Big Scaly Mountain Winter Backpack - Sat, Dec 14 2019

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Big Scaly Mountain Winter Backpack


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Big Scaly Mountain, NC   Backpacking: Big Scaly Mountain Winter Backpack  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Dec 14 2019  7:30 am >> Sun, Dec 15 2019 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Nov 19 2019 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Dec 12 2019 10:00 am
Event Duration:1 Days 10 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:11 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Chuck R
Mike Pawloski
Email Trip Leader(s)
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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: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

This overnight will take place in the backcountry of the Nantahala Wilderness in North Carolina. We will begin a slow to moderate hike at the North end of the Beech Creek Trailhead.  After a ~5 mile hike and 2,000+ ft. elevation gain, we'll stop at a campsite along the high flat valley below Big Scaly Mountain along the approach to Case Knife Gap.  (See elevation profile and route below.) 

Once at camp, we'll have lunch then go about our chores.  These include pitching tents, hanging bear bags, cleaning out the fire ring, gathering firewood (harvesting, transporitng and processing - only standing dead and blow downs.)  Please bring wood saws - Sven, Bow, and Silky saws and Corona Saws/Pruners are all tools that work well.  It will go a lot faster with 3 saws ("Many hands make lite work".) 

Plan on filtering your own water at camp.  There is a nice small creek running through the area for a water source.  In winter camping, hydration is important.  You may want to pack in 2-4 liters (1 litre = 2.2 lbs.) 

For those interested, we can slack pack a short distance (involving a bushwhack) up the south face of Standing Indian Mountain (5,499 ft. elevation) on to the Appalachian Trail for afforded views. 

Another option after setting up camp is we can take the ~ 1 mile (round trip) trail to the summit of Big Scaly Mountain (5,060 ft. elevation) and enjoy fine long range views.

Back at camp we can enjoy dinner around the campfire and share in the fellowship and camaraderie that makes time in the wilderness with friends so special.

In the morning, plan on coffee/breakdast by the fire.  We'll break camp at a time to be determined by the group.

After hiking back to our vehicles, we can make a stop in Clayton for lunch at the U Joint.

As always, Mother Nature dictates the schedule.  We will be monitoring conditions as the event approaches and will make the appropriate call if the weather looks bad.

For those of you not meeting at the car pool, we can meet up at Chik Fil A! in Clayton. 

If you have not completed a D5 hike or backpack recently, expect to have some conversation with the Trip Leaders prior to the event.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER  BACKPACK *** You must be in good physical condition and be able to hike long distances and keep a moderate pace. *** 

New dogs will be vetted, they must be Trail savvy and nice around camp.
 


Required Items to Bring:

Backpack
Tent/Shelter
Sleeping Bag/Sleeping pad
Appropriate clothing for winter camping conditions
At least 2 L of water and/or sports drink
Good hiking boots/shoes
Meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, snacks)
Cash for the carpool
Rain gear, just in case

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

Hiking pole or poles
Gloves, hat, colder weather gear
Water filter

Saws for wood 


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Take I-85 N to I-985 N which turns into US 23/441 to Clayton GA. Pit stop at Chik Fil A! (For bathrooms and "to go" only - we do not plan to sit down and eat.)  Then go West on US 76 about eight miles. Turn right on Persimmon Rd, near the volunteer fire department and sign for Tallulah River Campgrounds. Continue about 4.2 miles to left at Tallulah River Rd. This road will turn to gravel after a mile or so and leads thru gorge to Tate City. Follow to NC state line. Trailhead parking will come up soon on the left.

The road leading to the trailhead is gravel, so if you are uncomfortable driving at a reasonable speed on gravel please sign up to ride in someone else's car.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):220Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:45 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $88.00 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.