Georgia · Hiking

Shope Gap

1.2 mi
round trip
438 ft
climb
2,982 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Aug–Nov
best months

Is Shope Gap open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. It doesn't name Shope Gap, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Shope Gap is a short, easy hike in the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia, within the Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area. The State Department of Natural Resources manages the land, and the trail is about 1.2 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 438 feet over the round trip. The route is an out-and-back that starts at a low point of about 2,791 feet and climbs to a high of about 2,982 feet. The steepest stretch comes early, with a 16% grade at about 0.08 miles in. The trail is natural-surfaced, and neither bikes nor horses are allowed. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Blairsville run to highs around 76°F in May and 80°F in September, with October highs near 70°F. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. The Cooper Creek Trail and Hickory Knob Trail both lie about half a mile away, and Cooper Creek Campground is about 1.1 miles off. Paddlers can reach the Toccoa River, roughly 4.8 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Mar–May, Aug–Nov

    Best time to visit Shope Gap

    Best months: March–May and August–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      49° / 25°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      53° / 28°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 34°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      69° / 41°

      11 wet

    5. May

      76° / 50°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 58°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 62°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 61°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 43°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 33°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 29°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Blairsville Exp Stn, GA, 8.3 mi away at 1,949 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Spring 2026 Forest-wide Fire Restrictions

      Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests · Order dated April 23, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026 → lifted Oct 13, 2026 · Forest Service

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