Springer Mountain Loop - Short and Sweet

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Springer Mountain Loop - Short and Sweet

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Chattahoochee National Forest

Hike: Springer Mountain Loop - Short and Sweet

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Jan 31 2015 10:00 am >> Sat, Jan 31 2015 3:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Jan 22 2015 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Jan 30 2015 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Distance:

4.75 Miles

Pace:

Leisurely

Trip Leader(s):

John L
Lauren

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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:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

16 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

** Note ** Date has been revised to Saturday January 31st **

Want to see Springer Mountain and do a nice little loop in the process? But don't feel like doing 16 miles from Amicalola? Join me on a relaxing "light recovery hike".

We will drive to the Springer Mtn Trailhead parking lot where families and loved ones typically meet or drop off anyone doing AT thru hikes. From there, we will make the gradual 0.9 miles ascension to Springer Mountain. After admiring the view, we will turn around, but head back via the Benton Mackaye Trail. A very pretty overlook awaits us for lunch about 2 miles from Springer Mountain.

After we rest and enjoy our snacks, we will continue onward via the Benton Mackaye Trail. We will cross a few pretty streams surrounded by rhododendrons. There are some rolling hills along this hike. With the amount of leaves on the ground, be sure to wear shoes with good traction.

Finally, we will intersect the Appalachian Trail and head back to the cars.

Newcomers are welcome. I intend to take this day nice and easy for a change. The rocky terrain and the rolling elevation changes (just over 1000 feet) puts this on the very low-end of a D3 hike, even though the distance is just under 5 miles. There are a total of 4 steady climbs and 3 stream crossings, which do require some mild balancing skills.

Afterwards, for those interested, we can head into downtown Dahlonega, stroll around and enjoy some food and beverages. For those who need to get back home early we can work that out in the beginning and put people in appropriate vehicles.

Required Items to Bring:

At least 1-L of water
Snacks or light lunch
Adequate clothing for the weather conditions
Good hiking shoes

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

Trekking poles
Camera selfie stick (for taking selfies with bears)

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

** THIS DRIVE INVOLVES DRIVING ON FOREST ROADS. YOUR CAR WILL GET SANDY AND DIRTY **

From the Park & Ride we will go north on Georgia 400 to GA 136.

Turn left onto GA-136 W and go 11.9 mi
Turn right onto State Rte 342 and go 3.6 mi
Turn right at Wesley Chapel Rd onto GA-52 E and go 2.9 mi
Slight left onto Nimblewill Church Rd and go 1.3 mi
Turn left onto Forest Service 28-1/Fs 28-1 Rd
Continue to follow Fs 28-1 Rd and go 2.0 mi
Turn left to stay on Fs 28-1 Rd
Fs 28-1 Rd turns right and becomes Winding Stair Gap Rd and go 4.9 mi
Sharp left and go 0.5 mi to Trailhead parking

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

122Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:30 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $48.80 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:

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

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