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Hiking and Dog Friendly Primitive Camping




The Basics:
Event Type:Camping
Event Location: Amicalola Falls State Park
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Sep 28 2012  5:05 pm >> Sun, Sep 30 2012 10:10 am  (Carpool Departure: 5:05 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Sep 17 2012 8:08 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Sep 26 2012 8:08 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 17 Hours 5 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kiran
Chris L
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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: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

It's our favorite time of year: Camping Season! The weather is cooling off, the leaves are starting to turn, the dogs are frisky, the mountains are calling, and frankly, that tent in the attic needs airing out! If you're in the same boat, join us as at this national forest campsite just outside Amicalola Falls State Park. You know, the park where all north-bound AT through hikers start? It's also famous for the highest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. In other words, an awesomely outdoorsy weekend.


FULL DISCLOSURE TIME: 

This is a generally teetotaler, dog friendly, hiking, and primitive camping trip. This means that while we enjoy a few drinks, we DO NOT intend to "party;" we welcome four-legged friends, we plan to hike, and we plan to "rough it" for a couple of days. Seriously, if you are a Hilton and Marriott camper, this one is not for you! There are NO comfort stations, although showers and bathrooms are available in the nearby state park which is a 5-10 minute drive. Also, there is NO electricity, NO potable water, and NO shelters.

That said, the good news is that our campsite is within walking distance of our cars so feel free to pack all your favorite luxury camping gear: Tents constructed from astronaut tested nylons, double micro foam-filled air mattresses, battery operated super thermal coolers, reclining camp chairs imported from the Swiss Alps, etc. Bring it on!


The Grand PLAN:

FRIDAY:

Chris drives up in the morning to find a good camping spot. She arm-wrestles the competition, wins, does a short victory dance and then sets up camp near the stream. Later that evening, Kiran meets the rest of the group at the Marriott and we carpool to the campground. 

We set up our campsite, cook our individual dinners, and enjoy our culinary creations by the fire. Later, we sit around the campfire creating 'Smores, singing bawdy songs (whatever those are), and telling stories. Musicians are welcome and encouraged to bring their instruments.

SATURDAY:

After breakfast, our plan is to hike the 10-mile Len Foote loop trail to The Hike Inn. However, we completely understand if individuals choose to sleep in, relax in camp, read a book, play "Poke a Black Bear and live to tell about it," or just whittle a stick into an aboriginal spear. Need more? Check out the hiking trails to beautiful Amicalola Falls or to Springer Mountain. You could always drive to nearby Dahlonega or Ellijay for some knee slapping good times.

Toward nightfall, we flex our culinary skills once again and prepare a mouth-watering meal that is the envy of campers everywhere. As we enjoy our edible artwork, we continue the fun, friendship and relaxation around a toasty fire, courtesy of the resident pyromaniac.

SUNDAY:

Wake up, eat up (breakfast), pack up, clear up (the campsite), and head out.

 

DOG DETAILS:

Limit: 5 dogs + Sara (our dog!)

Dogs are welcome on this event as long as they are accompanied by the owner at all times and leashed (no longer than six feet) while in the State Park; however, dogs are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, lodges, group camps, and swimming areas. Owners are responsible for the care and feeding of their dog. Owners should always clean up after their dog. Owners are solely responsible for their dog's behavior, and dogs that cannot be controlled may be asked to leave the event.


Required Items to Bring:

Tent with rain fly
Sleeping Pad and Sleeping Bag
Camp chair
Thermals and change of clothes
Plate and/or mug
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
Camp stove or burner
Water bottle and atleast TWO gallons of water
Headlamp or Flashlight
Rain gear
Toilet paper
1-2 bags of firewood (wood is scarce in the area, so this is important)

A sense of humor!

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

Hiking gear
Snacks
Camera
Personal items


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Take 400 North

TURN LEFT onto Hwy. 136

BEAR RIGHT onto State Route 342

TURN LEFT onto Hwy. 52

TURN RIGHT into Amicalola Falls State Park Road.

The Visitor Center on the RIGHT.


Chris will meet us at the Visitor Center to lead us to the campsite.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):95Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 5:05 pm
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $38.00 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.