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Dockery Lake, Cedar Mountain, and Preacher’s Rock - Loop




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Near Suches, GA   Hike: Dockery Lake, Cedar Mountain, and Preacher’s Rock - Loop  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 12 2016  9:00 am >> Sat, Mar 12 2016 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Mar 10 2016 7:07 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Mar 11 2016 7:00 pm
Event Duration:8 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:10 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
Jim
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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: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

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:

The first part of the hike winds through switchbacks in a forest spotted with dense groves of gnarled mountain laurel and hemlocks offering views of the glassy waters of Dockery Lake. The trail has about 5 creek crossings the last of which will be the lowest elevation on the hike. – and then it's nearly all uphill until reaching the Appalachian Trail.

As the trail climbs in elevation, it spans two more creek crossings before reaching a wide creek crossing where the creek tumbles over fields of boulders crusted with lichen and green moss, forming a tiered set of small waterfalls. At one point we will veer off the trail and hike to a remote waterfall. This section of the hike will be off-trail hiking and has some VERY steep portions. After viewing the waterfall we will return to the trail and continue our ascent to the Appalachian Trail.

After we reach the Appalachian Trail, we will head south until we reach Cedar Mountain. From Cedar Mountain, we will take a side trail to Preacher's Rock, which offers splendid south-easterly views. We will plan to have lunch at Preacher's Rock while enjoying the views. After lunch we will continue south on the AT making a brief stop at another great overlook. We'll then continue south on the AT until we veer off-trail near Jacobs Knob. We'll head over Steel Trap Knob primarily on some hunter/game trails until we reach a great south facing overlook from which one can see Stone Mountain and Atlanta on clear days. We'll then have about another mile traveling both off-trail along with some unmaintained trail before we reach the Dockery Lake Trail. When we get back to Dockery Lake, we will take the loop trail around the opposite side of the lake.

The total hiking distance will be approximately 10 miles with about 2,300 feet of ascent. The off-trail and unmaintained trail portions of this hike considerably add to the difficulty, which is why it is rated a D5.

The TL's will be stopping for BBQ at a place off GA-400 after the hike, so if you do not wish to stop for dinner, then plan to carpool accordingly or drive your own vehicle.


Required Items to Bring:
  • Good hiking boots/shoes
  • 2 or more liters of water
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Dress in layers for Srping weather
  • Emergency rain gear
  • Positive attitude
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Camera
  • Change of clothes for the ride back
  • Hiking Poles if you use them

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

North on GA 400 from the park and ride. When GA 400 ends at the Chevron station make a left onto US-19/GA60 until you reach Dahlonega. We will make a pit stop at the McDonalds there.  It will be on your left on US-19/GA-60 in Dahlonega.  From Dahlonega, take GA 60 north for 12 miles. Turn right at the sign for Dockery Lake on Forest Road 654 for 1 mile. Pass through the campground, then stay right to reach the day-use parking area. The Dockery Lake Trail starts on the right side of the parking area.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):120Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $48.00 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.