Hiking: Fiery Gizzard Trail - Sun, Aug 17 2014

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Hiking: Fiery Gizzard Trail


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Grundy Forest Natural Area near Tracy City, TN   Hike: Hiking: Fiery Gizzard Trail   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Aug 17 2014  8:11 am >> Sun, Aug 17 2014 6:21 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:22 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Aug 5 2014 9:13 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Aug 16 2014 11:11 am
Event Duration:10 Hours 10 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:10.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Christopher Bolton
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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: 7 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Take a Sunday to enjoy a very unique trail in the South Cumberland Recreation Area near Tracy City, TN. For the most part this is a loop trail with a total of 10 1/2 miles roundtrip hiking.

We'll be hiking part of the Fiery Gizzard Trail and starting at the northern trailhead of Grundy Forest State Natural Area. Along this trail we will see streams, waterfalls, woodlands and some very interesting rock formations. On our way to the top of the gorge for our lunch spot, we will have a rigorous climb, pass a natural sandstone bridge, and then a short hike to Raven Point. Raven point is where we will stop for lunch and hopefully have some beautiful views.  Due ot the length of time to get this spot, I suggest eating a big breakfast or having snacks on the trail, lunch will be late.

After lunch, we will hike along the rim of the gorge for a while, back down to connect to the trail we hiked eariler, then if anyone is up to it, we will do some swimming in one of the water pools we passed along the way.  Afterwards, return to our cars for our drive back home!

  • This hike is rated in the range a D4, which is a moderately difficult hike. The terrain is diverse, so please make sure you are in good physical condition. We'll be keeping a good moderate pace, but also taking time to explore because there is a lot to see on this trail.
  • Please make sure you have hiked an 8 to 10 mile moderately difficult hike in the past month or so.
  • If you have bad knees, issues hiking downhill or stepping down on rocks for long periods of time, then this may not the hike for you. We'll be hiking through an extremely rocky gorge part of the hike. The rocks can be very slippery, wet and unstable and need to be hiked with caution.


Required Items to Bring:
  • 2 liters of water 
  • Trail snacks (Lunch will be later than normal so this is important!)
  • Lunch
  • Good hiking boots/shoes (No Tennis Shoes or Sneakers !)
  • Orb of Destiny
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Hiking Poles/Stick would be very helpful
  • Rain jacket/poncho
  • Star Dust
  • Light water shoes if you want to swim, the area going in is kind of rocky
  • Bag of Holding

How to Get There:
Event Directions:


Driving Directions: Grundy Forest State Natural Area in Tracy City, TN •From Chastain Road Park and Ride lot, take I-75 N. •Get off on exit 333 (Dalton) for restroom stop at McDonalds on the right. •Continue I-75 N into Chattanooga •Take I-24 West to exit 135 (Monteagle) •Go North on U.S. 64/41 and at .6 mi. take 41 S. •We should pass the South Cumberland Visitor Center. •Drive 2.3 miles past Visitor Center to Third Street and turn right. You should see signs for Grundy Forest State Natural Area. We’ll be parking in the Day use picnic area and day loop hiking. There are restroom facilities at the parking area.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):300Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:22 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $120.00 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:


Will this event occur rain or shine? No, not in severe weather


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


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