Dawson Forest Exploratory Hike

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Dawson Forest Exploratory Hike

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area

Date(s) & Time:

Sun, Oct 31 2010 9:00 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Oct 17 2010 6:00 am

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Oct 30 2010 6:00 pm

Event Duration:

6-8 hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Clay White

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

I am listing this as a D4 hike because, like any exploratory hike, the participants should be in sufficient physical condition to hike several extra miles if we miss a turn or two. I do expect the total hike to exceed 10 miles.

Dawson Forest is a wildlife management area (WMA) located in Dawson County, and managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The entire WMA contains in excess of 25,000 acres and is divided into tracts, some of which contain miles of marked trails available for use by hikers, bikers and horse riders.

According to information published by Dawson County, the WMA terrain ranges from foothills and valleys to high country ridges and river gorges. Two rivers and multiple streams traverse the property.

I have not visited Dawson Forest, and would love to have some AOC members join me for this adventure. I plan to hike a combination of trails recommended to me by the park ranger. The initial hike will be about 8 miles and include reaching the Etowah River. The ranger tells me the hike up from the river includes "pretty good" elevation gains, but I have not reviewed a topo map.

After the initial 8 miles of trails, we will also be free to move our cars to various points in the forest to partially explore other portions of the WMA, if we desire to do so.

The drive to Dawson Forest is only 30-40 minutes from the carpool. Therefore, we should have plenty of time to hike and explore, and still return home at a reasonable hour.

Required Items to Bring:
Curiosity and a desire to explore
Good hiking shoes
Plenty of water, lunch, and snacks
Clothing appropriate for weather conditions

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Chocolate for your trip leader

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

From the Park & Ride we will go north on Georgia 400 to the Dawsonville Outlet Mall red light, where we will turn left onto Dawson Forest Road. Continue straight approximately 3.8 miles to a stop sign. Straight through the intersection for approximately 1 mile to the south entrance gate. Straight through the gate and parking and the trailhead will be just ahead on the right.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

60Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

9:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $24.00 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:

Will this event occur rain or shine? Yes

Dogs are welcomed on my hikes. The State requires that dogs be leashed in the WMA.

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

Cost Includes:

There is no parking fee for hikers.

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