Tesnatee Gap to Levelland Mountain - Sat, Jan 9 2021

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.



Tesnatee Gap to Levelland Mountain


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Raven Cliffs Wilderness, Georgia   Hike: Tesnatee Gap to Levelland Mountain  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 9 2021  10:00 am >> Sat, Jan 9 2021 4:00 pm
Registration Opens: Tue, Jan 5 2021 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jan 8 2021 9:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:9.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Allen D
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
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: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

NOTE: This is the same ridge as was originally posted but in the reverse direction from Tesnatee Gap.  Parking is closer to the trailhead there.

Please join us for an out-and-back on the AT from Tesnatee Gap to Levelland Mountain to celebrate the New Year.  This is a new route for me, and it should be straightforward with glorious views from the ridge with the leaves down.  This will be a longer D4 hike, and at a steady but not fast pace. There will be opportunites to stop, catch your breath, take pictures, so if you are ready-for-steady hiking and a steep start to the day, please sign up. Remember though, there will be substantial elevation gain (about 2,800'). I will review each hiker's experience with AOC, and if your D3 and D4 record is not regular and relatively recent, I may give you a call to discuss and perhaps consider an easier trek.

On the other hand, we will hike until it's lunchtime (12:30-1) at a steady pace and we will make it to somewhere on Levelland Mountain where we will have lunch.  We will avoid the 500' descent and return from Neels Gap. If it's about time to turn around and we are not quite there, we will stop to eat and then turn back, so if you are a stickler for reaching a pre-set destination, this may not be the event for you. We have a generous time estimate of 6 hours, yet want to be out safely before dark. 

If you need extra exercise, you are welcome to load up on boulders, which we can likely find along the trail to build up your shoulders, back and quads! I recommend it! If you seem too fresh on the way back, you may be "volunteered" to carry some of the mountain back to the lot.  :-)

Please bring a tasty and festive lunch to celebrate our health and hope for a great 2021.


Required Items to Bring:

Water (1.5-2L)

Lunch

Warm and wicking clothing

Hat & gloves

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

Hiking Poles

Blister tape


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Take 400/19 North until you cross the Chestatee River, and go straight onto Route 115 instead of going into Dahlonega.

Continue onto GA-115                           18 mi

Turn left onto US-129 N                         35 s (0.3 mi) Quick Turn!

Take GA-75Alt S to GA-348 W , Union Cty 24 min (14.4 mi)

Turn right onto Albert Reid Rd                 2.0 mi

Turn left onto John Head Rd                   0.3 mi

John Head Rd turns right and becomes GA-75Alt S   4.4 mi

Turn left onto GA-348 W                         Destination will be on the left
7.6 mi


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


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