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Siler Bald Backpacking with Day Hike to Wayah Bald and Possible Meteors - Advanced Backpacking




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Winding Stair Gap - 8 mi West of Franklin NC on US 64
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Aug 14 2010  10:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Jul 26 2010 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 13 2010 12:00 pm
Event Duration:2 Days
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Jon Miner
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:6
Number Registered So Far: 7 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
*** This trip is intended for those in excellent shape. Be honest with yourself whether you have the physical ability and desire to do this event. Previous experience hiking in mountain conditions is highly recommended. So you should have been able to complete a less strenuous backpacking trip fairly comfortably. We will be keeping a good moderate pace as we hike thoughout the day. ***

There are many scenic vistas on the Appalachian Trail within a couple hours driving time of Atlanta, but perhaps none more so than Siler Bald and Wayah Bald. We will be Backpacking to Siler Bald 4.2 Miles to near the summit and setup camp. From there, we will Day Hike to Wayah Bald and then back to Siler Bald which is an additional 11.8 Miles round trip with over a 2000ft elevation gain. So the total mileage for the day will be around 16 Miles with over 3000ft elevation gain. Sunday morning we will pack up camp and depart to start our hike 4.2 Miles back down to Winding Stair Gap.

Also on Saturday Night we should be able to see the Perseids which is one of the best meteor showers of the year, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at peak. Although the peak is on the night of August 12 should still see some of the remnants of the shower in the northeastern sky after midnight.

The Trip Leader(s) reserve the right to remove anyone from the list who they feel cannot handle this trip.

Reminder: This backpacking and hike is not for beginners.  Individuals for this trip should have advanced hiking or backpacking experience and be self reliant.
 
Although the total driving distance is close to 240 miles round trip, all of it is over major highways. So driving time should be no more than 2-2 ½ hours each way.

If you have any questions, please e-mail or contact the Event Coordinators before the event.

Required Items to Bring:
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Bring lunch and dinner for Saturday and breakfast for Sunday.
  • Trail snacks
  • 2+ liters of water
  • Good hiking boots
  • Day Pack
  • Rain Gear/poncho
  • First Aid Kit
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Hiking Poles
  • Warmer clothing since we'll be on a Mountain. It's going to be cooler at 5,000 feet.

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:North on I-85. Take I-985 near Mall of Georgia. Continue on I-985. After 26 miles this intersate will become US 23. Continue on US 23 through Clayton GA and into North Carolina. At Franklin NC take exit to US 64 West. Continue eight miles until Winding Stairs Gap parking lot.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):235Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $94.00 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:
    If you have any questions e-mail the Event Coordinator and save phone calls for the day of the event.
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
    *Note: Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event make it difficult for those on the wait list to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.