Slow and Steady - Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald - Tue, Nov 4 2014

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Slow and Steady - Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Track Rock Gap near Blairsville, GA   Hike: Slow and Steady - Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Tue, Nov 4 2014  7:00 am >> Tue, Nov 4 2014 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Oct 31 2014 8:01 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Nov 3 2014 9:00 pm
Event Duration:10 Hours (including drive time)
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Divya N
Larry Cooper
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: 7 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

At 4784', Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest mountain. The observation deck at the summit offers a breathtaking view of the mountains’ scenic vistas, which sweep a four state area. It being the season of autumn we should be rewarded with beauitful colours not only at the summit but throughout our hike. The promo picture was taken 26th Oct this year. 

We begin the hike at Track Rock Gap, an ancient archaeological site, where six smooth, soapstone boulders are etched with a variety of symbols. The petroglyphs were created by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago – one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeast US. Check out the Track Rock site on the Chattahoochee Forest Service Website. 

The first 1.5 miles of the hike is intensely difficult in its relentless climb to the top. At 5.5 miles we reach the Brasstown Bald Trail head. From there we take a 1/2 mile steep paved trail to the observation deck for a 360 degree view. During the hike there are several ups and downs which will attribute to an overall elevation gain in the proximity of 3900'. There will be ample views of the mountains that will provide photo opportunities and much needed rest breaks. We will have lunch at the summit, and after a quick tour of the visitor center we will return back to Track Rock Gap. 

This is a strenuous approximately 12 mile round trip hike, at a steady slow to moderate pace. Average hiking pace will be a little over 2 mph. If you have not completed any D4/D5 hikes recently, the trip leaders will contact you to determine your hiking experience and reserve the right to remove any registrants that they feel may not be able to complete this hike. This is not a fitness hike, so if you are a fast hiker please be okay with the fact that the hike is not at lightening speed. 

Email the trip leaders if you have any questions. 

PS - Thanks to Aaron R., Jimmy C.,  and Tom J. for parts of this write-up and event directions. 


Required Items to Bring:

2 Litres water

Trail Snacks

Lunch

Emergency Rain Gear

Cash for Carpool

Broken-in Hiking Boots

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

Camera

Hiking poles

A jacket for the summit

sunscreen/bug spray

epipen if you are allergic to bees

Change of clothes, socks, shoes for the ride back

A towel for the ride back

Plastic bag to carry shoes after the hike


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Directions to Track Rock Gap (Arkaquah Trailhead): From the Park & Ride we will go north on Georgia 400 to Dahlonega. Continue on US Hwy 19 North past Voget State Park, then take a right on State Road 180 East. Stay on 180 for 2.4 miles, turn left at Town Creek School Rd and after 2 miles turn right on Trackrock Church Rd. Take another right onto Trackrock Gap Rd. The parking lot at the trailhead is on the left.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):155Mile(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 $62.00 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:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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