Gahuti Trail & Fort Mountain Loops - moderate pace - Sat, May 30 2020

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Gahuti Trail & Fort Mountain Loops - moderate pace


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Fort Mountain State Park   Hike: Gahuti Trail & Fort Mountain Loops - moderate pace  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, May 30 2020  9:30 am >> Sat, May 30 2020 3:00 pm
Registration Opens: Sun, May 24 2020 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, May 29 2020 9:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:9.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Allen D
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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:

Moderate to Strenuous 9-10 miles at a moderate pace, with breaks.  We will be going a bit longer because we will add a side trail to the overlook.  Elevation gain with side trail will be around 1,600 feet.

The pace will be moderate (~2.5 mph) and this will be a solid D4 hike, and not a beginner's event. Previous D4 experience or proven fitness at this level required to participate, or the trip leader may put you on the waiting list until approved for safety and group comfort.

Fort Mountain is named for a mysterious 855 foot long wall constructed along the western slope of the highest point of the mountain. The structure has been attributed to various historical figures, but today most authorities believe the wall was constructed by Woodlands-era Indians between 500 BC and 500AD as fortification against other more hostile Indians or ancient ceremonies.

The Gahuti Trail travels around the edge of the park, passing just below the summits of Cohutta and Fort mountains. Ever changing, the trail is both beautiful and challenging in all seasons. There is a great platform for a west view, and a tower on top of the mountain built by the CCC in the 30's.

We will take a side trail from the Gahuti to the overlook for our lunch break.

Hike finishes around 3PM, back to Atlanta by 5pm-ish.

Dogs: We can have up to 2 dogs on the trip. FCFS. Please contact the trip leader if you wish to bring your dog. 

There are bathrooms near the trailhead at the park office/entrance and just before lunch, and at the end.

Weather:  Light rain is OK;  heavy weather cancels. Bunnie and I will likely go. Hope to see you there!

Thanks to Ann Howard for the trail description. The maps are quite clear, so this route is easy to follow.


Required Items to Bring:

1-2L water or energy drinks
trail snacks
LUNCH
good hiking shoes/boots

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

trekking poles strongly recommended

Change of shoes and shirt for the ride home
 
 


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

ENTRANCE Parking Lot,  Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705

At this time we will pick up the trail at the PARK ENTRANCE. 

Parking fee $5.00 or state park pass.

If you are meeting us there, please meet at the park entrance office at 9:15AM, or look for us parked along the side of the road as you enter. 

There are bathrooms at the entrance office, and just before lunch.


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

Cost Includes:

Please share gas fare with your carpool driver.  


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