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Backpack to Stratton Bald in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness   Backpacking: Backpack to Stratton Bald in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Oct 25 2014  7:00 am >> Sun, Oct 26 2014 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Oct 8 2014 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 24 2014 3:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 11 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:13 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Michael Johnson
Kathy Malone
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

 

The United States Congress designated the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness in 1975 and it now has a total of 17,394 acres. North Carolina contains approximately 13,562 acres. Tennessee contains approximately 3,832 acres. It is managed by the Forest Service. The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is bordered by the Citico Creek Wilderness to the west.

Stratton Bald is one of the highest points in the Wilderness at 5240 ft.  Its a large bald with acres of open area, a reliable water source, and plenty of available campsites, with of course great views all around.

From Beech Gap trailhead on the Cherohala Skyway, we will hike a total of 3.5 miles, with an elevation gain of about 1000', to Bob Stratton Bald. The first couple miles follows an old road, and is fairly easy with great views here and there. The next mile gives us almost all of our elevation gain, but if you take your time it's worth the climb, because the views at the bald are beautiful.

After we eat lunch, set up camp, and collect some firewood, I will be leading whoever wants to join on a day hike to Hangover for some breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It's a 6 mile round trip walk along the ridgeline, first going down to Naked Ground, then beyond to Hangover, sometimes on a gorgeous and narrow ridgeline. I'm hoping this time of year, we'll get the added bonus of the fall turnover. The promo picture I used for this trip was one I took from the top of Hangover in mid-Oct in 2010.

Late Sunday morning, at approximately 11am, unless it's bad weather, we'll start our hike back down to Beech Gap. If the weather is bad, we can decide that morning to leave earlier. I enjoy early mornings on top of this ridge, so you're free to sleep in a little late, or just enjoy the morning to do whatever you want, as long as you're ready to start the hike down with the group at the predetermined time.

My plan is to stop in Tellico Plains to eat on the way home. It's become somewhat of a tradition to enjoy the food and drink and comaraderie after a good hike in the woods at the Crab Trap. If this is not an option for you, you can discuss this at the carpool prior to departure.

NOTE: We will allow a maximum of two well behaved dogs on this trip. See additional notes below.

 


Required Items to Bring:

Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Appropriate clothing, rain gear, headlamp, cooking utensils, food (2 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast), water

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

camera, hat, daypack/fanny pack, water filter, campfire beverages, fire starter, first aid kit


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Directions TO the event:  http://goo.gl/maps/NX3wi

 

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):320Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $128.00 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:

There is a limit of two dogs on this trip. They must be well trained and get along with both people and other dogs. Please contact Michael J. if you plan to bring a dog.


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


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