Stanley Gap Trail

Length: 5.5 miles
Rating: Moderate
Use: Light

Hiking Time: About 5 1/2 hours round trip.

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles allowed on trail. Mountain bicyclist are permitted. Trail is designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.

This Southern Appalachian trail offers a pleasant hike through hardwood forest with a variety of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Year round views of surrounding mountains and an overview of Lake Blue Ridge, in winter.

The Stanley Gap Trail begins at Deep Gap (Elev. 2243'). There is a graveled USFS parking area on the west side of Aska road about 100 yards south of the gap. This section of trail begins at the parking lot, and is approximately 15 minutes from Blue Ridge, Georgia. Parking is also available in a small area near Stanley Gap (Elev. 2317') on Rock Creek Road and hike the trail west-east. This parking area is approximately 35 minutes from Blue Ridge, Georgia. Roads to either parking are paved and all-weather dirt-gravel roads suitable for sedans.

This trail is easier to hike when coming from Deep Gap and going toward Stanley Gap.

Directions from Blue Ridge, Georgia:

Travel east on GA Hwy 515, approx. 0.8 miles past intersection with GA Hwy 5. Turn Right at Windy Ridge Rd., go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2 miles to Aska Road on right. Continue south on Aska Read to Deep Gap (4.4 miles). This is the eastern end of the trail. To reach the western end continue south on Aska Road to Stanley Creek Road (3.7 miles). Turn right, and continue west 4.2 miles to parking area 100 yards below Stanley Gap. Stanley Creek Road becomes Rock Creek Road after crossing Fannin/Gilmer County line.