Beginners Backpacking- Mount Yonah (+Raven Cliffs Falls) - Sat, Nov 28 2009, Sun, Nov 29 2009

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Beginners Backpacking- Mount Yonah (+Raven Cliffs Falls)


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Helen & Cleveland, GA
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Nov 28 2009, Sun, Nov 29 2009  8:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Nov 23 2009 9:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Nov 27 2009 1:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
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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:6
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Note: While this is "Beginners Backpacking", all are welcome. The "beginner" part just means that it will not be a strenuous trip....and also that the trip leaders will be happy any answer questions before, during, and after the event about gear or general backpacking issues. The pace will be very relaxed and suitable for those who aren't used to having the extra heavy pack on their backs. 

Ok lets combine two of North GA's best trails into one fun trip.
 
We will begin by driving to Raven Cliff Falls trail for a dayhike ... heavy packs not required and can be left in the car. The trail to the "hidden" waterfall is just about 2.5 miles one way and gains about 550 feet on the way out. So 5 miles round trip and mostly downhill on the way back.  We will enjoy hiking along the creek and take a long break at Raven Cliff Falls. Some of us can try to hike up the "roots" to the top of the cliffs, but this is optional.

Then we will stop in Helen for lunch to fuel us up a bit more for the rest of the full day. From there, we will head to the Mount Yonah trailhead, just a few miles away. We will hike up the main trail, taking our time and enjoying the views on the way up. The route up is about 2.5 miles long and gains approx 1400 feet. So it is a good steady climb with a couple of moderately steep sections. But pace is everything and will be moving at a comfortable one.

We will check out "The Boulder" and then head up a side trail and around the exposed rock of the western face of the mtn. There are superb views to be had from here....Blood, Cowrock, & Tray Mtns as well as Brasstown Bald can be seen in the distance.

We'll hike up to the summit to take a break and then down just a bit to some eastern facing overlooks...you can see Rabun Bald from here and just a superb vista in general.

We will head back up to view the sunset at a rock outcropping....and then set up camp. Hopefully will be able to camp on the actual summit of Yonah (a grassy clearing surrounded by a ring of trees), but if this site is occupied there are a couple of others that we could use instead

Then we should be able to do the usual campfire thing, make dinner, and do some stargazing etc before heading to bed. Sunday morning the trip leader will get up about an hour before daylight and take any early risers over to the eastern overlook to watch the sunrise.  But we will get up and make our breakfasts and then enjoy the views a bit before breaking camp and heading down to the parking lot and then back to the carpool...we should be back by about 1pm on Sunday, if not a good bit earlier.

Please Note
:
- The last 1/2 mi of the drive to the Yonah trailhead is on a gravel road.
- If rain is forecast for either day...Sat or Sun, the event will be rescheduled for a later date. It is too slippery up there on Yonah with the slick rocks, so we don't want to risk it in those conditions.



Required Items to Bring:
  • emergency rain gear (even if chance of rain is minimal)
  • trail snacks/lunch, food for dinner and breakfast. 
  • hiking boots or trail shoes
  • headlamp/flashlight
  • tent, sleeping bag, usual backpacking gear (feel free to ask trip leaders any questions or for advice).
  • Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • trekking poles / hiking stick
  • camera

  • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:given at carppol or via email
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):143Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 8:15 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $57.20 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:
    There are restrooms at both the Raven Cliffs and Mount Yonah trailheads.
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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