Backpacking Fort Mountain - Gahuti Trail - Sat, Jul 24 2010, Sun, Jul 25 2010

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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed by the trip leader(s) and NOT the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for payment details and instructions.

Backpacking Fort Mountain - Gahuti Trail

The Basics:

Event Type:

Backpacking

Event Location:

Fort Mountain State Park

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Jul 24 2010, Sun, Jul 25 2010 8:00 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Mon, Jul 19 2010 10:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Jul 23 2010 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

1 night

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Laura
Scott

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Member Cost:

$9.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Fort Mountain is named for a mysterious 855 foot long wall constructed along the western slope of the highest point of the mountain. The structure has been attributed to various historical figures, but today most authorities believe the wall was constructed by Woodlands-era Indians between 500 BC and 500 AD as fortification against other more hostile Indians or ancient ceremonies.

The Gahuti Trail travels around the edge of the park, passing just below the summits of Cohutta and Fort mountains. Ever changing, the trail is both beautiful and challenging in all seasons. While most of the trail is moderate, there are some short steep climbs and descents as the trail leads through the ravines and around the ridge crests.

Once we arrive at Fort Mountain State Park, we will stop in at the park office to pick up our backcountry permits. From there, we will head to the parking area and leave our packs in the cars to hike about 2 miles of the Old Fort Loop, Stone Wall Trail, and Cool Springs Overlook Trail to see the stone wall, tower, and the west overlook.

Next we will return to our cars to pick up our packs and hike the Gahuti Trail to setup camp at Site #2 (Goldmine). This site is 3.7 miles from the Gahuti trailhead and does NOT have a water source. Please be sure to bring plenty of water along with you (at least 3 L) because it will be very hot!

Depending on the time and how everyone feels after setting up camp, we have the option to explore more of the park with a few short day hikes along portions of the Gold Mine Creek Trail and/or the Lake Loop Trail where we can also rent canoes or swim. Afterwards, we will return to our campsite and relax by the campfire before heading to bed for the night.

On Sunday, we will get an early start and leave camp no later than 9am to head back on the trail. It is a 3.5 mile hike back to our cars, and from there we will head back to the carpool location. We should arrive back to the carpool around 1-2pm.

Gahuti Trail
Saturday 7/24 - Day 1
0.0 Start at the trailhead at the Cool Springs Overlook parking area
0.8 Enjoy a great view to the west
1.6 Reach Backpack Site 1
2.6 Cross roat at park entrance
3.3 The Gold Mine Creek Trail is on the right; look for yellow blazes
3.6 The Gold Mine Creek Trail is on the right; leave yellow blazes
3.7 Pass Trail to Backpack Site #2 (Goldmine)

Sunday 7/25 - Day 2
3.7 (0.0) Pass Trail to Backpack Site #2
5.0 (1.3) Reach Backpack Site #3, with a great view to the north and west
5.2 (1.5) Join the green-blazed Big Rock Nature Trail; this is another view area
5.3 (1.6) Leave green-blazed Big Rock Nature Trail, and cross over Gold Mine Branch.
6.7 (3.0) Backpack Site #4 is on the left
7.1 (3.4) Cross the paved park road
7.2 (3.5) Arrive back at the trailhead and parking area

Required Items to Bring:
Hiking Boots
Backpack
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Sleep Pad
Food (2 Lunches, 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast, and Snacks)
Cookware and Utensils
Water (3 L)
Flashlight
Extra Clothes

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking Poles
Stove
Water Filter
Matches/Lighter
Change of Clothes and Towel for Drive Home

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Fort Mountain State Park
181 Fort Mountain Park Rd
Chatsworth , GA 30705

Located 8 miles east of Chatsworth via Ga. Hwy. 52 (take I-75 exit #333 toward Ga. Hwy. 411). Directions will be provided at the carpool location.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

150Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $60.00 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:

Trail Map - http://www.gastateparks.org/content/georgia/parks/maps/FortMountain-sitemap.pdf

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:

Member Cost:

$9.00/Person

Non-Member Cost:

$9.00/Person

Cost Includes:

$9/person backcountry camping permit

There is also a $5.00 parking fee per car, if you do not already have a Georgia State Park parking pass.

Make a Payment:

Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the AOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.

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