Rabun Bald and Flint Knob via Big Ridge - Sat, Apr 29 2023

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Rabun Bald and Flint Knob via Big Ridge


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Rabun County - War Woman WMA   Hike: Rabun Bald and Flint Knob via Big Ridge  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 29 2023  9:00 am >> Sat, Apr 29 2023 3:30 pm
Registration Opens: Mon, Apr 17 2023 7:02 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Apr 26 2023 7:32 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:12.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Steve H
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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: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Join me for a challenging and fun adventure as we explore an unconventional route to Rabun Bald. If you love exploring the woods, you will enjoy this hike!

We can park our cars along the road at Duck's Nest Gap, near Sarah's creek campground, and begin hiking along Big Ridge. We will be hiking along an "unmaintained" path so we may encounter fallen logs, dense rhododendron, a few creek crossings and other obstacles. Our GPS skills may be tested used to stay on track. I hiked this trail once a few years ago so I can't say what shape it is in now but it was an established path.

We will follow Big Ridge for approximatley 4 miles, making a short stop at an overlook along the way. We will eventually intersect with the Bartram Trail just a few hundred yards from Rabun Bald. We’ll enjoy some views when reach the lookout tower on top of Rabun Bald. After a short break for snack, we will hike down the Bartram Trail south toward Flint Gap and take a turn on the Alex Mountain Trail toward Flint Knob where we will enjoy our lunch at one of my favorite scenic vistas. 

After lunch, we will return on Alex Mountain Trail to Flint Gap and rejoin the Bartram Trail. Heading back toward Rabun Bald we will rejoin the Big Ridge Trail and head down the way we started to our cars at Duck's Nest Gap.

I plan to camp overnight at Sarah's Creek Campground if anyone cares to join me Friday night. Bring your own tent, food, beverages, etc. Accommodations are first come, first served but I plan to get there early Friday afternoon to grab a spot and do some exploratory hiking. Let me know if you would like to do this. 

On this hike, we will gain 3,300 feet of ascent and hike 12 - 13 miles. Be prepared for possible deadfalls, unmaintained trails, and possibly some off-trail hiking. There may be one or more creek crossings.

There's no carpool, we will probably meet up at the Ingles in Clayton to shuttle over to the trailhead for this hike.

 


Required Items to Bring:

2-3 liters of water

lunch/snacks

sturdy shoes/boots

rain gear, in case

a great attitude

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

Hiking poles


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Meet up at the Ingles in Clayton at 8:30am. We will then shuttle over to Duck's Nest Gap. 

https://goo.gl/maps/gus1QvqrAjPXpPCw7


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