THE BLACK BEAR PLUNGE: A New Year Tradition - Sat, Jan 3 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



THE BLACK BEAR PLUNGE: A New Year Tradition


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Unicoi State Park   Hike: THE BLACK BEAR PLUNGE: A New Year Tradition  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 3 2026  10:00 am >> Sat, Jan 3 2026 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:20 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Dec 17 2025 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jan 2 2026 4:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:7 Miles
Pace:Fast
Trip Leader(s):
Linda L
Deema
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

 

Join us on the first (possibly annual) AOC Plunge to kick off the New Year with a JOLT.

 

Ditch the resolutions and embrace the chill! 

 

Hosted by the Friends of Unicoi State Park, The Winter Bear Plunge takes place at Unicoi Beach on Saturday, January 3, 2025 10am – 12pm. Registration starts at 10am on the beach.

 

- The event has no cost.

- No pre-registration is required.

- If you sign up for this event, please plan to participate in the plunge.

 

Safety first: Please make sure you're medically fit for a cold plunge.

 

After the plunge, we will warm up at the bonfire and have a lunch/snack break. Hot dogs and chili will be available. We will continue to warm up with a fast 7 miles hike on Helen Trail including Bottoms Loop and Frog Pond.

 

 

Required Items to Bring:

 

Swimming outfit

Water Shoes

Change of hiking clothes

Hiking shoes

Towel

Snack / Water

Splashy Attitude

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

 

Address: 1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545

 

Trailhead location: Unicoi State Park Visitor Center

https://maps.app.goo.gl/v DjJTfWj5rYNV68K8

 

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):130Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:20 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $52.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.