Halloween sunset hike to Blood Mountain - Sun, Oct 31 2004

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Halloween sunset hike to Blood Mountain


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Blood Mountain
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Oct 31 2004  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 1 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 29 2004 11:59 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Steven K
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:6
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
moderate to strenuous, estimated five miles hiking, 1000 elevation gain. Switchbacks on this trail make for a relatively gentle ascent and descent compared to other trails

Do something different on Halloween night The view from the summit of Blood Mountain is one of the most scenic in Georgia with 360 degree vistas. We will time the start of the hike to arrive at the top of Blood Mountain shortly before sunset. After viewing hopefully a spectacular sunset we will then hike back to the trailhead. For those of you still wondering, Yes we will be hiking down in the dark. This is very doable and I have personally done it twice on this trail. Although we can have a little fun on this festive night, when we began our descent it will be no joking matter. We will start back shortly after sunset; everyone must leave at the same time and stay with the group. Strong flashlights are required. The type that fit on a key chain or use AAA batteries will not cut it for this hike. This hike is not for beginners All participants should have mountainous trail experience. The trails we will be using are very well maintained, however due to the nature of the terrain, differ significantly from those in the metro Atlanta area. Going downhill in the dark is not the time learn these differences. Appropriate hiking shoes are required. Most of our hiking will be on the Appalachian trail. It is basically 2 1/2 miles uphill and 2 1/2 miles downhill. Part of the way back will be on a slightly shorter trail. The quality of the switchbacks makes the ascent seem easier than on other 1000 foot plus climbs on other trails. Still you will definitely know you are going up. The weather at the top of Blood Mountain at 6:00 PM will likely be significantly cooler and windier than at 1:00 to 1:30 PM when you gather your gear to drive to the Park and Ride lot. I estimate we will be at the summit from 20 to 30 minutes and if you do not have warm enough clothing you will regret it. This can be a very enjoyable hike and if we have a little luck on the weather we maybe treated to a colorful sunset. However if you are not willing to follow the leaders instructions and get serious about hiking down the summit in the dark, Please do not bother to sign-up.

Required Items to Bring:
Hiking Shoes
Appropriate jacket and clothing
Strong Flashlight - not a penlight
2 quarts water
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
snacks
Please see our list of Suggested Items for this trip.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:GA meet at park and ride only from the park and ride lot we will travel north up GA 400 to US 19. We will go through Dahlonega and continue to the trailhead just south of Vogel State Park

Notes:

Are Dogs Permitted? No.

Will this event occur rain or shine? No. The event will postponed/cancelled if their is a significant chance of rain or heavy rain beforehand.
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:shared gas expense-figure five dollars each for drivers

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