Rabun Bald via Beegum Gap to rock lookout - Mon, Jan 14 2019

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.



Rabun Bald via Beegum Gap to rock lookout


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Bartram Trail near Sky Valley, GA   Hike: Rabun Bald via Beegum Gap to rock lookout  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Jan 14 2019  11:00 am >> Mon, Jan 14 2019 4:45 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 7 2019 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Jan 13 2019 8:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours 45 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:9 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Ralph Howard
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:8
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

We will start at Beegum Gap and climb the Beegum Trail to the top of Rabun Bald, a climb of a little over 1000 ft over 1.6 miles. Rabun Bald is the second highest mountain in GA and has a former fire tower with is now a lookout platform with a great 360-degree view if the weather cooperates. After spending a few minutes enjoying the view we will hike southbound a little over 3 miles on the Bartrum Trail passing through Saltrock Gap and skirting Flat Top Mountain to two off-trail rock overlooks, one with a view to the west and the other with a view to the east. We will have lunch at one of these overlooks and then retrace our steps back to the cars. If we find a social trail to the top of Flat Top we will add this short distance to the hike. Average pace will be around 2.5 mph, with an elevation gain of approximately 2800 ft. We should be back at the cars by about 4:45 pm.

We will stop at the Clayton Ingles on the way to the trailhead for a restroom stop. We plan to have dinner in Clayton after the hike. Anyone who cannot stay for dinner should carpool with like- minded hikers or drive on their own to the Clayton Ingles, where they can join the carpool.

Due to all of the rain lately I would expect the trails to be quite muddy with possible blowdowns. I'd recommend waterproof boots or trailrunners and hiking poles for this hike.

Hey, if you've not completed a recent AOC D4 or higher, please send the trip leaders information on your recent hiking experiences (trail name, distance, date, pace), this will enable us to ensure group safety.  If I don't get an email from you, within a day of your signup, I will move you to the waitlist.


Required Items to Bring:

plenty of water

hiking boots (rocky terrain in spots)

lunch

clean shirt and shoes to wear to the restaurant and a plastic bag in which to put your dirty boots if you are riding in someone else's car.

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

hiking poles


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

From Clayton take 441 north. Turn right at lights on to 246/106 towards Highlands. Drive 2.9 miles to Old Mud Creek Rd (at the turnoff there is a scenic service station/store). Note that Old Mud Creek Rd becomes Bald Mtn Rd in Georgia. Drive 2.9 miles and turn sharp right on to Kelsey Mtn Rd, which ends shortly at Beegum Gap.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):206Mile(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 $82.40 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.

Cost Includes:

Please bring cash to share gas expenses with carpool drivers.


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