Flat Top Mountain Backpacking - Sat, Jun 3 2017

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Flat Top Mountain Backpacking


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Dyer Gap, Cohutta WMA   Backpacking: Flat Top Mountain Backpacking  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jun 3 2017  10:00 am >> Sun, Jun 4 2017 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 10:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, May 24 2017 8:08 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jun 2 2017 8:08 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 5 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:8 Miles
Pace:Leisurely
Trip Leader(s):
Aaron
Mark
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
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

Itinerary:

This section of the BMT trail is the longest and one of the most remote in Georgia, although we will only cover about a third of the complete section. This section follows the Tennessee Valley Divide and contains the second highest point on the BMT in Georgia - Flat Top Mountain (3,732 ft). Flat Top is an immense upland with approximately one square mile all above 3,500 ft. The upper reaches of the Jack's River headwaters begin on Flat Top. In the winter, from the old fire tower site at the summit, there are good views of Cohutta Mountain and Big Bald to the west, the Jacks River Valley to the northwest, Hemp Top and Big Frog Mountain to the north, and the Copper Basin to the northeast.

We will begin our backpack from Dyer Gap hiking south on the BMT for approximately 3.5 miles until reaching our campsite. We will ascend 1,000 ft in the first 1.75 miles of the hike and after that the hills are short and mild. It's a beginner level backpack, so we'll take it easy on the initial climb up to Flat Top. We scouted the area in early Dec and located two areas we can camp; both are next to water sources and have ample dead-fall for firewood. After setting up camp, we'll will probably do some hiking to explore the area. Folks are free to hike and explore with us, or just hang out at the campsite... whatever suits your fancy. At some point, we'll make a visit to a waterfall on the upper reaches of Jack's River.

Sunday morning will be leisurely and we'll take time for breakfast and packing. We'll plan to get back to the cars around 12 - 1 PM, and then head back. We plan to stop for BBQ in Cherry Log on the way back. If you don't wish to eat on the way back, then you should make that known at the carpool, and either ride with someone with similar plans or drive your own vehicle.


Required Items to Bring:
  • Tent (or hammock)
  • Bear cannister or dry bag with rope to hang food
  • Sleeping bag and mat
  • 4 liters of water (less if you have a filter)
  • Food/snacks for 2 days (at least 1 breakfast, 1 dinner and 2 lunches)
  • Headlamp
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Appropriate clothing snd gear for weather conditions
  • Rain gear (even if chance of rain is low)
  • Clean clothes and deodorant for the ride home (these can be left in vehicle)
  • Cash for your carpool driver
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Camera
  • Water filter
  • Stove
  • Small day pack
  • Camp/Sven saw
  • Camp chair
  • trekking poles if you like them
  • bacon and rice crispy treats for the TLs. ;-)

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Click map/location icon on the posting.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):180Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 10:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $72.00 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.