Hiking - Sun, Apr 9 2006

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Hiking


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Fort Mountain State Park
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Apr 9 2006  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 1 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Apr 6 2006 11:59 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
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:6
Number Registered So Far: 21 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Easy to Moderate 4 Miles

For the third year in a row I will be leading this hike for the AOC in early April. It is ideal for those I would describe as adventuresome newcomers. The trails are rocky, some sections are muddy and there are a couple climbs of 200 to 300 feet. So you should at least be in moderate shape. However the relatively short distances we will be hiking make this event more forgiving to those new to hiking in the mountains.

We will hike two separate trails: The Fort Loop Trail and the Big Rock Nature Trail, plus a small portion of the Gahuti Trail. The total hiking distance will be approximately 4 miles, although we can vary this somewhat if we choose. We will view several scenic overlooks; a couple of streams and waterfalls: and of course the old fort, which is interesting and somewhat mysterious.

Weather conditions can vary greatly this time of year in the mountains. Two years ago it was a clear day of about 60 degrees and light winds. Last year it was about 40 degrees with 30 mph winds and a few wet snow flurries. So be prepared.

For those who have gone on my Appalachian Trial hikes, this one will be much different. We will stop every half mile or so and the pace will be much slower.

Shoes with good grips are recommended, as we will go over some rocky terrain. If you do not have hiking boots, athletic shoes you don’t mind getting muddy should be OK. The two trails are at separate ends of the park, which we will drive to and from, and are fairly short. We will find a nice spot to eat lunch between the hikes. Thus you should be OK without a pack although you should at least carry a water bottle.

Required Items to Bring:
Good shoes for rocky terrain (hiking boots or athletic shoes okay)
1-2 liters of water and bottle to carry on trail
Lunch
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:near Ellijay and Chatsworth 10:30 AM at the parking lot near the old fort at Fort Mountain State Park. Directions will be provided at the carpool location

Notes:

Are Dogs Permitted? Yes. Pets are welcome at state parks and campgrounds if leashed (no longer than six feet) and accompanied by the owner at all times; however, they are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, lodges, group camps, swimming areas, or Panola Mountain trails. Kennels are not available. Owners should clean up after pets.

Will This Event Occur Rain or Shine? We will cancel the hike if it looks like there will be medium to heavy rains. I’ll e-mail everyone the day before the hike about the current status.

NOTE: Please be considerate of others. If you sign-up and cannot attend, please e-mail the event leader, so others that may be on a waiting list may attend. E-mail the leader to be put on a waiting list if the event is at the max number of attendees.
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:$3.00 parking fee paid at the park
$5-7 recommended for carpool driver

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