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Backpacking


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Waterfalls in the Smokies
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 14 2007  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 1 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Apr 11 2007 11:59 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Don Hayes
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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:2
Number Registered So Far: 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Moderate – Strenuous 14.0 Miles

This continues the exploration of the Great Smokies National Park and hopefully we’ll be treated to great views and abundant wild flowers. It is designed for those with some backpacking experience, want to challenge themselves a bit, and aren’t afraid of elevation changes.

This will be your opportunity to push yourself and enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the Deep Creek area. The area has a seasonal campground, but is blessed by being one of the closest access to Atlanta, waterfalls, and a well established system of trails.

We will start a leisurely walk, and go by a couple of waterfalls. Once we get the blood moving after a gradual increase, we will start our trek up to Sunkoata ridge where our elevation will change from 2000 to 3805 over 4 miles. Along the ridge, we’ll be treated to amazing views of the area, and find a nice scenic place for lunch. We’ll then head down about 1500 ft in elevation to our campsite near the water’s edge where we’ll set up camp, organize a campfire, prepare dinner, stargaze, and enjoy each other’s company.

After breakfast on Sunday morning, we will hike about 6 miles along the Deep creek loop trail and see how this area got its name. We’ll check out a third waterfall, before returning back to our cars.

Plan on a late afternoon/early dinner stop during the drive back to the carpool site.

The total distance on the first day will be about 8 miles with a minimal net altitude change, but we will go up about 1500 feet before coming back down the same to our campsite. The second day will have some small elevation changes as we go down about 300 feet back to our cars. We will go as a group and make whatever rest stops are necessary along the way.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Dress for the weather: details provided to final list in confirmation close to event date.
Trekking poles should be considered due to the distance, duration, and elevation pattern.
Water shoes should also be considered to facilitate the water crossings, but probably not necessary unless the area gets a bunch of rain prior to our visit.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Great Smoky Mountains Natl Park, Gatlinburg, TN Carpool only We will head up 400/19 towards Bryson City, drive into the Deep Creek Ranger station to get our backcountry permit, make a quick bathroom stop, and then start our hike. It is about a 3 hour drive to the park, so plan on breakfast accordingly (eat something before we meet at the carpool site, or during the drive up). We want to get on the trail as soon as possible so we will only stop for a short bathroom break about half way there. It is recommended that people bring a quick snack such as an apple, banana, or trail bar to eat once we get to the park and bring plenty of water.

Notes:

Are Dogs Permitted? No.

Will this event occur rain or shine? Yes but cancelled for extreme weather.

NOTE: Please be considerate of others. If you sign-up and cannot attend, please e-mail the trip leader, so others that may be on a waiting list may attend.

E-mail the trip leader to be put on a waiting list if the trip is at the max number of attendees.
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:Share of Gas money for the ride up ($7-8). Food at a restaurant during the drive back.

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