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+ 73

Georgia Loop

Trail Running Route

Hard
54.59 mi
14,659 ft
A 57-mile trail running circuit touring the finest peaks in North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Georgia Loop tours some of Southern Appalachia's finest peaks along the Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and Duncan Ridge trails for a rugged 57-mile circuit packed with epic views along beautifully-kept singletrack. First-hand accounts, including [this one from 2018]( compare the route to the [Grand Canyon R2R2R]( and warn that it's "not something you just wake up and decide to do one morning." Detailed planning and strategizing are crucial, and a quick online search will yield an endless selection of blogs and other reports from those who have attempted it.

According to []( supported efforts have been documented in the 11 to 12-hour range, while unsupported efforts average closer to 14 or 15 hours. As such, lights are essential, and many runners opt for a late-night or early-morning start with aims to finish by sunset the following day.

The Georgia Loop can be attempted any time of year, though late winter and early spring provide the most favorable weather. Just remember to keep a close eye on the forecast and to bring plenty of layers. Even with a small chance of rain or snow, the highest peaks often yield their own weather patterns, and it's guaranteed that you will get wet at some point. The ability to start a fire and make a temporary shelter can go a long way if you are out during a stretch of cooler weather - a recommendation that holds true for trail runners and backpackers alike.

Given the nature of the run and its many access points, simply pick the closest trailhead to you and begin your run in either direction. Some reports, including [this one]( note a preferred direction of counter-clockwise, while other sections are easier reversed. This version of the run originates at Woody Gap near Dahlonega, which is the preferred start for those driving up from Atlanta. Crew and aid access is also available at several points, though some areas are harder to access without an AWD or 4WD vehicle.

Sources:

Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
Woody Gap to Preacher Rock1.05 mi413 ft7.4%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.57 mi138 ft4.5%
Woody to Jarrard Gap5.25 mi843 ft0.4%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.70 mi413 ft11.1%
Lunsford Gap to Preacher Rock0.29 mi308 ft19.8%
Happy Hollow Cir Climb0.62 mi230 ft7.0%
Happy Hollow Circle Climb0.19 mi171 ft16.2%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.29 mi135 ft8.7%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.42 mi177 ft7.8%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.36 mi203 ft10.7%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.53 mi282 ft10.0%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.34 mi144 ft7.8%
DRT: Descent from AT to Coosa0.68 mi-322 ft-8.9%
Duncan Ridge Rd Climb1.19 mi525 ft8.3%
Duncan Ridge Rd Climb0.50 mi384 ft14.5%
Duncan Ridge Road Climb0.84 mi512 ft11.4%
Duncan Ridge Road Climb0.19 mi131 ft13.0%
Duncan Ridge Road Climb0.59 mi335 ft10.6%
Duncan Ridge Road Climb0.25 mi131 ft9.7%
Ridge Runner Trail Climb0.24 mi207 ft15.8%
Bahn Innsbruck Climb0.53 mi233 ft8.2%
Bahn Innsbruck Climb0.44 mi413 ft17.5%
Us Frst Service Road 264 Climb0.19 mi233 ft22.7%
Benton Mac Kaye Trail Climb0.20 mi230 ft21.4%
Benton Mac Kaye Trail Climb0.19 mi240 ft23.5%
U S F South Climb0.47 mi325 ft12.8%
Benton Mac Kaye Trail Climb0.47 mi335 ft13.3%
Benton MacKaye Trail Climb0.91 mi587 ft12.1%
Benton-Mackaye: Hwy 60 to Swinging Bridge3.15 mi-810 ft-0.7%
Frst Service road 816 Climb0.31 mi141 ft8.4%
Benton Mac Kaye Trail Climb0.67 mi515 ft14.5%
Benton Mac Kaye Trail Climb0.88 mi440 ft9.4%
Benton Mac Kaye Trail Climb0.55 mi253 ft8.6%
Benton MacKaye Trail Climb0.28 mi135 ft9.1%
Benton Mac Kaye Trail Climb0.48 mi384 ft15.0%
Hightower Climb0.28 mi282 ft18.6%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.18 mi135 ft13.5%
Horse Gap Climb II0.96 mi673 ft13.3%
Cooper to Gooch4.36 mi479 ft0.1%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.37 mi131 ft6.7%
Blackwell Creek Climb0.69 mi318 ft8.6%
Gooch to Woody3.39 mi417 ft1.9%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.62 mi164 ft5.0%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.38 mi207 ft10.3%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.71 mi174 ft4.5%