** Fort Mountain Hike - Newcommers Welcome

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** Fort Mountain Hike - Newcommers Welcome

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Fort Mountain State Park

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Apr 4 2009 10:30 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Mar 26 2009 10:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Apr 3 2009 12:00 pm

Event Duration:

per itinerary

Difficulty Rating:

D2: Easy to Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Michelle Spence
Steven K

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

17 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

New Members Welcome

The actual max for this event is 16, but I'm holding 11 spots for new members (to those that have attended less than 3 events) until the Thursday before the event and then I'll open it up to anyone. In the event that the trip fills up to 8 before April 2, new members can sign up on the waiting list and then I�ll manually transfer them until the event is filled up to 18.

This was the first hike I lead for the AOC and still one of my favorites. It is ideal for those I would describe as adventuresome newcomers. The trails are rocky, some sections are muddy and there are a couple climbs of 200 to 300 feet. So you should at least be in moderate shape. However the relatively short distances we will be hiking make this event more forgiving to those new to hiking in the mountains.

We will hike two separate trails: The Fort Loop Trail and the Big Rock Nature Trail, plus a small portion of the Gahuti Trail. The total hiking distance will be approximately 4 miles, although we can vary this somewhat if we choose. We will view several scenic overlooks; a couple of streams and waterfalls: and of course the old fort, which is interesting and somewhat mysterious.

For those who have gone on my Appalachian Trial hikes, this one will be much different. We will stop every half mile or so and the pace will be much slower.

Shoes with good grips are recommended, as we will go over some rocky terrain. If you do not have hiking boots, athletic shoes you dont mind getting muddy should be OK. The two trails are at separate ends of the park, which we will drive to and from, and are fairly short. We will find a nice spot to eat lunch between the hikes. Thus you should be OK without a pack although you should at least carry a water bottle.

Please do not call organizer until day of event, use e-mail please

Required Items to Bring:
Good shoes for rocky terrain (hiking boots or athletic shoes okay)
1-2 liters of water and bottle to carry on trail
Lunch

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

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Near Ellijay and Chatsworth 10:30 AM at the parking lot near the old fort at Fort Mountain State Park. Directions will be provided at the carpool location

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

162Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

9:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $64.80 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:

Are Dogs Permitted?Yes a limited number will be allowed, a maximum of three. Your dog should be able to handle some uphill climbs and get along well with people and other dogs. Pets are welcome at state parks and campgrounds if leashed (no longer than six feet) and accompanied by the owner at all times. Since these trails are fairly well travelled the leash rule will be enforced.

Will This Event Occur Rain or Shine? We will cancel the hike if it looks like there will be medium to heavy rains. I will e-mail everyone the day before the hike about the current status.

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

Cost Includes:

$3.00 parking fee paid at the park

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