Cooper Creek WMA and the Largest Tree in Georgia - Sat, Oct 22 2011

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.



Cooper Creek WMA and the Largest Tree in Georgia


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Near Suches, Ga   Hike: Cooper Creek WMA and the Largest Tree in Georgia  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Oct 22 2011  8:30 am >> Sat, Oct 22 2011 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Oct 14 2011 9:48 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 21 2011 11:30 am
Event Duration:9 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:11.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
Clay White
Laura V
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:
Please read this ENTIRE event description prior to signing up for this event.


Summary:

The 1,240-acre Cooper Creek Scenic Area, which ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in elevation, is surrounded by more than 34,000 acres of the Cooper Creek Water Management Area and the slightly larger, overlapping Cooper Creek Wildlife Management Area. Cooper Creek, a cold mountain trout stream, runs approximately 2 miles down the center of the scenic area. There are stands of large hemlock and white pine, reaching 3 and 4 feet in diameter, along and its tributaries. Additionally, the largest tree in Georgia, a Tulip Poplar, measuring 18' 3" in circumference (almost 5' 9" in diameter) is located in the area. The trails in this wildlife management area offer nearly 11 miles of hiking.
 

Itinerary:

We will begin our hike on the east end of the Old Growth Forest Trail. This trail will lead us through some stands of very large hemlocks, white pines, and tulip poplars. At the end of this trail, we will continue on an un-named trail the rest of the way to the Coopers Creek Campground. We will then cross the road and hike the 1.6 mile Eyes On Wildlife Trail, which is a loop trail bringing us back to the campground. We will then go to the other side of the campground and locate the Yellow Mountain Trail. We will then hike the Yellow Mountain Trail, Cooper Creek Connector Trail, Mill Shoals Trail, Shope Trail, until we connect back into the Yellow Mountain Trail. We will then continue on the Yellow Mountain Trail to its end. At this point we will hike down a forest service road for a short distance and then make our way into the woods "off-trail." We will hike approximately ¼ mile through the woods, cross Cooper Creek, and then approximately another ¼ mile until we reach the Old Growth Forest Trail, which we will take back to our autos.
 

Disclosure:

Your TLs, who enjoy exploring new places as much as you, have not hiked all of these trails. We estimate the distance of this hike to be about 11 miles and have an ascent of 1500 feet. However, the distance and ascent could turn out to be more than this. Therefore, please have a sense of adventure and be in sufficient physical condition to hike a little extra mileage if we miss a turn somewhere. It is our understanding that some of these trails are well marked, some are not marked, and there will also be some off-trail hiking where we will use our outstanding orienteering skills. We have studied the guide books, trail descriptions, and maps and will have these materials in hand along with a GPS. Nevertheless, you should have a sense of adventure and be in good enough condition to walk a little further if we miss a turn.


This hike is rated a D5. If you have not had recent D4/D5 hiking experience your Trip Leaders will be contacting you to determine if this hike is appropriate for you. 

 



Required Items to Bring:
  • Plenty of water or sports drink (2.5 liters minimum)
  • Good hiking shoes or boots
  • Lunch and snack
  • Flexibility and a wonderful attitude
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Camera
  • Change of clothes for the ride home (or towel to sit on if riding in someone else's auto)
  • Bug repellant
  • Hand towel for feet if needed after stream crossings

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Directions to be provided at carpool
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):136Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $54.40 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.