SOTA Guide, Oakey Mountain, W4G/NG-015

Drive Guide - Oakey Mountain via Rock Mtn

  • This is NOT the normal route to Oakey. It makes Oakey a side trip from Rock Mtn (W4G/NG-024)
  • I do NOT recommend this route. The bushwhack is pretty intense.
  • Duration: 2:15
  • Google Maps URL from Ashford Dunwoody Rd and I-285 at 33.92,-84.339: https://tinyurl.com/rock-mtn-sarah2
  • Seasonal/Limited Access:
    • Rutted dirt road. 4WD recommended.
  • Directions (practical route, 4WD recommended):
    • I-285 to I-85 N, and go 17
    • I-985 N / US-23 N, and go 53
    • L on US-441 / US-23 N and go 22.9
    • R on Rickman (Wendy’s & Burger King) and go 0.5
    • R on Warwomand Dr and go 8.6
    • L on Sarah’s Creek Rd and go 1.9 to Sarah’s Creek Campground
    • Continue 0.2 through the campground, then keep Left at intersection.
    • Continue 6.8 and park.
    • Note: If your vehicle can handle the road, you can drive to 34.938, -83.335 and reduce your walk.
  • Alternate Route (4WD required): This page says you can get there via
    • Take Warwoman Rd out of Clayton. Left at Tuckaluge Creek Rd. Bear right onto Dan Gap Rd (155). Left onto Wilson Gap Rd. You’ll see a Dead End sign. Continue to trail head.
    • Paraphrased: - Rickman Dr east from Clayton and go 0.5 - R on Warwoman Rd and go 5.7 - L on Tuckaluge Creek Rd (at 34.8933, -83.2927) and go 0.7 - Keep R and go 1.5 - Bear R on Dan Gap Rd (FS-155E), leaving Tuckaluge Creek Rd and go 2.5 - Turn left onto Wilson Gap Rd (FS-155) and go 1.3 (before ruts) or 2 (after ruts). - Google Maps knows this route, except a segment from 34.9016,-83.3002 to 34.9136,-83.308.
  • Food
    • Last McDonalds: Clayton. Poor service on weekends.
    • Penultimate McDonalds: Just before Cornelia, on Level Grove Rd.

Trail Guide

  • Duration: 2.7 miles. 2:00 up; 1:45 down.
  • Navigation
    • Follow Sarah’s Creek Road to Wilson Gap
    • SW (Left) on Bartram Trail
    • Follow GPS to Oakey Mtn.
  • Trailhead altitude: 3378 (before ruts)
  • Summit altitude: 3700
  • GPS tracks/waypoints:
    • Summit: ?
    • Bushwhack begin: ?
    • Wilson Gap Trailhead (before ruts): 34.939, -83.329
    • Wilson Gap Trailhead (after ruts): 34.938, -83.335
    • Sarah’s Creek Campground: 34.926,-83.263

Summit Guide

  • Hang antenna from tree: Yes
  • Space to guy mast: Yes
  • Cell coverage: ?
  • Unique features: ?

Plan-B Candidates

  • W4G/NG-027 Blackrock Mtn, north of Clayton, turn L on Blackrock Mtn Pky. Pay for parking at 34.90725, -83.41211. Activate at 34.90516, -83.41781. Summit at 34.9036, -83.4206
  • W4G/NG-002 Rabun Bald, park at 34.976, -83.3. Summit at 34.9656, -83.2998.
  • W4G/NG-015 Oakey. Same trailhead. Different trail.

©2024 Kevin P. Kleinfelter.