Blue Hole Falls and High Shoal Falls - Sun, Jan 27 2019

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Blue Hole Falls and High Shoal Falls


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Appalachian Trail Unicoi Gap   Hike: Blue Hole Falls and High Shoal Falls  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Jan 27 2019  9:00 am >> Sun, Jan 27 2019 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Jan 22 2019 7:37 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Jan 26 2019 7:37 pm
Event Duration:Per Itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:10 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Aaron
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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: 13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Excited about doing something different, so am I! Then join me on a cool hike from Unicoi Gap, up Rocky Mountain to the turn off for Rocky Mountain Trail, along a forest service road before descending 1.2 miles to Blue Hole Falls and High Shoal Falls.

We will start at the infamous Unicoi gap before ascending approximately half way up Rocky Mountain where we will take a left turn to follow the Rocky Mountain Trail, somewhat easier than the grind to the top.

After finishing Rocky Mountain trail, we take a left on the Forest Service Road and hike approximately 1.5 miles to the turn off for our hike down to two very different and unique waterfalls.

We descend 500 feet in 1.2 miles, we can cross the bridge using the logs provided or perform a river crossing, before we turn off to the first of our waterfalls, Blue Hole Falls, after a short stop here and a swim for the brave, we will continue on down to High Shoal Falls where we will take in the sights and stop for a snack/lunch. After we have rested, we will hike back the way we came taking our time on the long uphill.

Blue Hole falls is a single drop fall that plummets 20 feet into a turquoise blue hole, very inviting for us swimmers, more so in the slightly warmer months.  

High Shoal Falls drops in a series of cascades over fifty feet into another deep pool.

If there is time we will make a short side trip to see Rogers Branch Falls which drops over 80ft. 

This will be a moderate hike and a good step up from a D3 for those wanting to. Please note there will be 3 miles of hiking on forest service roads.

The trip leader retains the right to remove anyone not fit enough to complete this event. The event will go ahead rain or shine but not in severe weather. 

 


Required Items to Bring:
  • Cold weather hiking gear
  • 2-3 liters of water
  • food/snacks
  • headlamp (just in case)
  • hiking boots/shoes
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • camera
  • trekking poles
  • bacon
  • water shoes (if you decide to cross the river)

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

North on GA 400 from the park and ride. When GA 400 ends at Chevron station. continue on GA 115. Go 4.8 miles where GA 115 meets GA 52. Turn right. Continue on GA 115 until Cleveland GA. At traffic circle in Cleveland go north on US 129. 

Continue past GA 75 to Alt GA 75. Take a right on Alt GA 75. Continue until Alt 75 ends at GA 75. Take left away from Helen. Continue on GA 75 until signs you see signs for AT parking lot on right side of highway.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):140Mile(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 $56.00 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.