THE BLACK BEAR PLUNGE: A New Year Tradition

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REGISTRATION 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.

THE BLACK BEAR PLUNGE: A New Year Tradition

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Unicoi State Park

Hike: THE BLACK BEAR PLUNGE: A New Year Tradition

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Jan 3 2026 10:00 am >> Sat, Jan 3 2026 3:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:20 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Wed, Dec 17 2025 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Jan 2 2026 4:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Distance:

7 Miles

Pace:

Fast

Trip Leader(s):

Linda L
Deema

Email Trip Leader(s)
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:

Itinerary:

Join us on the first (possibly annual) AOC Plunge to kick off the New Year with a JOLT.

Ditch the resolutions and embrace the chill!

Hosted by the Friends of Unicoi State Park, The Winter Bear Plunge takes place at Unicoi Beach on Saturday, January 3, 2025 10am – 12pm. Registration starts at 10am on the beach.

- The event has no cost.

- No pre-registration is required.

- If you sign up for this event, please plan to participate in the plunge.

Safety first: Please make sure you're medically fit for a cold plunge.

After the plunge, we will warm up at the bonfire and have a lunch/snack break. Hot dogs and chili will be available. We will continue to warm up with a fast 7 miles hike on Helen Trail including Bottoms Loop and Frog Pond.

Required Items to Bring:

Swimming outfit

Water Shoes

Change of hiking clothes

Hiking shoes

Towel

Snack / Water

Splashy Attitude

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

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Address: 1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545

Trailhead location: Unicoi State Park Visitor Center

https://maps.app.goo.gl/v DjJTfWj5rYNV68K8

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

130Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:20 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $52.00 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.

Registration for this event opens at 12/17/2025 7:00:00 PM