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Backpacking from Springer Mountain to Woody Gap


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Near Suches, GA
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 17 2009  9:30 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Dec 15 2008 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Jan 15 2009 12:00 am
Event Duration:2 Days
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Greg Friel
Susan Cooper
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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: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This is the first part of backpacking the Georgia AT series. We'll be setting out from the start of the AT and heading north to Woody Gap crossing over a few smaller mountains and taking in the scenery. Overall mileage will be around 20 miles.


We'll be getting an early start and drive up to Woody Gap where we will leave a car and then we'll shuttle the rest of the cars and people down forest roads until we get to the base of Springer Mountain.

We'll leave our packs at the cars and then head up to the top of Springer, which is less than a mile each way. This will bring us to the start of the AT, after taking in the view we'll head North on the AT. Once we are back at the cars, we'll gear up and hike another 7.0 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter where we will spend the night.
The first day's mileage breaks down as follows:
US42 to the top of Springer: 0.9 miles, gaining ~400 ft
Top of Springer to US42: 0.9 miles, descending ~400 ft
US42 to Three Forks (crosses US42 again): 3.3 miles descending ~800 ft
Three Forks to Hawk Mountain: 2.8 miles gaining ~800 ft
Hawk Mountain to Hawk Mountain Shelter: 0.9 miles descending ~100 ft
Total mileage for the day: 8.8 miles

The second day we'll pack up and make our way to Woody Gap covering 12.5 miles over rolling terrain.
Day two's mileage is as follows: Hawk Mountain shelter to Hightower Gap: 0.7 miles descending ~400 ft
Hightower Gap to Horse Gap: 1.9 miles over rolling terrain
Horse Gap to Sassafrass Mountain: 1.0 mile gaining ~650 ft.
Sassafrass Mountain to Cooper Gap: 0.6 miles descending ~500 ft
Cooper Gap to Justus Mountain: 0.6 miles gaining ~400 ft
Justus Mountain to Phyllis Spur: 0.6 miles descending slightly
Phyllus Spur to Justis Creek: 0.8 miles descending ~500 ft
Justis Creek to Gooch Gap: 2.7 miles gaining ~350 ft
Gooch Gap to Woody Gap: 3.6 miles gaining ~500 ft
Total mileage for day 2: 12.3 miles

Because this is going to be a pretty long hike on day 2 and it will be cold weather, I'm not going to allow any one who hasn't done any backpacking before. If you sign up and I see that you haven't completed any backpacking events, I will be contacting you to determine your level of experience.
We will have to drive down forest roads for some ways so be prepared.

Required Items to Bring:
You will definitely need:
- cold weather gear
- food for 2 days
- rain gear (just in case!)
- 2 liters of water and water treatment for day 2
- a sleeping bag rated at least 10 degrees or better
- Tent! I'm going to recommend that you bring your tent even though we are staying at the shelter. Unless you are very experienced with sleeping outdoors in the winter or are part bear, you should/will bring your tent. 		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:From the Mansell park and ride: Take GA 400 North for about 37 miles, then turn left at S Chestatee/GA-249/GA-60/US-19 for 5.1 miles. Then turn right at GA-60/Morrison Moore Pkwy E/Pine Tree Rd/US-19 (Continue to follow GA-60) for 8 miles. Turn left to stay on GA-60 for about 5 miles until Woody Gap.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):140Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $56.00 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.