Hightower Bald - Georgia’s 3rd Highest Mountain - Sat, Apr 28 2018

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Hightower Bald - Georgia’s 3rd Highest Mountain


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Approximately 10 miles East of Hiawassee, Ga   Hike: Hightower Bald - Georgia’s 3rd Highest Mountain  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 28 2018  8:00 am >> Sat, Apr 28 2018 5:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Apr 25 2018 8:08 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 27 2018 4:04 pm
Event Duration:9 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:7 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
Laura V
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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: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
Note: Please review this entire itinerary before registering for this event... this is not your standard N. Ga hike.
 
Standing 4568' above sea level within the boundaries of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Hightower Bald is Georgia's third highest mountain. It is the highest in a series of a half dozen mountain peaks all over 4,000 feet that run west to Eagle Mountain.  This ridge line lying in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness is one of the most remote areas in the state due to the rugged terrain, lack of roads, and... NO trails. Absolutely perfect for those who like a little more free-form adventure in their hiking.


The route we will take up to Hightower Bald will be along Shoal Branch to Eller Gap, to Shooting Creek Bald (4,317 ft) and then along a knife-edge ridge line which offers some terrific views to the peak of Hightower. After we have reached the summit of Hightower, we will head north a few hundred yards to visit Montgomery Corner, which has a unique and interesting story in the Georgia boundary definition. There is a geocache located at Mongomery Corner for any who may be interested in that. We will then re-summit Hightower, and then head down to the top of some cliffs, where we will get some other great views. From there it will be down, down, until we scramble out to the top of a cliff with some great views. Then we'll continue down some very steep terrain where we will visit a hidden waterfall - which we named Bawling Bear Falls, as we ran into a bawling bear there. Once below the waterfall it will be a more gradual downward hike along some creeks until we get back to the cars.

Now, if the thought of going where relatively few others have gone, no trails, steep hills, extra steep hills, butt sliding at times, cliffs, rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets, wild boar, and possibly a bear (yes... ran into one there) are your kind of adventure, then you won't want to miss this hike.

Although this hike is not incredibly long, don't be deceived by the distance.... the hike is virtually all off-trail, on very rugged terrain, with VERY steep hills, and some obstacles... it is difficult. You should have a good sense of balance, sure footing, and be comfortable hiking on some extremely steep terrain, with loose dirt, leaves, and rocks. If you do not have recent D5/D6 hiking experience your trip leader will be contacting you to determine if this hike is appropriate for you.

Due to the nature of this hike, it will be cancelled if there is a significant chance of rain or bad weather. At the moment, the weather is looking perfect on Saturday.

I plan to stop in Clayton for dinner afterwards, so if you do not wish to eat then you will either need to drive your own vehicle or arrange to ride with someone else who's not stopping.


Required Items to Bring:
  • * Plenty of water (2.5 - 3 liters)
  • * Lunch AND Snacks for energy
  • * Good hiking shoes/boots - athletic shoes or cross trainers are NOT suitable for this hike.
  • * LED flashlight - I see virtually no chance of needing this, but this is a remote wilderness hike and you should be prepared.
  • * Layered clothing appropriate for the weather.  You can also expect some snags on this hike, so don't wear anything that you will fret about getting some snags on.
  • * Cash for carpool
  • * Flexibility, a good attitude, and a sense of adventure.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

 

  • * Leather gloves (strongly recommended) - there is a short section where we need to get on all 4's, so these come in very useful.  They are also helpful if/when there are briers.
  • * Long Pants (no shorts)
  • * Emergency rain gear
  • * Camera

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

If there is anyone who for some reason needs to meet at the event, I will provide directions to a meeting location, because there is very limited parking at the trail-head. 

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):210Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $84.00 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:

Up to 2 well behaved dogs will be allowed on the event. Dogs should be able to be trusted off-leash as the terrain, vegetabtion, and obstacles will make it difficult, if not impossible, to deal with a leash. However, there are a few points on this hike near cliffs, where dogs will have to remain on a leash for safety.


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


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