NC Mountains: Boteler Peak and Tusquitee Bald - Sat, Oct 15 2011

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NC Mountains: Boteler Peak and Tusquitee Bald


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: near Franklin and Hayesville, NC   Hike: NC Mountains: Boteler Peak and Tusquitee Bald  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Oct 15 2011  7:45 am >> Sat, Oct 15 2011 11:23 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Oct 13 2011 7:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 14 2011 7:00 pm
Event Duration:Per Itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:14.2 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Mark
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This is going to be a full day including some of the very best views within a dayhike's drive of ATL.  Hopefully the fall color will be near peak at the higher elevations as well.  The forecast for Satuday is looking near perfect too.

This is two separate hikes combined into one event:

1. Boteler Peak (5010') - We will take the Chunky Gal trail 3.2 miles up, gaining 1400' to the the summit.  There are superb 150 degree views to be enjoyed there, stretching from west through the north and to the NE.  We will be able to see the Tusquitee Mtns as well as Siler Bald, Wayah Bald and some others.   We will take our time up there at the overlook and then head down. From there it is a short drive to the next trailhead...

2. Tusquitee Bald (5420') - We will once again jump on the Chunky Gal and it is 3.5 miles and about 2300' to the summit.   This is a pretty trail too with some creek crossings, and just a very steady climb. Once we reach the summit, here is a truly breathtaking 180 degree view to the east...can see Boteler very prominently as well as Siler Bald, Standing Indian, etc.  

We will get on the Fires Creek Rim Trail and head around to the northeast to another overlook where we can see Cheoah Bald and Clingmans Dome in the Smokes.  We will turn around there and head back...if there is time and we have the energy, we may head over to Potrock Bald, but the view there is somewhat obstructed and I have a feeling we will be worn out at that point..but depends on the mood of the group and if we do add that, it would be optional for each participant.

But assuming we just head back at that point, the total distance for this hike will be 7.8 miles with about 2600' total ascent.

So the totals:

Boteler Peak - 6.4 mi 1400' ascent
Tusquitee Bald - 7.8 mi 2600' ascent

Totals - 14.2 mi, 4000' ascent

So this is a solid D5, considering the distance and elevation gain.  We aren't going to go at a fast pace although faster hikers can go ahead at a few spots.  The terrain is not especially challenging...perhaps a couple of light creek crossings on the way up Tusquitee but we will hopefully be able to rock hop...that's the way it was last time at least.

These are two challenging hikes, but the rewards when reaching the summits are more than worth the effort on these two.  There should be a lot of potential there this weekend with all the fall foliage.


Required Items to Bring:
at least 2 liters of water
clothing appropriate for weather
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
trekking poles
camera
 

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

given via email if meeting at event

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):235Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:45 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $94.00 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:
PLEASE NOTE: If you have not very recently completed some AOC D5 hikes, we will be contacting you to determine if this is the right hike for you.  

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


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