Lightweight backpacking practice/equipment shakedown hike at Stone Mountain

This event has three goals. First, we will get some practice carrying a loaded backpack. Second, we will have a break where I will unload my backpack and show what I carry, what I don't, and why. I also will discuss how to decide what to carry backpacking. Third, I hope to encourage people who haven't done backpacking to give it a try!

Ideally, you should carry your backpack loaded with the gear that you think you would take on an overnight backpacking trip. If you do not yet have backpacking gear, just load a backpack with about 20 pounds (avoid hard objects like dumbbels--milk jugs full of water work great). 

This is what I will be carrying in my backpack (about 20 pounds):

• Backpack with removable sit-pad
• Shelter: homemade tarp, ground cloth, stakes
• Sleeping gear: quilt, inflatable pad, bag liner, pillow
• Cook/eat: stove, fuel, pot, lighter, mug, spoon, meals, snacks, water
• Water filter system
• Toilet kit: trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, waste bags
• Personal higiene: soap, washcloth, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• First aid kit
• Survival kit
• Electronics: headlight, battery bank
• Rain gear: umbrella
• Clothing: clean underwear and socks, shell jacket and pants for camp, camp shoes/slippers, emergency cold weather gear (mittens, beanie, wool socks, down jacket)
• Miscellaneous bags, including bear-hang bag with cord

We will meet at the base of the walk-up trail, near the restrooms behind the Historical & Environmental Education Center (formerly called Confederate Hall). From there we will follow the mostly flat Cherokee Trail counter-clockwise around the mountain. Along the way we will find a place for our discussion and my demonstration. 

While this event itself has no cost, if you don't have a park pass you will need to pay $20 for a park pass ($40 for an annual pass) or park at the lot in Stone Mountain village and walk into the park. If you park in the village, allow about 15 minutes to walk to our meeting spot. 

Please arrive 10 minutes early for introductions so we can start on time.

To the main entrance - From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and take Exit 8, the Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance. After entering the main entrance, proceed straight ahead. The road will fork at about 1 mile – stay to the right. Continue to follow the road for another mile.the Historical & Environmental Education Center (formerly called Confederate Hall) will be on your left. The parking lot will be immediately after.

To Stone Mountain Village Free Parking Lot - From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 6.7 miles and take Exit 5 for GA 10 to Stone Mountain Village. In 1.3 miles exit to E Ponce De Leon Ave and turn left toward Stone Mountain Village. Continue straight onto Main Street. The parking area will be on your right. Park and walk back to the Main Street and E Mountain Drive and turn right down E Mountain Drive to walk 0.5 miles into the park to the base of the walk-up trail atthe Historical & Environmental Education Center (formerly called Confederate Hall).  (If you plan to park in the village, please leave yourself an additional 15 minutes walk into the park from the village.) 

Additional directions and maps can be found at: 

https://stonemountainpark.com/ maps/