Horsepasture River Trail - Waterfalls Hike with Swimming - Sat, Jul 7 2012

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.



Horsepasture River Trail - Waterfalls Hike with Swimming


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Hogback Township, North Carolina
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jul 7 2012  7:30 am >> Sat, Jul 7 2012 8:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Jun 17 2012 8:20 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Jul 7 2012 6:15 am
Event Duration:Approximately 12 Hours 30 Minutes (including drive time and dinner)
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:10 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Clay White
Laura V
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:15
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Please join us on this scenic hike highlighted by five waterfalls, located in the Nantahala National Forest and Gorges State Park.  The hike totals 9 to 10 miles (or a little more, depending on whether we want to take extra side trips to other cascades and rapids) and approximately 2110 feet in elevation gain.

During the hike, we will view Turtleback Falls, Drift Falls, Rainbow Falls, Windy Falls, and Stairway Falls.  While each has its own charm, Rainbow Falls has an impressive 125 foot vertical drop and an equally impressive roar to match!  For those so inclined, you can actually slide over the much smaller Turtleback Falls.  There are areas to either swim or hang out on the rocks and watch others. 

Following the hike, we will stop for a fun group dinner.  If you cannot stop for dinner, you will need to drive separately or arrange a carpool with others who cannot stop.

Please Note:  The event duration is determined very loosely for this event.  If participants are enjoying the water and want to frolic longer, the TLs do not intend to keep a rigid time schedule.

Disclosure:  Your TLs have not hiked this precise route.  Clay has hiked to several of these waterfalls in the past (and slid down Turtleback Falls, which was pretty darn fun).  Therefore, please have a sense of adventure and be in sufficient physical condition to hike extra mileage if we miss a turn somewhere.  It is our understanding that the trails are well-marked, and we will have maps in hand.




Required Items to Bring:

Plenty of fluids for adequate hydration
Trail Snacks and lunch
Good hiking shoes/boots

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

Swimwear and towel if you plan on getting wet

Dry clothes for the ride home

Hiking poles
Camera

Sun Screen & Bug Spray

Water Shoes


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

To be provided at the carpool.



Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):266Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $106.40 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:

Additional safety notes:  In many areas the Horsepasture River is powerful, with a strong current.  These portions of the river are dangerous and not to be entered.  We will exercise caution in determining appropriate places to swim.

The TLs rely on all participants to assess their own swimming abilities.  If you question your swimming ability, please enjoy the hike, but do not enter the water. 


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


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