UNICOI STATE PARK TO HELEN (and back) - Sat, Dec 31 2016

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.



UNICOI STATE PARK TO HELEN (and back)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Helen, GA   Hike: UNICOI STATE PARK TO HELEN (and back)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Dec 31 2016  10:30 am >> Sat, Dec 31 2016 2:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Dec 16 2016 5:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Dec 30 2016 11:00 pm
Event Duration:4 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate (Exploratory)
Distance:6 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Diana
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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:4
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

The hike will start promptly at 10:30 am.  We will depart at the trail head on the edge of the lodge’s level three parking lot.

We’ll begin on the winding Bottom Loop Trail.  We’ll continue on the Unicoi/Helen trail through stands of rhododendrons and mountain laurels to cross Lower Smith Creek. The trail crosses several small streams and then intersects the Unicoi Mountain Biking Trail before reaching Unicoi Hill City Park in Helen.

Here we will  turn around and retrace our steps AFTER LUNCH

After arriving in Helen we will make our way to Hofer's Bakery & Café for lunch.

To view their menu or learn more visit: http://www.hofers.com/

 

$5 per car, parking or display state park pass.  We will meet in the lodge restaurant parking lot, for which there is not a parking or park fee.  $ for carpool.


Required Items to Bring:

Water

Hiking shoes/boots

$for parking pass (if you choose not to park in the lodge restaurant parking lot, as mentioned, above)

$ for driver, if carpooling (cost to be determined by driver)

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

hiking poles

snacks


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

From Mansell Road MARTA park and ride, take GA400N ~ 40 miles to its terminus where it intersects with Hwy 60.

Go straight, on GA 115N for 4.7 miles

Turn right onto GA 115N/ GA 52E and follow for 2 miles.

Keep left to continue on GA 115N/ state route 52 and follow for 9.5 miles.

Before hitting Cleveland, proper, turn left on Testnatee Gap Valley Road.

Follow Testnatee Gap Valley Road (then, McAfee Rd.) for ~ 3 miles.

Turn left on US 129N.  Follow for .8 miles.

Turn right on GA 75-alt S.  Follow for 8.1 miles.

Turn right onto GA 17S/GA 75S.  Follow for .4 miles.

Turn left onto GA 356E.  Follow for ~ 1.8 miles.

Follow the park signs to lodge restaurant parking.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):142Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $56.80 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.