State High Point Series #1 - (GA) Brasstown Bald - Sat, Dec 27 2008

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State High Point Series #1 - (GA) Brasstown Bald


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Arkaquah Trailhead, Trackrock Campground Road
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Dec 27 2008  10:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Dec 14 2008 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Dec 26 2008 5:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Kevin Crowe
Tony C
Chris L
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:18
Minimum Group Size:6
Number Registered So Far: 19 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This will be #1 in a series to climb all 50 State High Points starting with GA. You'll learn how to locate the official USGS marker that pinpoints the summit and coordinates as well as will be instructed on how to document your trip. Brasstown Bald, (also known as Enotah) is the highest mountain in the state of Georgia. The Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is little more than 30 miles southwest of Brasstown Bald at Springer Mountain. For armchair hikers, the mountain is accessible via a 1/2 mile paved trail to the summit, but we'll take the longer trail Arkaquah (see below). Brasstown Bald is not far from the North Carolina border, and lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountain chain. It is about an hour and a half north of Atlanta, but on a good night, you will find some of the clearest, and greatest viewpoints of the stars in the entire country. The area is most beautiful in late fall and early winter. No matter how you hike it, this is one of the most enjoyable Eastern U.S. highpoints. A large summit tower provides 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, which are quite impressive, rising upwards of 2,500 feet from the surrounding valley and towns. Because of its proximity to the Appalachian trail, it makes an excellent side trip for a multi-day hike in the area.

ARKAQUAH TRAIL + BRASSTOWN BALD TRAIL
12.1 miles round trip
2,500' of elevation gain
3,500' of total ascent

(4000' of total ascent if you include going to the top of BB)

Click on elevation profile for larger version:

The trail starts at the Track Rock archeological area, off rt. 76 on Track Rock Gap Road. Northeast of Blairsville and 4 miles southwest of Young Harris is Track Rock Road, which you take for three miles to where the trail begins. You ascend a ridge line, descend the trail, and then ascend back to the Brasstown Bald Parking area with a 1/2 mile and 500' left to go.

Note: This is a strenuous D5 hike. If you sign up and I see that you haven't completed any other recent AOC D5 events, I will be contacting you to determine your level of experience.

Required Items to Bring:
emergency rain gear, water, boots, food, jacket, hat, backpack		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
camera, map, 1st aid kit, compass, emergency whistle, cell phone,

How to Get There:
Event Directions:From Atlanta, take rt. 19 North to GA 180 eastward, continue on rt. 19 North until you hit rt. 76, which you can take East until Track Rock Road and turn left to get to the arkaquah trail.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):156Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $62.40 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.