Rock Gap to Albert Mountain - Sun, May 12 2013

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Rock Gap to Albert Mountain


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Standing Indian area, near Franklin, NC   Hike: Rock Gap to Albert Mountain  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, May 12 2013  8:00 am >> Sun, May 12 2013 8:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, May 9 2013 11:11 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, May 10 2013 8:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Dorothea
Chad C
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:9
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This is an in-and-out hike on the AT from Rock Gap to Albert Mountain. The hike falls between a D4 and D5 in level of difficulty: D5 for the distance, and D4 for the elevation gain; we gain 2100 ft gradually over 6 miles on largely non-rocky terrain. Hiking time is 5-6 hours, to which we add however long we spend on the tower taking in the 360-degree view and eating lunch.

I just remembered I have a new photo, this one taken from Siler Bald. Looking at the dark horizon, to the right of center you see the "V" that separates Albert Mountain from Yellow Bald. To the left of the "V" is Albert and to the right Yellow Bald. Yellow is bigger and higher than Albert. The bumpy ridge running down from Albert to the right is where the AT runs and where we will be hiking. The bottom of the "V", by the way, is the parking lot for Albert. Way in the back, in smoky blue, is Rabun Bald.

After the rain on Saturday, the air should be clear and refreshing. We will be hiking for the most part under cover of trees along a ridge, where we might catch the odd breeze. Hopefully the leaves will not yet be full out, so that we can catch the odd "winter view." On the return stretch I would like to check out the new shelter, which, according to a through-hiker I met, is unusually large--lots of snoring--and smells wonderfully of fresh wood, at least for now.

If there is interest, we will have supper in Clayton.

Since I will be meeting the carpoolers from Atlanta in Clayton, I will be asking for a volunteer to coordinate the carpooling at the Indian Trail park and ride.


Required Items to Bring:

broken-in hiking boots

2 bottles water

lunch

bag for dirty boots, if you are riding in someone else’s car

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

sunscreen

hiking poles

spare t-shirt


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

From the Indian Trail park & ride, take I-85 North. After 11 miles bear left to take I-985 North. This road will change to GA 365, US 441, and US 23. Stay on it for 75 miles, then stop at the Burger King in Clayton for a pit-stop and to meet the trip coordinator. Once back on the 441, it is 21 miles to Franklin. Make a left onto US 64 West and travel 10 miles, then turn left on to S.R. 1448 (Old US 64). Continue on S.R. 1448 to Wallace Gap and turn right, following the sign to Standing Indian Campground. After half a mile look for Parking at Rock Gap on your left. We'll be driving on paved road the entire way.

Travel time: 1.5 hours to Clayton + 45 minutes to the trailhead at Rock Gap

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):248Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $99.20 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:

If you have not recently completed comparable AOC hikes, I will be contacting you to determine whether this is the right hike for you


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


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