Lake Winfield Scott to Dockery Lake on the Appalachian Trail - Sat, Feb 1 2025

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.



Lake Winfield Scott to Dockery Lake on the Appalachian Trail


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Lake Winfield Scott
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 1 2025  9:30 am >> Sat, Feb 1 2025 4:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Jan 21 2025 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jan 31 2025 5:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:15 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Greg Pharo
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: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: No

Itinerary:

Join me as we enjoy a hike which includes two of the nicest mountain lakes in northern Georgia! We begin at Lake Winfield Scott, five miles north of Suches. Starting at the lakeside parking area, we'll begin our hike with an enjoyable trek along Slaughter Creek along the camp trail. We'll ascend Jarrard Gap Trail before turning southbound onto the Appalachian Trail. We'll enjoy some long- range ridgeline winter views along the way as we intersect the Dockery Lake Trail after 3.9 miles.

We'll then descend into one of my favorite valleys in north central Georgia. Down we hike to Pigeon Roost Creek, a gorgeous little stream shaded by hemlocks and rhododendrons. We'll rock hop across tributary creeks and the gradually ascend the Dockery Lake after 7.1 miles.

Dockery Lake is a wonderful hidden gem! It's a high elevation isolated pond. The campground area is closed for winter, but we'll enjoy lunch along the shoreline before starting back the way we came. We'll retrace our steps back to Lake Winfield Scott and our cars.

The total distance is about 14.8 miles with 3,000 feet elevation gain. We'll hike at a moderate pace with will be somewhere between 2.4 and 2.6 mph moving speed. We will hike as a group and stop at all intersections to ensure we all stay together.

Important: This is a challenging mountain trek. Participants should have recent D5 or higher hiking experience or equivalent.  Experienced newcomers who are strong hikers are welcome, but if you don't have recent AOC D5 experience the trip leader will contact you to determine your ability to participate. 


Required Items to Bring:

Sturdy hiking boots/footwear

Warm clothing for winter hiking (coat, warm hat, gloves)

At least 1 liter of water or other beveage

Lunch/snack

Raingear (just in case)

Daypack

Gas money for driver, if carpooling

$5 per car entrance fee

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

Trekking poles


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Lake Winfield Scott Rercreation Area, near Suches, Georgia.

We will meet at the small parking lot on the lake. Enter Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, proceed to the check-in area and pay fee, and then proceed down the main road to the lake. The parking area is on the left side of the road when you reach the lake. Additional parking, if needed, is available 200 yards down the road near the pavillion.

Below is a link showing where we will meet: 

Trailhead Location

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):0Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:45 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions

Notes:


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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