Sawnee Mountain Trilogy - Part I

This is part one of a three-part Sawnee mountain trilogy hiking series.  Each successive hike will have meaningful difficulty rating in terms of mileage and elevation gain.  

Part 1, In search of Wild Turkeys will focus around the newer and less-tourist side of Sawnee Mountain.  We will first hike a five-mile counter-clockwise loop hiking the Hilltop Trail, Mountainside Trail and Ridgeline Trail.  We will then take a 10-minute break that allows us to use the restrooms and get more fluids from our vehicles if we choose to.  We will then do the same trails in reverse by trekking clockwise.  The two segments give a vary different hiking experience and essence give an out and back hike.  This hike has a few challenging climbs and technical parts with plenty of rocks and roots to navigate in certain sections.  There may be some separation of hikers during the climbs, but we will always regroup at the top of each climb.

If we are lucky, we may see wild turkeys, turtles, frogs, deer, the often-seen barefoot hiker on the Ridgeline Trail or help lost people looking for the view at Indian Seats.

We will meet near the restrooms at the end of the free parking lot.  The address in the directions section will take you to the parking lot.  Please arrive 15 minutes early for introductions.

Route:

To ensure that this is a good fit for the attendee each hiker shall have:

Experience: A minimum AOC D3 hiking experience with eight miles and approximately 1000 ft elevation gain.  If the attendee’s hiking experience is outside AOC, then they shall send a message at enrollment or be moved to the waiting list until communication is received.

Flexibility: While this is on the very high end of a D3 hike, it is intentionally listed as a D3.  The hiking pace and therefore completion time subject to change.  The target hiking speed will be between 2.7 to 3.1 mph with a completion time between 3.5 to 4 hours.  This a great way for solid D3 hikers to move up to D4.

Attitude: The ability to have an enjoyable time.  Stronger hikers are encouraged to join the fun but need to be ok with the pace and not run off.  To get credit for the hike the attendee needs to finish with the group.

Enter the following address into your GPS: 

2505 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd, Cumming, GA 30040