AtlantaOutdoorClub
sponsor
Print-Friendly Version
Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)
Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar


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.



Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald to Unicoi Gap


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Trackrock Gap   Hike: Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald to Unicoi Gap  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 24 2012  6:00 am >> Sat, Mar 24 2012 7:00 pm
Registration Opens: Mon, Dec 5 2011 8:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Mar 17 2012 12:00 pm
Event Duration:13 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D7: Extreme
Distance:31 Miles
Pace:Fast
Trip Leader(s):
Stefan
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:6
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This is an event for advanced members that regularly participate in D5 and D6 hikes/backpacking trips. By combining the 11-mile roundtrip Arkaquah Trail with a detour to Unicoi Gap (an extra 20 miles), this event will explore the limits of dayhiking. 

There will be three prep hikes leading up to the March 24th event. If you are interested in signing up for this event, please consider attending the prep hikes as well (Dec. 24, Feb.25 and Mar. 10).

Starting at 6 AM at the Trackrock Gap (2280 ft) trailhead, we will climb 1500 ft to Roost Ridge and follow the ridge eastwards. The sun should soon greet us (sunrise is around 7 AM) as we pass Chimneytop Mtn (mile 4.4) to Brasstown Bald (mile 6.1; 4783 ft). After a short break, we will descent to Hwy180 (~2000 ft) and follow the Jacks Knob Trail up to Chattahoochee Gap (mile 11) where we join the AT southwards for about 4.5 miles to Unicoi Gap (mile 15.5). After a lunch break, we retrace our steps to Brasstown Bald for the third and final rest break, then follow the ridgeline to the west back to Trackrock Gap parking lot.

Considering the early start and long day of hiking, participants are encouraged to camp/lodge in the area the night before and after the hike (there are several campgrounds and cottage rental opportunities nearby). We can coordinate accommodation among trip participants. Carpool will be arranged individually based on participants' lodging plans.




Required Items to Bring:
  • two liters water or sports drink (resupply at Brasstown Bald, Hwy 180 and possibly Unicoi Gap)
  • hiking boots / trail shoes
  • head lamp
  • rain gear / wind breaker
  • snacks and lunch
  • change of clothes after hike
  • cash for gas (for your carpool driver)
  • cash or credit card for dinner
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • hiking poles

How to Get There:
Event Directions:From the Park & Ride we will go north on Georgia 400 to Dahlonega.  Continue on US Hwy 19 North past Voget State Park, then take a right on State Road 180 East.  Stay on 180 for 2.4 miles, turn left at Town Creek School Rd and after 2 miles turn right on Trackrock Church Rd.  Take another right onto Trackrock Gap Rd.  The parking lot at the trailhead is on the left.

Notes:
Will this event occur rain or shine? In case of declining weather, the event will be cancelled/postpones.


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


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