Fires Creek Rim Trail - Sat, Dec 4 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.



Fires Creek Rim Trail


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Hayesville, NC
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Dec 4 2021  6:00 am >> Sat, Dec 4 2021 9:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Nov 15 2021 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Dec 1 2021 5:00 pm
Event Duration:15 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D7: Extreme
Distance:25 Miles
Pace:Fast
Trip Leader(s):
Jasmine
Steve H
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:6
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Ready for some fun?  We will follow the rim around the Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area, and this time of year Lake Chatuge should be in view on different sections of the rim.

We will hike all the rim sections as follows:

7.6 mi - Huskins Branch Hunter Camp to Big Stamp

5.4 mi - Big Stamp to Weather man Bald

2.6 mi - Weatherman Bald to Tusquitee Bald

3.5 mi - Tusquitee Bald to Fires Creek Picnic Area

3.5 mi - Leatherwood Loop Trail

Total:  25 miles and 7,700 ft of assent.

We will maintain a steady pace and breaks will be kept to a minimum due to the length of this hike.  Also, we may stop for dinner on the way back, so check if your joining a carpool.

Be ready as we may encounter snow, blowdowns, and this trail has many bumps which never seem to end.

A good gauge for this hike is the Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald hike on Nov 13, 2021 with an additional 25% of energy left for additional miles and elevation.

This is a strenuous hike and only for advanced hikers with recent experience of hiking 20 or more miles in the mountains.

The trip leader(s) reserves the right to consider participant's past history and to make the final determination for participation on this hike.


Required Items to Bring:

3 liters of water 
Plenty of Snacks/lunch (it's a tough hike, so bring lots of food) 
Hiking boots/shoes
Headlamp
Emergency rain gear 

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

Trekking Poles


How to Get There:
Event Directions:


Meet at the Ingles in Hayesville (230 US-64, Hayesville, NC 28904) and follow TL to the trailhead.  There is no cell reception at the TH.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):200Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $80.00 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.