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Chattooga River Trail Backpacking Beginners Welcome




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Chattooga River Trail
Date(s) & Time:Sat, May 3 2014  8:30 am >> Sun, May 4 2014 4:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Apr 14 2014 8:30 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Apr 30 2014 1:37 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate (Exploratory)
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kristi
Michael Johnson
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Join a fun group of folks for some easy backpacking on the Chattooga River Trail. After driving to the trail head at Russell Bridge, we'll hike about 4.0 miles to the area around Lick Log Falls and set up camp. There are several large areas to set up camp but it is 'first come first serve' so we may have to hike a little extra to find unoccupied space.  

We'll have lunch and then scout the area and gather enough firewood for the evening.  With the remaining daylight, feel free to hang by camp relaxing, reading, fishing (permit required) and doing photography.  It might be warm enough for swimming and wading.  With our later spring weather, I'm hoping for those spring buds to be still popping out with their reds and various colors.   We can form small groups to hike around if you like as well.  As night falls, we'll hang around the fire, have our dinners and chat.  Maybe someone will bring a guitar, harmonica and sing a song or two.  Hint hint.  

On Sunday, we'll take our time to have breakfast and break down camp no later than 10:30am or so.  We can stop for lunch in Clayton before heading back to the city.

This is an appropriate trip for beginning backpackers.  Though the difficulty rating is only a D3, if you're new to backpacking, this may feel like a D4 or D5 since carrying 25-35lbs loaded backpack might feel really different and heavy.  If you have questions about gear, feel free to call/email to discuss; a backpacker always loves talking about gear.   

3 dog limit.  Must be friendly and behaved.  Expect to drive your own car if you bring your dog.

Thanks to Jay G for some of this original write up!


Required Items to Bring:


Hiking Boots/Hiking Shoes
Backpack for overnight trip
Tent
Sleeping Bag  
Thermarest/Sleeping Pad
Backpacking Stove
Water, either in camel back or nalgene carriers
Cold weather gear ...It may be chilly
Headlamp, spare batteries
Meals (1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast)
Snacks
Water filter or water purification tablets
Bear bag, string to hang it
Lighter or matches

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.


Trekking poles.
Camera
Rain Gear
Adult beverages
Wood saw (for dead wood only)

Dry clothes, towel, extra water, and clean shoes for car (sack for muddy boots)

I recommend that no one leaves (purse, phone) valuables in cars


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

From Carpool
Take 85 North to 985 (11.9 mi)
Stay left and follow 985/23/365 to Rickman Rd in Clayton, Ga (75.6 mi)
Turn Right on Rickman and follow to Warwoman Rd (0.5 mi)
Turn right onto Warwoman Rd which will merge on 28 (12.5 mi)
Stay on 28 to destination (3.1 mi)
Gravel parking lot will be on your left right after you cross the bridge over the Chattooga
http://bit.ly/aG9ABC (google map w/directions)

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):208Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $83.20 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:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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