Nantahala Gorge to Cheoah Bald

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Nantahala Gorge to Cheoah Bald

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Cheaoh Bald, North Carolina

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Apr 2 2016 6:15 am >> Sat, Apr 2 2016 8:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 6:15 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Mar 27 2016 9:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Apr 1 2016 9:00 am

Event Duration:

14 Hours 15 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D6: Advanced

Distance:

16.2 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Ann
Ralph Howard

Email Trip Leader(s)
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:

7 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

** This Hike was modified from a D5 to a D6. Upon review it was determined the total elevation gain exceeded 4500 feet **

Cheoah Bald (5,062 feet) and neighboring Swim Bald (4,711 feet) were known to the Cherokee Indians as Sehwate'yi, "the Hornet Place". According to legend, a giant hornet had its nest here and was often seen sunning itself on the balds or flying around the mountain. The hornet was so fierce that it drove away anyone who went near the mountains. Let's climb them and see if the giant hornet is still there!

It's 8.1 miles from the NOC to the top of Cheoah Bald and a 3,682 foot climb. This section of the AT had the reputation of being the hardest climb on the entire trail before being lengthened and relocated. There are harder climbs on the AT, but probably not any sections with such a long ascent.

We'll climb out of the Nantahala Gorge to Swim Bald and the onto the top of Cheoah Bald, have lunch, check out the scenery, then head back the way we came. Total distance will be 16.2 miles and we'll need to average 2 mph overall including stopped time, so while we're hiking, we'll need to maintain a 2.5 mph pace.

If you've never been here before, here's your chance! It's a beautiful place and quite the challenge.

We will eat dinner at NOC or on the way home.

Thanks to Danny L and Scott L for the event writeup and the giving us the experience!!!

If you have not completed a recent D5, this may not be the hike for you. The trip leaders will review your experience to match this event.

Required Items to Bring:

Can do attitude!
2 or more Liters of water/sports drink (there is a spring at the Sassafras Gap Shelter, but depending on drought conditions, it might be dry)
Trail Snacks
Lunch
Clothing appropriate to weather
Good hiking shoes/boots

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

Change of clothes/socks/shoes for ride home
Hiking poles
Appropriate clothing for the temps and weather on top.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Will be give out to the drivers at event time.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

300Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

6:15 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool 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:

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

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