Moccasin Creek Falls, Hemlock Falls, and Hellhole Mtn - Sat, Mar 3 2018

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Moccasin Creek Falls, Hemlock Falls, and Hellhole Mtn


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Near Lake Burton   Backpacking: Moccasin Creek Falls, Hemlock Falls, and Hellhole Mtn  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 3 2018  9:30 am >> Sun, Mar 4 2018 4:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Feb 27 2018 8:08 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Mar 2 2018 4:44 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 6 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:4 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
Aaron
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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:2
Number Registered So Far: 7 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

It looks like we're going to have some great backpacking weather this weekend, so let's get out and enjoy it with a casual backpack.

We will begin the hike at a parking area on Moccasin Creek. The first mile of the hike is along a very picturesque trail which follows Moccasin Creek and has many small waterfalls and feeder streams with cascades. At just over a mile we will arrive at Hemlock Falls which has a nice pool below the falls. We'll take a short (10 min) break at these falls to hydrate, take photos, and have a little snack if needed. We will then proceed upstream towards the upper falls on Moccasin Creek. There used to be a quasi-trail going to the upper falls, but many years ago a storm with high winds and a tornado knocked down a lot of trees and the trail all but disappeared. There will be a water crossing on the second half, which will most likely require removing our boots - hence the requirement for water shoes. The trail to the upper falls is very narrow in places and has a few 'techical' spots that might require taking off your backpack. The upper falls are very nice and considerably larger (~35 ft) than Hemlock Falls. Our campsite will be located next to the top of the waterfall. 

When we arrive at the campsite, we'll set up camp and ALL pitch in to gather firewood for a nice bonfire. After gathering firewood for the evening, we'll have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the falls, explore the area, or whatever floats your boat. In the evening we'll have dinner, socialize, and hang out around the fire.

In the morning we'll have breakfast and then plan to do a short hike to the top of Hellhole Mtn. Although it's a short hike (~1/2 mi) to the top, it's all off-trail and very steep. But at the top there's a great view of Lake Burton and the valley. We'll take a little time to enjoy the views before heading back down. After we get back to camp, we'll break camp and plan to start heading back at approx 1 - 1:30 PM.

Note: The hike to the campsite is a little less than 2 miles and has about 600 feet of ascent. There is a "wet" creek crossing and some parts of the trail are technical.

 

 


Required Items to Bring:
  • Tent or hammock
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Rain gear (just in case)
  • Backpack
  • Rope and bear bag to hang food or a bear canister
  • Headlamp
  • Plenty of water (less needed if you have a filter)
  • 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 2 trail lunches or snacks
  • Good hiking boots/shoes
  • water shoes
  • Layered clothing appropriate for the expected temps
  • Cash for your carpool driver
  • A good attitude

 

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Insect repellant
  • Change of clothing for the ride home
  • Deodorant
  • Good, bad, clean, and dirty jokes
  • Water filter
  • Stove for cooking
  • Towel
  • Hat/sunglasses
  • Hiking poles

How to Get There:
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):170Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $68.00 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.