Duncan Ridge Trails
Duncan Ridge Trail (blue blazed) is 20.4-miles long and rated strenuous in trail difficulty. Named after the mountain range Duncan Ridge, which is the longest continuous ridgeline leading off the main Blue Ridge Mountain Range in North Georgia. The trail terminus begins at its furthest western point at Slaughter Mountain, heading westward through Wolf Pen Gap, then crosses Coosa Bald and onto Mulky Gap, intersecting with Benton MacKaye Trail just over the county line. This guide offers three access points to Duncan Ridge Trail within Union County via paved highways or unpaved forestry roadway for the most convenient trail access.
Duncan Ridge Trail access from Neel's Gap to Slaughter Mountain by way of the Appalachian Trail
This is the most convenient access to the west end terminus of Duncan Ridge Trail (blue blazed). There is no parking available to hikers at Neel's Gap's Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center. A parking area is located to the north along US/19/129 just below Neel's Gap at the Byron Herbert Reece Memorial. The Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Trail (also blue blazed) connects to the Appalachian Trail then climbs westward to the summit of Blood Mountain, a total of about 2-miles. The Appalachian Trail (white blazed) continues westward to Slaughter Mountain where the west terminus for the Duncan Ridge Trail begins. This route is suggested for experienced overnight backpackers only.
Wolf Pen Gap and Duncan Ridge Trail
Wolf Pen Gap at 3,260-feet above sea level, is located along GA/180, between Vogel State Park and Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area. Wolf Pen Gap offers access to the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail. Duncan Ridge Trail (blue blaze) is considered a 'long trail' and strenuous in difficulty. The trail extends along the upper Duncan Ridge from south central Union County, to the County's far western edge. Duncan Ridge is the single longest mountain ridgeline leading off the main Blue Ridge Mountain Range. At Wolf-Pen Gap, Duncan Ridge Trail can be accessed along both sides of the roadway with ample parking. An unpaved forestry road next to the western access leads into Coopers Creek Wilderness Area. At the gap the trailhead westward leads into the Coopers Creek Wilderness Area. The trailhead leading eastward travels through the Blood Mountain Wilderness Area.
Mulky Gap and Duncan Ridge Trail
Mulky Gap Road is paved to the entrance of the Chattahoochee National Forest. At this point the roadway is unpaved, steep and often a rough vehicle climb up to Mulky Gap. The Duncan Ridge Trail (blue blazed) crosses Mulky Gap Road and is accessible on either side of the roadway. Parking is fairly limited. This access point works well for either day hikes or overnight backpackers. Trail Rating: strenuous in difficulty
Plan your Trip and Save it in Your Back Pack
Overview of Union County Georgia
Blairsville Georgia, the County Seat
Township of Suches Georgia
Wilderness Areas & Trails
Appalachian Trail Access
Blood Mountain Wilderness
Brasstown Bald & Wilderness
Brasstown Bald Trails
Chattahoochee National Forest
Cooper's Creek Wilderness
Cooper's Creek Wilderness Trails
Duncan Ridge Trails
Community Resources
Farmers Market & Cannery
Butternut Creek Golf Course & Community Center
University of Georgia Department of Agriculture Mountain Research and Educational Center
History & Culture
Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center
Trackrock Archaeological Site
Union County Georgia History
Union County Historical Society & Museum
Lakes, Rivers & Waterfalls
Lake Nottely • Lake Trahlyta • Lake Windfield Scott • Dockery Lake
Nottely River
Parks & Recreation Areas
Meeks Park & Trails
Vogel State Park & Trails
Waterfalls
Scenic Road Trips
Gold City Tour
Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway
Other Union County Scenic Road Trips
Union County Farmers Market in Blairsville GA • Every Tues & Sat ~ June through October
The Union County Farmers Market has over 60 covered vendor spaces in our outdoor setting.
148 Old Smokey Rd • Blairsville, GA • 706.439.6000 • CCFarmersMarket.com
Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Managing Privately Owned Cabins
224 Blue Ridge Dr • McCaysville, GA • 877.628.3353 • www.CuddleUpCabinRentals.com
Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts
Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Juanita Greenspan • Linda Thompson • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole • Marla McCormick • Don Milsaps
Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 ish - 5:00 ish
10079 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC • 828.835.9982 • www.HighlanderGallery.com
Great Mountain Properties & Cabin Rentals in now accepting additional cabins
Whether you purchased your mountain home as an occasional getaway, an investment, or the destination of your future retirement, we realize the importance that it be respected as your home first and foremost.
It is our objective to provide you with both quality property management as well as a rental program to help offset some of the expense of owning a 2nd home. Through the combined knowledge of all of us at Great Mountain Cabin Rentals, we have the expertise to help you understand and create a Great Mountain Cabin Rental.
896 Green Cove Road • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.835.3275 • www.GreatMountainCabinRentals.com
Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips
So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.
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Rafting on the Ocoee River
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Rafting on the Nantahala River
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Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River
Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US.
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Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers
Catch the surge and ride the rapids on the exciting Ocoee River in Tennessee or North Carolina's Nantahala River for an experience you won't forget. Challenge your skills on the high ropes just for the thrill. Sit tall in the saddle for a leisure ride through the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp out or stay in log cabins while letting the kids sleep in groups in one of several bunkhouse's. We will help you create a custom retreat for you or your group.
tara@greatmountainretreats.com • 828.835.3275 • GreatYouthRetreats.com
Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina
When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.
10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.557.1009 • GreatMtnRealEstate.com
Keri Conner, Realtor/Broker
224 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA • 706-964-6470 • RealEstateGeorgiaMountains.com
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