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Dawson Forest Exploratory Hike (Sunday)




The Basics:
Event Type:Explorer
Event Location: Dawsonville, GA   Explorer: Dawson Forest Exploratory Hike (Sunday)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Feb 19 2012  9:30 am >> Sun, Feb 19 2012 2:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Feb 5 2012 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Feb 19 2012 8:00 am
Event Duration:4 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:10 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Lauren
Joyce T.
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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: 5 / 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:
Let's explore up at Dawson Forest. We'll meet at the trailhead of the Atlanta Tract and take the blue trail towards the East for our Sunday hike. We'll decide as a group which trail or trails to take beyond that. We're hoping to hike out for about two hours and then follow the same (or similar trail) back for two hours. This will be an exploratory hike, one of your TL's has been here before and found the trails to be very well marked. We're not bushwhacking and we're staying on marked trails so we won't end up three states away. Please be prepared to hike a little extra or a little longer depending upon how adventurous we are. Also, there could be some water crossings and we'll decide as a group whether we do them or not, but please be prepared to at least do short, not too difficult water crossings. We will be safe. There are some awesome waterfalls out there too, hopefully we will run across one or two. It's a great space to hike and no huge elevation changes.

There are horses out there on the main trails and you all know what comes out of the back end of a horse. We just sometimes have to watch our step.

We'll hike at a moderate pace, but not breakneck speeds. Please be prepared to stay together as a group.

Stolen from GA Forestry Commision:
The Dawson Forest City of Atlanta Tract is a 10,130 acre forest owned by the City of Atlanta and managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The Commission plays a Stewardship role for the City by using conservation practices that minimize damage to the Forest caused by human and natural forces. The Forest produces timber, wildlife habitat, clean water into the Etowah River watershed, and many opportunities for persons to experience recreation and education.



Trail map:
http://www.gatrees.org/ForestManagement/documents/DawsonForestTrai lsMapEMBrev0110.pdf

There is a "dry toilet" at the trailhead.


Required Items to Bring:
water, gatorade or whatever you like to keep you hydrated
snacks to fuel yourself
hiking poles if you dig 'em
clothing appropriate for the weather
a sense of adventure!		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Directions from Hwy 400: Take Hwy 400 North or South depending upon starting location to the Dawsonville Outlet mall Red Light. (Turn Left (West) if traveling North or Right (West) if traveling South onto Dawson Forest Road.) Go straight through roundabout, continue straight for approximately 4 miles until the intersection/stop sign. This is Highway 9. Proceed straight through intersection for approximately 1.5 miles to South entrance gate. Proceed through gate and Parking Area/Trailhead will be just ahead on the right. There is a brown sign at the road pointing to trail parking. There are several signs along the way indicating you are in Dawson Forest.

 

This is about as close as I could figure: 34.35146, -84.14382

For best directions from your location, open www.maps.google.com and put the bold text below in the seach bar and then use your location as the starting point.

34.35146, -84.14382


Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):60Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:45 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $24.00 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.