Stanley Gap Trail and Flat Creek Loop - Mon, Jan 22 2024

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Stanley Gap Trail and Flat Creek Loop


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia   Hike: Stanley Gap Trail and Flat Creek Loop  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Jan 22 2024  8:45 am >> Mon, Jan 22 2024 3:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 15 2024 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Jan 21 2024 8:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours 45 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:16 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tim W
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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:3
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

We'll start in the Deep Gap parking lot off Aska Road and follow the Stanley Gap Trail climbing up and over Rich Mountain.  Descending down the other side we'll reach Fall Creek Falls overlooked by several glamping domes.  Then we'll double back, climbing over Rich Mountain again to find a good lunch spot on the mountain.  After a short lunch break we'll descend to intersect with the Flat Creek Loop trail following this easy and fast 5 mile loop back to the parking lot.  A total of about 16 miles with 3300 ft of climbing overall.

There should be sufficient parking at the trailhead but there are no restrooms.  This pleasant hike through the woods features 2 long climbs over Rich Mountain with a view of the modest Long Creek Falls.  For about 5 miles we'll also be following white diamond blazes of the Benton Mackaye Trail.  These trails are also open for mtn bikes but I doubt we'll see too many on a weekday morning.

This is a solid D5 hike in both distance and elevation.  Average pace should be around 2.8 mph.  Recent D5 or high end D4 experience is required.  Be sure you're comfortable with hikes lasting up to 6 hours (moving time) at a faster pace (up to 3.0+ mph).  Hikers without D5 experience may get an email to assess your compatibility.

See this link for more information about the Aska trail system near Blue Ridge,  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10532.


Required Items to Bring:

Water and/or sports drink

Lunch and snacks

Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots

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

Hiking poles

Rain gear

Rosey outlook

Towel


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Deep Gap Parking - From Blue Ridge, GA, go south on Aska Road 4.4 miles to Deep Gap parking area.  The parking area is located south of the gap and on the right side of the road.

Directions to the trailhead

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):116Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $46.40 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.