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Georgia Appalachian Trail Hike - The Whole Thing


The Basics:
Event Type:Party
Event Location: near Suches GA
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Apr 1 2011  8:00 pm >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Mar 25 2011 12:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 1 2011 6:00 pm
Event Duration:24 Hours Hiking time
Difficulty Rating:D1: Easy
Trip Leader(s):
Steven K
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 21 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Have you always wanted to hike the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail but did not want to take a week off to backpack it? Or deal with the hassle of doing a bunch of day hikes and car shuttles? Let's do this "day" hike as in 24 hours. 

Here is the plan. We will meet at Mansel Road Park and Ride and drive to Dick's Creek Gap near Clayton GA. There we will drop off some cars and drive the rest to the trailhead at Springer Mountain. At midnight we will begin our 24 hours of hiking. 

The total mileage for the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail is about 74 miles. However because of some backtracking necessary to get to our vehicles we will have to hike a minumum  of 83 miles. If we are ahead of schedule we can do some side trails. However if we are behind no stopping will be allowed. You should be adept at eating and drinking water while continuing hiking. If you must absouletly must go off for calls of nature you better run to catch up with the rest of the group. 

There will be many scenic overlooks including those at Blood , Cowrock and Tray Mountains. If we have time we will slow our pace to about 3.0 mph to enjoy these vistas. For those like Pam W who enjoy trying to identify, photograph and explain the genetic lineage of every tree, mammal, flower, insect, mushroom and amphibian they encounter you may want to skip this event.  

Once we reach Bly Gap at the GA/NC border we will then hike back about 8 miles to our cars at Dick's Creek Gap. We will then drive back to the rest of the cars near Springer Mountain and finally return to the Mansel Road Park and Ride. If the group has a little energy left and so desires we may stop in Dahlonega on the way back and find a honky tonk for some line dancing.  

According to the GPS readings of Tony C who lead the Georgia AT Hike series a few years ago, the total elevation change for this hike should be about 28,568 feet plus or minus 500 feet. It was also suggested that we go ahead to Winding Stairs Gap in NC which would add about another 26 miles and make the car shuttle a little easier. However I decided to make this hike a little more moderate and leave that one to Tom Jarosz(Juh'rose) and Danny L.  

Required Items to Bring:
Three meals and snacks you can eat while hiking
2 quarts of water (I will bring a water filter although we will have to do this very fast to keep up our pace)
Clothing for possible changing weather conditions
headlamp with set of spare batteries
Sense of humor		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Extra set of hiking shoes in case your soles wear out
A couple of spare shirts if you prespire greatly. Your fellow hikers will appreciate this.
Cowboy boots, plaid shirt and jean skirt(girls and or a kilt for Scott C) for optional line dancing

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Will be provided at carpool.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):340Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 pm
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $136.00 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.
*Note: Once you sign up you better be committed to finishing. No partial credit for hiking 80 miles.