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Logan Turnpike Trail to Wildcat Mountain




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cleveland, Ga
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Dec 15 2007  10:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Dec 4 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Dec 14 2007 11:59 pm
Event Duration:Meet carpool at 8:00, leave 8:15, hike at 10:00, with four hours of hiking, back in ATL by 4:00
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
John Weatherman
Gary Babiarz
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

This is a steep six-mile hike. Come take in some mountain views and get in a good workout at the same time. We will go at a steady moderate pace.

We will go up the Logan Turnpike Trail for about two miles and then less than a mile on the Appalachian Trail to the short Wildcat Mountain Trail where we will find a panoramic overlook of the mountains and the piedmont. Then we will come back down.

We will experience the full height of the Blue Ridge by starting from all the way at the base of the mountains and going to the top. We start at around 2,000 feet, arrive at Tesnatee Gap at 3,200 feet, and top out at around 3,800 feet on Wildcat Mountain. In the early going, we will be hiking along Town Creek, a proverbial bubbling brook. In difficulty this hike is similar to doing Blood Mountain from Neels Gap to the top. The view is similar as well.

This is a history hike also. The trail follows the roadbed of the old Logan Turnpike, which was the route across the mountains via Tesnatee Gap from 1840 to 1922 when what is now US 19 was opened through Neels Gap. The early settlers drove their wagons across it and their descendants crossed in stagecoaches, and later, in Model T’s. The road was so steep, that in the days before fuel pumps, they had to back their Model T’s over the mountain to keep the gas tank above the motor. I hope none of us run out of gas going over it either, because I’ve got to tell you, it is steep.

We picked the starting time so you can get back to Atlanta in time for any Christmas parties you may have that night. We picked the hike so you can get enough of a burn in that you won’t feel guilty eating too much fudge when you get to the party.

Required Items to Bring:
  • 2 liters of water
  • Trail snacks
  • Lunch
  • Good hiking boots/shoes
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Rain jacket or poncho if it might rain
  • Dress in layers, you may get warm going up, but it will be windy on the top

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:From the Mansell Park and Ride, go north on GA 400 till the end. At the end, stay straight on GA 115 for 4.7 miles. At the light turn right to stay on GA 115 for 12.7 miles. Turn left on GA 129 for 7.5 miles. Turn right on Kellum Valley Road and stay straight for as far as you can go, which will be a five or so miles. The trailhead is at the end of the road. The road will turn to gravel. The final half-mile is rough, rocky and wet. If you have an SUV you can go all the way to the trailhead. I got to the end in my Saturn sedan, but you many not want to try that. If not, look for a place to park shortly after you see a huge log mansion (I am not kidding) on the left. Walk the last half-mile to the trailhead or squeeze into someone’s SUV. We will wait for you.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):132Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 8:15 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $52.80 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:

    Are dogs allowed? Yes
    Will this event occur rain or shine? Yes
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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