Sassafras Mountain (via Gooch Gap)

The Chattahoochee National Forest is one of two National Forests in the State of Georgia, and it takes its name from the Chattahoochee River whose headwaters begin in the North Georgia mountains. The River and the area were given the name by the English settlers who heard it from the Indians that once lived here.

This hike starts at Gooch Gap and follows the old Appalachian Trail past the site of a pre-90’s era shelter (which has since been removed). The old trail then continues across a creek with a log bridge and then loops up and back to the current and official Appalachian Trail. The route then descends back down to Gooch Gap and a parking area on the current A.T. If you don’t have trail maps that were printed before the early 90’s – don’t try it. The ATC has abandon this re-routed section of the A.T. and it is overgrown in areas.