Gregory Bald (Smoky Mountains) - Advanced Backpacking - Sat, Sep 29 2012

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Gregory Bald (Smoky Mountains) - Advanced Backpacking


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gregory Bald (Campsite #13)   Backpacking: Gregory Bald (Smoky Mountains) - Advanced Backpacking  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Sep 29 2012  6:45 am >> Sun, Sep 30 2012 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Sep 12 2012 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Sep 28 2012 6:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 11 Hours 15 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:16 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Bob Bunner
Michael Johnson
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Join us for a challenging backpacking trip to the summit of Gregory Bald, one of the few balds that provide a 360 degree view within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As an added bonus, a nearly full moon will illuminate the Bald at night.  This is a loop hike that begins at Twenty Mile Ranger Station and covers a total distance of approximately 15.6 miles. We'll begin by hiking counterclockwise the Twenty Mile and Long Hungry Ridge Trails to Gregory Bald. We will cover about 8.2 miles on our first day and we will ascend 3300 feet to the Bald. We will camp at campsite #13, which is a little less than half a mile below the Bald. The descent on Sunday is about 7 miles on the Wolf Ridge trail.

This trip has been rated a D5 because of the distance we'll be hiking and because of the significant elevation change we will incur as we ascend to the Bald. We intend to hike at a moderate pace. This is a strenuous and difficult backpacking trip. Be honest with yourself about whether you have the physical ability and desire to do this event. If you sign up and I do not know your hiking ability, I will contact you to find out if I believe you are a good candidate for this trip. I reserve the right to remove any member from this trip, who in my opinion, may not have the physical ability to keep up with the group.

We have a reservation for 8 people at campsite #13. This is the maximum number we can have at a National Park campsite. Please don't sign up for this event unless you are seriously committed to going on the trip.  If you do sign up, and for some reason you have to cancel, please have the courtesy to remove yourself as soon as possible so that we can give people on the waiting list sufficient notice that there is a spot for them on this event.

Please remember that we will be camping in the mountains and that it will be significantly cooler than what you've been used to. I recommend that you bring layers of clothes, jackets, etc. to keep yourself warm at night. We can build a fire (weather permitting) at the campsite. However, we'll probably take a nighttime stroll up to the Bald where it tends to be windy and there are no fires allowed on top to keep you warm. Bring a sleeping bag that is rated at 30 degrees or warmer. We'll update the weather forecast just before the trip to give you a better idea of what gear you should bring to be comfortable. There is a water source near the campsite.

Note: Bears have been known to be active in this area of the park. We had to cancel this event a couple of years ago because the campsite was closed due to bear activity.


Required Items to Bring:

* Meals needed

- 1 Lunch for Saturday
- 1 Dinner for Saturday night
- 1 Breakfast for Sunday morning
- (Optional) 1 Lunch for Sunday (we'll probably reach the trailhead around noon on Sunday and stop someplace to eat on the way home)
- Bring trail snacks

* Hiking Boots/Hiking Shoes
* Backpack for overnight trip
* Tent
* Sleeping Bag rated at 30 degrees or warmer
* Thermarest/Sleeping Pad
* Backpacking Stove
* Water, either in camel back or nalgene carriers

Please see the AOC Backpacking Checklist for other required and recommended items.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

* Water Filter (if you don't have one, you can borrow someone else's)
* Lighter or matches
* Bring layers, including a warm jacket - expect it to be windy on top of the Bald.
* bug spray


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Merge onto I-85 N/GA-403 N via the ramp on the LEFT. 11.9 mi
Take the I-985 N/LANIER PKWY exit, EXIT 113, on the LEFT toward GAINESVILLE. (0.2 mi)

Merge onto GA-365 N. (52.5 mi)

Take the US-23 N/US-441 N exit on the LEFT.  (0.1 mi)

Stay STRAIGHT to go onto US-23 N/US-441 N/GA-15 N. Continue to follow US-23 N/US-441 N (Crossing into NORTH CAROLINA). (43.4 mi)

Merge onto US-23 N/US-441 N toward CHEROKEE. (20.4 mi)
 
US-23 N/US-441 N becomes ramp. (0.3 mi)
 
Merge onto US-74 W. (22.4 mi)

 
Turn RIGHT onto NC-28. (30 mi)

end @ TwentyMile Ranger StationTwentyMile

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):362Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:45 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $144.80 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.