Neel Gap and Mountain Crossings
Where the Appalachian Trail passes through a stone building, with Blood Mountain hikes and hiker resupply
The short answer
Why Neel Gap is worth the stop
Mountain Crossings says the Appalachian Trail passes through its building, marking the only covered portion of the whole trail. Even if you never plan to hike more than a mile, standing in that stone breezeway with a thru-hiker's pack leaning on the wall next to you makes the trail feel real. The pass sits on US 19/129 above 3,000 feet, so it's also a cool place to pull over in summer and a good stop on a loop to Vogel State Park.
For northbound hikers it's the first real checkpoint, about 30 miles from Springer Mountain, where heavy packs meet reality. That's what the staff are known for: they're mostly former thru-hikers who'll look over your gear and tell you what to leave behind. Call the store about one-on-one trip planning appointments.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Address | 12471 Gainesville Highway, Blairsville, GA 30512 (US 19/129) |
| Phone | 706-745-6095 |
| Store hours | Listed as 9 AM to 5 PM daily; hours can change by season, so call ahead |
| Hostel | $35 a night including tax; bunk, shower and towel; first come, first served; no pets |
| Mail drops | Held up to 14 days; $10 holding fee and photo ID at pickup |
| From Helen | About 35 minutes (roughly 25 miles) |
From the store's hiker information page.
The Walasi-Yi Center
The story behind the stone building
The Civilian Conservation Corps began building the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center in 1934 and finished in 1937, the same year the Appalachian Trail was completed. It served as a dining hall and inn until the mid-1960s, was nearly torn down in the 1970s, and was saved by locals. Mountain Crossings opened in it in 1983. The name is usually explained as Cherokee for roughly "place of the frog," a nod to local legend.
Out front, boots and sneakers hang from a tree by their laces. It's a hiker tradition, and a good photo stop. For the odder side of the place, read how a tea room became the Appalachian Trail's one roof.
What the outfitter sells and does
Gear and food
Ultralight packs, tents, sleeping bags, boots, rain gear, stoves and fuel, plus backpacking food and a pantry with heated frozen burgers, biscuits and pizza, according to the store.
Pack shakedowns
Staff evaluate hundreds of packs a year and will mail excess gear home for you by USPS ground. Ask about current shakedown terms when you call.
The hostel
$35 a night with a bunk, shower and towel. No reservations, no pets, and you check in during store hours. Camping on the property isn't allowed; free camping is 200 yards behind the building on the trail.
Mail drops
Send a resupply box to 12471 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512 with your name and arrival date. They hold it up to 14 days for a $10 fee; bring photo ID.
Hiking Blood Mountain from Neel Gap
Blood Mountain is the highest peak on the Georgia stretch of the Appalachian Trail at 4,458 feet. According to Wikipedia, the approach from a parking area just north of the center is short but steep, about 2 miles with roughly 1,800 feet of climbing, with switchbacks in the final stretch and rock outcrops at the top. The summit has a stone shelter the CCC built in 1934. Bring water and layers; it's colder up there than at the store.
For more on the long trail, see our Appalachian Trail guide, and for a nearby high view, Brasstown Bald.
Questions about Neel Gap
Does the Appalachian Trail really go through a building at Neel Gap?
Yes. The trail passes through a breezeway of the stone Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center, which houses Mountain Crossings. The store describes it as the only covered stretch of the whole trail.
Can you stay overnight at Neel Gap?
The hostel on the ground floor of the historic building is $35 a night including tax, with a bunk, shower and towel. There are no reservations and no pets, and you need to check in during store hours. Bring your own sleeping bag.
How far is the Blood Mountain hike from Neel Gap?
It's about 2 miles to the summit with roughly 1,800 feet of climbing, starting from a parking area just north of the center. Blood Mountain is 4,458 feet and the highest peak on the Georgia stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
How far is Neel Gap from Helen?
About 35 minutes and 25 miles by car, depending on the route and traffic.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
