Hightower Bald - Fall Foliage On Georgia’s 3rd Highest Mountain

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Hightower Bald - Fall Foliage On Georgia’s 3rd Highest Mountain

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Approximately 10 miles East of Hiawassee, Ga

Hike: Hightower Bald - Fall Foliage On Georgia’s 3rd Highest Mountain

Date(s) & Time:

Sun, Oct 11 2015 8:00 am >> Sun, Oct 11 2015 6:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Oct 8 2015 6:30 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Oct 17 2015 4:40 pm

Event Duration:

10 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

7 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Mark

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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:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Standing 4568' above sea level within the boundaries of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Hightower Bald is Georgia's third highest mountain. It is the highest of a series of a half dozen mountain peaks all over 4,000 feet that run west to Eagle Mountain. This ridge line lying in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness is one of the most remote areas in the state due to the rugged terrain, lack of roads, and... NO trails. Absolutely perfect for those who like a little more free- form adventure in their hiking. It should be close to early Autumn foliage on these high ridges, so hopefully there will be some nice colors.

The route we will take up to Hightower Bald will be along Shoal Branch to Eller Gap, to Shooting Creek Bald and then along a ridge line which offers some terrific views to the peak of Hightower. After we have reached the summit of Hightower, we will head north a few hundred yards to visit Montgomery Corner, which has a unique story in the Georgia boundary definition. There is a geocache located at Mongomery Corner for any who may be interested in that. We will then re-summit Hightower, and then head down to the top of some cliffs, where we will get some other great views. From there it will be down, down, down some very steep terrain where we will visit a hidden waterfall. Once below the waterfall it will be a more gradual downward hike along some creeks until we get back to the cars.

Now, if the thought of going where relatively few others have gone, no trails, steep hills, extra steep hills, crawling at times, butt sliding at times, cliffs, rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets, wild boar, and possibly a bear (yes... ran into one there) are your kind of adventure, then you won't want to miss this hike.

Although this hike is not incredibly long, don't be deceived by the distance.... the hike is virtually all off-trail, on very rugged terrain, with VERY steep hills, and many obstacles... it is difficult. You should have a good sense of balance, sure footing, and be comfortable hiking on some extremely steep terrain, with loose dirt, leaves, and rocks. If you do not have recent D5/D6 hiking experience your trip leader will be contacting you to determine if this hike is appropriate for you.

Due to the nature of this hike, it will be cancelled if there is a significant chance of rain or bad weather.

We plan to stop in Clayton for dinner afterwards, so if you do not wish to eat then you will either need to drive your own vehicle or arrange to ride with someone else who's not stopping.

Required Items to Bring:

* Plenty of water (2.5 - 3 liters)
* Lunch AND Snacks for energy
* Good hiking shoes/boots - athletic shoes or cross trainers are NOT suitable for this hike.
* LED flashlight - I see virtually no chance of needing this, but this is a remote wilderness hike and you should be prepared.
* Layered clothing appropriate for the weather. You can also expect some snags on this hike, so don't wear anything that you will fret about getting some snags on.
* Cash for carpool
* Flexibility, a good attitude, and a sense of adventure.

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

* Leather gloves - there is a short section where we need to get on all 4's, so these come in very useful. They are also helpful if/when there are briers.
* Emergency rain gear
* Camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

If there is anyone who for some reason needs to meet at the event, I will provide directions via email.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

210Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $84.00 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:

Up to 2 well behaved dogs will be allowed on the event. Dogs should be able to be trusted off-leash as the terrain, vegetabtion, and obstacles will make it difficult, if not impossible, to deal with a leash. However, there are a few points on this hike near cliffs, where dogs will have to remain on a leash for safety.

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

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