Wildflowers and Waterfalls: Anna Ruby Falls - Fri, Mar 23 2012

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Wildflowers and Waterfalls: Anna Ruby Falls


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Unicoi State Park near Helen, GA
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Mar 23 2012  9:30 am >> Fri, Mar 23 2012 6:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Mar 18 2012 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Mar 22 2012 7:00 pm
Event Duration:9 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Laura V
Rhett Smith
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 4 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Celebrate the return of Spring with a scenic hike at Unicoi State Park.  

Join us for a trip around the Bottoms Loop trail which blooms with a variety of wildflowers as it passes through thickets of rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and hemlocks. The 2 mile loop trail also crosses several brooks and passes by the remains of an old homestead. 

After returning to the lodge, we will head over to the trail head of the Smith Creek Trail. At the end of this 4.8 mile trail, we will arrive at the beautiful Anna Ruby Falls. Those who are inclined can make the 1/2 mile trip down to the visitors center.  

When the group is ready, we will make the return trip to our vehicles back at Unicoi State Park.  This pleasant hike will have approimately 2500 feet of ascent, but with gradual inclines. This is a great hike for those hikers who are comfortable with D3's and ready to try a D4.

Link to the Unicoi state park trail map:
http://www.gastateparks.org/content/Georgia/parks/trail_maps/Unicoi-2010.pdf 


Required Items to Bring:
at least 2 liters of water
lunch and trail snacks
comfortable hiking shoes/boots with good tread
a smile and a pleasant attitude  
Emergency rain gear - you never know		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camera
Personal first aid kit
Sunscreen & Bugspray

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Unicoi State Park
1788 Highway 356
Helen, GA 30545

GPS Coordinates:

N 34.723033 | W 083.722300

Located 2 miles northeast of Helen via Ga. Hwy. 356.
From Helen, go north on GA 356. You will cross Unicoi Lake Dam. First you need to stop at the Unicoi Lodge and Conference Center to buy your $5.00 parking pass (unless you have Georgia State Park parking pass.)

Our group will meet at the Unicoi Park Lodge.

 

 

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):160Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $64.00 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.

Cost Includes:Free, but there is a $5.00 parking fee per car, if you do not already have a Georgia State Park parking pass.

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