Gooch Mountain Shelter

gooch mountain shelter, gooch mountain

For avid hikers and nature enthusiasts in Georgia, especially those drawn to the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT), Gooch Mountain Shelter represents a significant and welcoming waypoint. Located along the iconic trail near Suches, Georgia, this shelter provides a crucial overnight stop for thru-hikers embarking on their epic journey north from Springer Mountain, as well as for section hikers and adventurous locals exploring the North Georgia mountains. Unlike a traditional campground with vehicle access and multiple amenities, Gooch Mountain Shelter offers a more primitive, backcountry camping experience, in keeping with the spirit of the Appalachian Trail.

What makes Gooch Mountain Shelter particularly special is its thoughtful design and the story behind it. Built in 2001, it was a heartfelt donation in memory of hiker Kurt von Seggern by his family. His aunt, Dolly Hawkins, an architect, played a key role in its design, incorporating practical features like two sleeping levels and an overhanging roof for a covered cooking and eating area. This dedication is evident in its continued good condition and popularity. While a true wilderness experience means embracing nature's elements – including the occasional nocturnal wildlife – Gooch Mountain Shelter remains a cherished and frequently utilized stop for those traversing Georgia's section of the Appalachian Trail.

Gooch Mountain Shelter is nestled along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) near Suches, GA 30572, USA. It is specifically located at approximately AT Mile 15.7 (from Springer Mountain, the southern terminus). The shelter is typically found about 100 yards off the main white-blazed AT, usually marked by a blue blaze side trail.

Accessing Gooch Mountain Shelter is primarily by foot, as it is a backcountry shelter on a long-distance hiking trail. There is no direct vehicle access to the shelter itself. For day hikers or those looking to do a shorter section hike to reach the shelter, common access points include:

• Woody Gap: Located on GA-60, Woody Gap is a popular trailhead with parking. From Woody Gap, Gooch Mountain Shelter is approximately 4.7 to 5 miles south on the AT. The trail from Woody Gap to Gooch Mountain Shelter is rated intermediate to difficult, with rocky terrain and ascents/descents.

• Cooper Gap: This access point involves a gravel forest service road that is generally small-car compliant. From Cooper Gap, hikers can head north on the AT to reach the shelter.

• Three Forks: Further south from Gooch Mountain Shelter, Three Forks is another common starting point for hikers heading north on the AT, passing several other shelters before reaching Gooch.

For Georgians planning a visit, understanding that this is a true backcountry experience is key. The "address" provided is a general geographical marker for the Appalachian Trail in the Suches area, not a drivable location directly to the shelter. Hikers must be prepared for varying trail conditions, including rocky sections and potential creek crossings, and should carry appropriate gear, maps (like the FarOut app, formerly Guthook), and sufficient water.

As a backcountry Appalachian Trail shelter, Gooch Mountain Shelter provides essential, primitive amenities for hikers. It is not a full-service campground in the traditional sense, but rather a vital component of the AT's infrastructure designed to support hikers on their journey.

• Shelter Structure: The main feature is the wooden, open-front shelter itself. Gooch Mountain Shelter is a well-designed double-decker structure, offering two sleeping levels to accommodate multiple hikers (it has a listed capacity of 14 people). It also features an overhanging roof that provides a covered cooking and eating area, protecting hikers from rain and sun.

• Sleeping Platforms: Inside the shelter, hikers lay out their sleeping pads and bags on wooden platforms. There are no individual bunks or private rooms; it is a communal sleeping space.

• Composting Privy: A "state of the art moldering privy" (backcountry outhouse) is located a short distance (typically 50-100 yards) from the shelter. These are basic, non-flushing toilets designed to manage human waste in a sustainable way in the wilderness.

• Water Source: A reliable water source, typically a spring or stream, is located nearby (often around 100 yards behind the shelter). Hikers must treat all natural water sources before consumption (e.g., filtering, boiling, or chemical treatment).

• Tent Pads/Campsites: In addition to the shelter, there are usually designated tent pads or flat areas for campers who prefer to pitch their own tents rather than sleep in the communal shelter. This offers an alternative for those seeking more privacy or avoiding shelter crowds and potential critters.

• Bear Cables/Food Hoists: To protect food and scented items from bears and other wildlife, the shelter site typically includes bear cables or food hoist systems. Hikers are strongly encouraged, and often required, to hang their food properly.

• Picnic Table/Cooking Area: An outdoor picnic table is usually available for cooking and socializing, often under the covered deck area of the shelter.

• Shelter Log Book: Inside the shelter, hikers will typically find a log book where they can sign in, leave messages, and read entries from previous travelers.

• No Electricity/Running Water/Trash Services: It's crucial to understand that there is no electricity, running water (beyond the natural source), or trash disposal at the shelter. Hikers must practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out all trash, including food scraps.

• Strategic Appalachian Trail Location: Gooch Mountain Shelter is a key stopping point for thru-hikers early in their journey on the AT in Georgia, making it a place where many new trail friendships begin. For section hikers, it offers a tangible goal for a multi-day hike.

• Thoughtful Design and Construction: The shelter was designed by an architect family member and built with extensive volunteer hours by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC). Its double-decker design provides ample space for a backcountry shelter, and the overhanging roof is highly practical for inclement weather.

• Communal Hiker Experience: Staying at an AT shelter offers a unique opportunity to connect with other hikers, share stories, and experience the camaraderie of the trail. The shared space fosters a strong sense of community, especially for those just starting their thru-hike.

• Well-Maintained Structure: Despite being a backcountry facility, reviewers often commend the shelter's good condition, a testament to the ongoing maintenance by the GATC and volunteers.

• Reliable Water Source and Privy: Access to a natural water source (requiring treatment) and a composting privy are essential for backcountry camping, and Gooch Mountain Shelter reliably provides these.

• Scenic North Georgia Setting: The surrounding area offers beautiful views of the North Georgia mountains, particularly through bare trees in cooler months, providing a quintessential Appalachian experience.

• Tent Camping Options: For those who prefer sleeping in a tent, designated tent pads around the shelter offer additional options, providing a bit more privacy than the communal shelter.

However, it is important to acknowledge a common aspect of all AT shelters, also noted in reviews for Gooch Mountain Shelter:

• Mice Activity: It is common for AT shelters, including Gooch Mountain, to have mice. Hikers should take precautions to protect their food and gear by using bear cables or hard-sided containers. As one reviewer humorously noted, "Other hikers were having a good time & laughing about the mice that live on/around the shelter," highlighting that this is a known and often accepted part of the backcountry experience.

Address: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Suches, GA 30572, USA

Phone: There is no direct phone number for Gooch Mountain Shelter itself, as it is a backcountry structure on a hiking trail.

For general inquiries about the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, or for information about shelters and trail conditions, it is best to contact organizations responsible for trail maintenance and management:

• Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC): The GATC is responsible for maintaining the AT in Georgia, including shelters like Gooch Mountain. Their website often provides valuable resources, updates, and contact information for general inquiries.

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC): The overarching organization for the entire AT. Their website offers extensive resources for hikers, including information on shelters, permits (where required), and Leave No Trace principles.

• U.S. Forest Service (Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest): As the shelter is located within the national forest, their local offices can also be a source of information regarding forest regulations and conditions.

Given that there is no direct contact for the shelter, hikers are encouraged to rely on detailed guidebooks, online resources, and hiking apps like FarOut for up-to-date information on water sources, shelter conditions, and trail notices. Emergency services would be accessed via standard emergency protocols (e.g., 911) if needed, but hikers should always carry appropriate safety and navigation equipment.

For Georgians passionate about hiking and experiencing the true essence of the Appalachian Trail, Gooch Mountain Shelter offers a profoundly suitable and rewarding experience. This isn't a typical "campground" in the sense of car-accessible sites and extensive modern amenities; instead, it provides an authentic backcountry stay that is integral to the AT experience. For locals, especially those looking to undertake a section hike or introduce themselves to the challenges and rewards of long-distance backpacking, Gooch Mountain Shelter serves as an excellent and highly accessible entry point.

The shelter's design, crafted in memory of a fellow hiker and maintained by dedicated volunteers, embodies the spirit of the trail. Its well-kept structure, communal sleeping area, and essential facilities like a privy and nearby water source provide the fundamental comforts needed after a day of hiking. While the presence of mice is a common and almost expected characteristic of such wilderness shelters, it’s often embraced as part of the authentic backcountry charm, as highlighted by a reviewer's amusement at "the mice that live on/around the shelter."

For Georgians, Gooch Mountain Shelter is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity to connect with the hiking community, share stories with thru-hikers from around the world, and truly disconnect from urban life. Its accessibility via popular trailheads like Woody Gap makes it feasible for weekend trips, allowing local outdoor enthusiasts to experience a genuine segment of the Appalachian Trail. By embracing the simple, rugged beauty of this backcountry oasis, Georgians can find a deep sense of accomplishment and connection with nature, making Gooch Mountain Shelter a highly recommended destination for those seeking an authentic and challenging outdoor adventure in our own North Georgia mountains.

Gooch Mountain Shelter

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Suches, GA 30572, USA