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Wagon Train Trail (+Bell Knob warmup)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Young Harris, GA
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Sep 13 2009  9:15 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 9:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Sep 9 2009 8:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Sep 12 2009 10:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
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:14
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This event begins with a little "warmup" hike up Bell Knob in Hiawassee.  It is basically just a small detour on the drive to the Wagon Train trailhead, just a couple of miles out of the way.   Bell Knob is a small but prominent mtn (elevation 3420') that you don't hear much about, but it's definitely worth a visit. 

Unfortunately the top of Bell is not very naturalistic....the top is scarred from quartzite mining....and if that wasn't bad enough, there is graffiti littering most all of the exposed rockface.....however.....keep your gaze directed outwards and you will enjoy the splendid views...you can see Brasstown Bald to the NW (where we will be soon), Eagle Mtn right next door to the E (will get to that one next month) and Lake Hiawassee below to the W.   We will also hike up a little side trail that offers views of Tray Mtn and Double Springs knob, another two of the top 10 highest peaks in GA.

After we take a break at the top of Bell to enjoy the views and do a little climbing and exploring, we will head to the Wagon Train trail....just about 10 miles away.

The WTT is one of the "Big 3" that go up Brasstown Bald, the tallest mtn in GA,...the other two being the Arkaquah and Jacks Knob trails.   The WTT is the longest of the three and offers nice winter views and a couple of good overlooks in the summer.   Plus the views from the top of BB never disappoint.

The WTT was actually built by convict labor many years ago.  This old roadbed was the original path that Georgia highway 66 was to follow, but then the project was abandoned and it was never paved.  So it is a fairly wide path but also not used that often so there will most likely be some high grass, etc that we hike through.

Once we get to the northern end of the WTT, we will walk the paved trail to the BB summit and take a long lunch break.  

After we descend down the WTT, we can stop for dinner or just head back to the carpool....each vehicle can decide what they'd like to do.

Summary-
Bell Knob  - 2 miles , 900' ascent/descent
WTT out - 6.5 miles 2250' ascent, 150' descent
BB trail out and back - .8 mi, 400' ascent/descent
WTT back - 6.5 mi 150' ascent, 2250' descent

Total distance:  ~15.8 mi
Elevation: ~3700' ascent/descent

PLEASE NOTE:
  • If rain is forecast, the event will be rescheduled for a future date. 
  • Because this a D5, if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and experience. We are going to keep a moderate pace on the way up the WTT..about 2.5mph. 

    •  


    Required Items to Bring:
  • 2 Liters of Water or sports drink
  • Trail Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Good hiking shoes/boots
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Hiking poles 
  • camera
  • Hat for a sunny day
  • Change of clothes/socks/shoes for ride home

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:Directions Young Harris College (Wagon Train Trailhead) 

    This google map actually shows you much farther down the road than you'd be able to drive (we'll be hiking on that portion of the old road) but the map should get you to the trailhead if you want to meet at event.


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    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):195Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 9:30 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $78.00 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.

    Cost Includes:Please share gas expenses with carpool drivers.

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