Chattooga River Trail: Nicholson Ford to Rock Gorge - Sat, Jun 15 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.



Chattooga River Trail: Nicholson Ford to Rock Gorge


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Chattooga River   Backpacking: Chattooga River Trail: Nicholson Ford to Rock Gorge  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jun 15 2019  8:00 am >> Sun, Jun 16 2019 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sat, Jun 8 2019 6:02 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Jun 13 2019 8:48 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 10 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:8 Miles
Pace:Leisurely
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
Aaron
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

The Chattooga River forms a natural boundary between South Carolina and Georgia. This 57 mile Wild and Scenic River flows through stunning landscapes and has some of the best whitewater in the Southeast.

Join us for a two-day (optional 2.5 day - see below) backpack on one of the most scenic parts of the Chattooga River Trail, Section 3.

We will begin at Nicholson Ford and hike north approximately 4 miles along the Chattooga River Trail. On the way we will take in Lick Log Falls and the spectacular Rock Gorge, which forces the river into sections no more than 10 feet wide. After passing Rock Gorge we will camp a short distance up-river from Rock Gorge.  Once we have set-up camp everone will be required to help collect and process firewood for the evening's campfire. After that, folks are free to do whatever they want - read, fish, swim, sunbathe, meditate, take a hike, etc.

We've got some things planned, like a short hike to Big Bend Falls for some additional exploring/swimming/sightseeing, a nice bonfire, stargazing at a huge rock outcrop near the campsite, swimming, etc. Some of us may also take a rugged expedition up through Rock Gorge. These activities are all optional... it will be a flexible weekend.

Note: Some of us are going up Friday afternoon/evening to add an extra night of fun - it's an option for anyone else who wants to join us Friday. The normal carpool will leave on Saturday at the posted time, and we'll try and coordinate another carpool(s) for those who want to go up Friday.

If you are a beginner looking to get into backpacking then this would be a great trip for you. Further suggestions on what to bring can be found on the AOC website here: http://www.atlantaoutdoorclu b.com/events/checklists/backpac king.asp

We will allow up to 2 well behaved dogs on this trip.


Required Items to Bring:
  • tent (or hammock)
  • sleeping bag
  • sleeping mat
  • 4 liters of water (less if you have a filter)
  • food/snacks for 2 days (at least 1 breakfast, 1 dinner and 2 lunches)
  • headlamp
  • sturdy hiking boots
  • cash for your carpool driver and change of clothes (which you can leave in the car) for the ride home.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • camera
  • water filter
  • swimwear or quick dry clothing
  • water shoes (closed toe required if hiking up through Rock Gorge)
  • camp saw
  • camp chair
  • a small day pack for extra hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes - preferably one you can get wet.
  • trekking poles
  • bacon and rice crispy treats for the TLs. ;-)

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Trail head parking coordinates: 34.9249, -83.1224

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):230Mile(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 $92.00 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.