Dayhike the GA AT - Section 4: Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap - Sat, Jan 31 2009

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Dayhike the GA AT - Section 4: Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap


The Basics:
Event Type:Explorer
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 31 2009  8:45 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Jan 25 2009 11:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Jan 29 2009 8:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Scott Looper
Jennifer Rush
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:14
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This is fourth in a series of dayhikes that cover the entire Georgia portion of the Appalachian trail...from Springer Mtn to Bly Gap, just past the NC state line.

For more details on this and the other hikes in the series, visit the AOC forums...

Dayhike the GA AT thread

...or just watch the AOC calendar.

Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap

Because this section is only 6.4 miles, we will save the inconvenience a car shuttle and also make it more challenging by doing it as an “out and back” hike. We will begin at the Byron Reece parking area and walk the .6 miles along the road to get to Neels Gap (3109') and the Walasi-Yi Center…the only building on the entire AT that the trail actually passes through.

From there, we will step back onto the AT, headed east and entering the Raven Cliffs Wilderness. We start off with the biggest climb of the day…up about 800' over 1.5 miles to Levelland Mtn (3942’). From there we descend to Swaim Gap and a number of smaller climbs and rolling terrain will eventually take us to Cowrock Mtn (3842’) at about 4.7 mi. We will take a break here to enjoy the views before decending about 700ft to Tesnatee Gap (3138’) at 5.5 mi.

Before proceeding to Hogpen Gap, we will take the Whitley Gap side trail .3 mi to Wildcat Mtn (3760') and have lunch here while enjoying the views. Then we will proceed to Hogpen Gap and turn around and retrace our steps on the AT back to Neels Gap…another .6 miles to the cars and then headed home.

Mileage breakdown:
- Parking to Neels Gap: .6 mi
- Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap: 6.4 mi
- Whitley Gap trail to Wildcat Mtn (r/t): .6 mi
- Hogpen Gap to Neels Gap: 6.4 mi
- Neels Gap to parking: .6 mi

Total distance: ~14.6 mi.
Total ascent: ~4000+ feet.

Click on elevation profile for larger version:

PLEASE NOTE:
  • If rain is forecast, the hike will be rescheduled for a future date (hopefully within two weeks)
  • Because this a strenuous D5 hike, this event is for advanced hikers only. We are going to keep a moderate pace...at least 2.5mph avg. So if you have not recently completed some AOC D5 hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of experience and if this is the right hike for you.

     


    • Required Items to Bring:
  • emergency rain gear (even if chance of rain is minimal)
  • water/food
  • hiking boots or trail shoes
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • trekking poles
  • camera

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:From Dahlonega, take Hwy 60 north. At Stonepile gap, bear right, staying on 19/129. Proceed 13.6 miles and turn left into the Byron Herbert Reese parking area.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):132Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 9:00 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:
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

    Cost Includes:NA

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