Anna Ruby Falls to Helen via Smith Creek Trail

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Anna Ruby Falls to Helen via Smith Creek Trail

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center

Hike: Anna Ruby Falls to Helen via Smith Creek Trail

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, May 18 2013 8:00 am >> Sat, May 18 2013 4:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:10 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Wed, May 8 2013 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, May 17 2013 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

8 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

9 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Thomas W.
Sam L

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

18 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Spectacular Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The quiet coolness of the area is broken only by the thundering rush of water flowing over the rugged cliff face. Anna Ruby Falls marks the junction of Curtis and York Creeks. Both creeks begin on Tray Mountain and are fed by underground springs, rain, and snow. Curtis Creek drops 153 feet and York Creek 50 feet to form the twin waterfalls known as Anna Ruby Falls. From the falls, Smith Creek tumbles downhill to Unicoi Lake and then to the Chattahoochee River. It's journey continues south, eventually joining the Applachicola River in Florida and ending its 550-mile journey in the Gulf of Mexico.

We will leave one or two cars in Helen (to bring the drivers back to Anna Ruby after the hike) and then drive with the other cars up to the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center, where we will start our hike. We will first walk 0.4 miles up to the falls on a paved trail, and then 4.6 miles on Smith's Creek Trail to Unicoi State Park.

This trail ascends a total of approximately 1000 ft and descends a total of approximately 1500 ft, in mountainous terrain.

We will stop for a picnic lunch in Unicoi and then continue our hike to Helen. The trail goes down for another 4 or so miles, with some moderate climbs along the hike.

Trail Maps - http://www.gastateparks.org/Unicoi-Trails

Required Items to Bring:

Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
Clothing appropriate for the weather - including rain gear
Water or Energy Drinks - at least 2 liters
Trail Snacks and Lunch

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

Camera
Hiking Poles
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

We will 1st stop at the City Park, in Helen, to stage some cars for our shuttle. This free parking area is where our hike will end and is located on White Strasse at the following GPS coordinates:

34.702896, -83.731797

We should arrive at City Park at approx 9:30am.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

144Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:10 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $57.60 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:

There is a fee of $3.00 per person for Anna Ruby Falls. We will all contribute towards the cost of parking cars in Helen.

Approximate trail

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

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