Dicks Creek Gap/US 76 - Safe Parking

[BigRing]

Planning a section hike of Georgia with friends in June. We want to park our vehicles for 6-7 days near Dicks Creek Gap on US 76 and catch a shuttle to Springer, then hike north.

Shuttle arrangements are being made, but still looking for recommendations for safe parking.

...suggestions?

[Ankle Bone]

I have parked there for 1-2 days and no issue. Parking lot is on county line, and I've heard it is a turn around for both county cops.

Safer bet is always to park at Amicaloa (sp?), shuttle to Dicks Creek Gap, and hike southbound.

[generoll]

Dicks Creek has always been safe, but there's always a first time. There are also options to park at your shuttlers. This would require an extra (short) shuttle and would kind of tie you to that shuttler. The simplest as mentioned is to leave your car at Amicalola and include the approach trail in your hike. Personally I'd sooner park at Dicks Creek then Springer. YMMV

[max patch]

I agree that the safest option is to hike SOBO to AFSP. It would be my first choice.

I've never had an issue parking at Dicks Creek and wouldn't be afraid to park there for a week; it is on the main road between Clayton and Hiawassee so I suppose you would have the risk of a smash and grab by a meth head.

Another option would be to leave for car at Ron Havens hotel in Hiawassee, but then you have the issue of hitching or paying for another shuttle when you finish at Dicks.

[entirelynutz]

There are a couple of safety ratings for the area here: http://rohland.homedns.org/at/state/state_detail/AT_state_detail.aspx?stateID=5 &sectionID=29 (http://rohland.homedns.org/at/state/state_detail/AT_state_detail.aspx?stateID=5%20&sectionID=29)