Gregory Bald Azalea Hike | |||||||
| The Basics: | |||||||
| Event Type: |  | Hike | | ||||
| Event Location: | |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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| Date(s) & Time: | | Sat, Jun 5 2021 9:00 am >> Sat, Jun 5 2021 5:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 6:00 am *log in for location*) | | ||||
| Registration Opens: | | Mon, May 24 2021 3:30 pm | | ||||
| Registration Cut Off: | | Wed, Jun 2 2021 3:30 pm | | ||||
| Event Duration: | | 8 Hours | | ||||
| Difficulty Rating: | | D5: Difficult | | ||||
| Distance: | | 15.7 Miles | | ||||
| Pace: | | Moderate | | ||||
| Trip Leader(s): | | Steve H 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: | | 2 | |||||
| Number Registered So Far: | | 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area) | |||||
| Are Dogs Permitted: | | No | |||||
| Itinerary: | |||||||
Azalea lovers from all over the world come to Gregory Bald to experience the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet. Gregory Bald is a 10 acre grassy meadow with azaleas in a rainbow of colors, including fire red, wine red, orange, salmon, yellow, white, pink, and even multi-colored azaleas. This will be a strenous 15.7 mile hike with over 3,600 feet of elevation gain in the first 7.5 miles. On the way down from Gregory Bald, we will descend about 2,000 feet in the first 3 miles. If you have not completed several recent D5 hikes, the TL will contact you to discuss your fitness for this hike. Our loop hike will start at the Twentymile trail head. We will begin with an easy .5 mile on the Twentymile Trail and then begin the steep ascent up the Wolf Ridge Trail. We will hike 6.3 miles on the Wolf Ridge Trail to the Gregory Bald Trail. From there, it is another 1.2 miles to the Bald. After enjoying a long break among the Azaleas on the Bald, we will continue on the Gregory Bald Trail to Long Hungry Ridge Trail. After a steep descent over 4.6 miles on the Hungry Ridge Trail, we will rejoin the Twentymile Trail. From there, it is another 2.6 miles along Twentymile Creek to the side trail for the Twentymile Cascade, where we may stop to enjoy a dip at the falls to cool off from the day. After that, it is less than a mile to the end of our hike. NOTE: Parking is very limited at the trailhead and a long drive so
carpool is required. Therefore, meet at the trailhead is highly discouraged
on this event. If you sign up you will be in a carpool. Due to COVID, carpool
drivers may be chosen based on willingness to take others and/or your
willingness to show proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID test. | |||||||
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| How to Get There: | |||||||
| Event Directions: | | The trailhead is at the Twentymile Ranger Station. | | ||||
| Carpool to Event Distance (round trip): | | 300Mile(s) | |||||
| Carpool Departure Time: | | 6:00 am | |||||
| Carpool Location: | | Log in for location | |||||
| Carpool Directions: | | Log in for directions | |||||
| Carpool Cost: | | Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $120.00 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: | |||||||
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* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events. | |||||||
| Cost Includes: | | Carpool Cost is set by the driver | |||||
Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy. *Note:
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