Upper Bald Wilderness on the BMT

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Upper Bald Wilderness on the BMT

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Reliance, TN

Date(s) & Time:

Wed, Dec 6 2023 9:15 am >> Wed, Dec 6 2023 4:15 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sat, Nov 25 2023 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Dec 6 2023 6:00 am

Event Duration:

7 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D6: Advanced (Exploratory)

Distance:

16 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

RonnyJ (Call me Ron)

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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:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

2 / 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:

The Benton MacKaye Trail is a nearly 300 mile long trail starting at Springer Mountain, weaving through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina before ending in the GSMNP just past Big Creek. Often considered more difficult than the adjacent sections of the AT, this trail presents plenty of challenge and adventure. Join me as I dayhike the BMT, one section at a time.

Todays hike will have us starting at Sandy Gap. Is it Tennessee or is it North Carolina? Who knows. We start by heading north for about 1.7 miles until we reach the "Rocky Overlook". We should have some nice winter views over the valley below. After snapping a few pictures, we will retrace our steps, back past our cars and on to our biggest climb of the day, Hazelnut Knob. After Hazelnut we will have some rolling hills including Nit Top, Round Top and Rocky Top. When we reach Sled Runner Gap it is time to turn around and head for the cars. Somewhere along the way we will stop for a fun lunch over tall tales and AOC gossip.

We will be moving up to 3 mph over the course of the trek... only D6 experienced hikers should apply.

Required Items to Bring:

Water

Lunch

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

Pancakes

Syrup

Bacon

Hazelnut Candy

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

We will meet at Sandy Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina border.

Click here for Trailhead location

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

188Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $75.20 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.