FatMan]

Thanks FatMan, great information as always. You wouldn't by chance know the water status at Hawk Mtn. shelter? :)Was there two weeks ago and it was running. I would think it is running now as flows in this area are improving a bit with the cooler weather.

[daddytwosticks]

Thanks very much FatMan. This section of trail is one of my favorites and I usually do a fall hike here every year. :)