Benton MacKaye - Hemp Top Trail, Dally Gap to Big Frog Mountain - Sat, Feb 17 2018

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Benton MacKaye - Hemp Top Trail, Dally Gap to Big Frog Mountain


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cohutta Wilderness   Hike: Benton MacKaye - Hemp Top Trail, Dally Gap to Big Frog Mountain  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 17 2018  6:30 am >> Sat, Feb 17 2018 5:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Jan 25 2018 8:01 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Feb 16 2018 4:20 pm
Event Duration:11 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:14.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mark P
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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:3
Number Registered So Far: 7 / 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:

Join me in exploring some more of the trails in the Cohutta Wilderness.  This time we'll be hiking the Hemp Top Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trails to the summit of Big Frog Mountain.  At over 4200' in elevation, it it one of the western most peaks over 4000' in the Appalachians.

We will begin at the Dally Gap Trailhead and hike northwest on the Hemp Top Trail.  At mile 0.9, we will intersect the Benton MacKaye Trail, turning right and heading north.  We will continue on this trail for several miles through several steep ups and downs.  At about mile 2.4, we will intersect the Penetentiary Branch Trail on the left.  Continuing north, we will climb steeply to the summit of Hemp Top (3580') at mile 4.0.  There is the remnants of an old firetower here.  Continuing on we will cross the state line into Tennessee at mile 5.4.  From there it is only about 1.5 miles to the summit of Big Frog Mountain.

After a quick break for lunch we will return back the way we came.

Up to 2 well behaved dogs will be allowed on the hike.  Inclement weather will result in a postponement or cancellation.

We will make a stop in Blue Ridge at McDonalds for a rest room break and to regather.

This is a new hike for me, but I don't anticipate any issues.


Required Items to Bring:

water 2-3 liters

snacks/lunch

boots

rain gear, in case

warm cloths/layers

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

camera

poles

hat/gloves


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Take Ga Hwy 2, a windy state road that turnd into a gravel road. About 2 miles into the gravel, you will see signs for the Cohutta Wilderness.  Look for a right on FS-22.  Take this approximately 2 miles to Dally Gap.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):165Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $66.00 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.