FKT: Jason Martin - Georgia Scoop (GA) - 2023-02-21

Georgia Scoop

• I started at 6 pm on Monday, February 20th. My plan was to complete the route unsupported in under 24 hours. I began with around 7,500 calories in my pack, as well as a 16 oz soft flask with a filter and a 1 liter soft flask to fill up before long stretches without water. I started late, knowing that the majority of the route would be traversed in the dark. However, I am familiar with these trails and very comfortable traversing them at night.
• I broke the route into sections, as I find it easier to process this way.
• Miles 1-8. Up first was the Coosa Backcountry, which I was on for about 7 miles or so. Around mile 6, I took the opportunity to fill up with water, which is available year-round. I also consumed around 500 calories at this point.
• Miles 8-25. Next up was the Duncan Ridge Trail, which I stayed on for a good while, from mile 8 to around mile 25. This section of the route is probably the most difficult, in my opinion, as it feels the most remote and water is scarce until you reach mile 25, or Hwy 60. It's important to note that this route utilizes the old sections of the Duncan Ridge Trail, not the reroutes. At Mulky Gap, mile 13, I stopped and consumed around 500 calories. During this section, the weather also started to change, with increasing fog, rain, and worsened visibility. Once I reached Hwy 60, I took the chance to filter some water and fill up my 1 liter soft flask, consuming another 500 calories.
• Miles 25-36. This section of the route utilizes both the Duncan Ridge Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail, and is rather remote. I encountered the most rain during this section, with high winds and a significant temperature drop. At times, my pace slowed due to the river. Around mile 36, I reached the Appalachian Trail, which I would remain on until around mile 79. I took the chance to fill up with water and consume some calories.
• Miles 37-52. This section was rather unremarkable. During this period, the sun was rising and I was able to stop using my headlamp. At Coopers Gap, mile 43, I stopped and consumed some calories. Around mile 45, at Justus Creek, I stopped and filtered about a liter of water. Starting around mile 48, I no longer needed my headlamp. Once I arrived at Woody Gap, mile 52, I rested for about 10 minutes before heading back out and consuming another 500 calories.
• Miles 53-63. This section was rather crowded with thru-hikers, all heading northbound to Maine. It was during this time that fatigue began to set in and I started to get really tired. I took some caffeine to stay awake. Around mile 59, I took the chance to filter a couple liters of water. The descent down Blood Mountain was not memorable, as this section of trail is highly eroded. Once I arrived at Neel Gap, I rested for another 10 minutes or so and consumed around 500 calories.
• Miles 64-79. This section was the most difficult for me. Water was scarce at times and fatigue set in terribly. At times, I found myself dozing along the trail, but I took more caffeine and took my time on some of the more technical downhill sections. Despite feeling very fatigued, I moved rather well. Also, the temperatures started to rise and exposure increased. Around mile 78, I consumed more calories.
• Miles 80 to finish. I reached Hwy 180 in good spirits. My fatigued had passed. Probably because I knew I only had 3 miles or so and one big climb left. I reached the summit of Brasstown Bald a little before 7 pm

According to Strava, my time was 24:54:27.