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Vogel State Park to Blood Mountain and the Freeman Trail




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Vogel State Park
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Nov 16 2024  9:20 am >> Sat, Nov 16 2024 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Nov 7 2024 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Nov 15 2024 5:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours 40 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Greg Pharo
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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:0
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Join me as we enjoy a hike from one of Georgia's most beloved state parks to the summit of one of its most iconic mountains - with a special twist! No leaves, no bugs, and lower temperatures will make for fun times and breathtaking summit views!

We'll start our adventure at Vogel State park, gathering next to the visitors Center (be sure to bring your Georgia Park Pass or $5 cash per car parking fee). From there we'll venture up the Bear Hair Trail on our way up to a hidden overlook with great views of Lake Trahlyta. Continuing onward, we'll procced up the Bear Hair/Coosa Backcountry trails until intersecting the Duncan Ridge Trail. A left turn leads us to to the Appalachian Trail; up we continue, northbound and on to summit Blood Mountain. We'll take time to enjoy climbing the rocks, peaking at the old stone cabin, and taking in the awe-inspiring long range views while we enjoy lunch.

After a nice lunchbreak we'll continue on the Appalachian Trail northbound, down the other side of the mountain. Eventually we'll come to a four-way intersection with the AT, Byron Reece Trail, and the Freeman Trail. Now comes the special twist: we'll turn right onto the Freeman Trail and take it around the south side of Blood Mountain until we intersect with a different segment of the AT near Slaughter Creek Trail. We'll add some additional uphill as we ascend the AT to the Duncan Ridge Trail intersection, then turn onto the DRT until reaching the Bear Hair/Coosa Backcountry Trail. We'll then follow the Coosa Backcountry Trail downward and back to our cars. 

For those interested, we can consider grabbing a post-hike beverage on our way back.

The hike is approximately 11.5 miles with 3,100 feet elevation gain. It's a challenging D5 mountain trek. You'll need recent D5 or equivalent hiking experience and be comfortable moving at a moderate pace of 2.5 mph. If you don't have recent D5 or higher hiking experience with the AOC we will be in contact to determine whether this event is right for you.


Required Items to Bring:

Sturdy hiking boots/footwear

At least 1 liter of water or other beveage

Lunch/snack

Warm outerwear (morning temperature may be cool)

Raingear (just in case)

Daypack

Gas money for driver, if carpooling

$5 cash per car entrance fee 

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

Hiking poles

Hat


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Vogel State Park, located off U.S. Highway 19.

We will meet in the parking lot near the vistor center. Please bring $5.00 entrance fee or your Georgia Park Pass.

Click here for Google Maps directions to the Vogel State Park visitors center.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):125Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $50.00 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.

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